The Internet Is Buzzing Over This Bizarre Ceramic Hack, But Does It Actually Work?

If you've been meaning to splurge on some brand-new planters but have a bunch of unused ceramic pots and vases lying about gathering dust, you may want to hold off on that purchase. One popular DIY hack suggests that you can hammer a nail through your pots to create drainage holes without cracking the ceramic. This method is shown off on social media, with users first submerging the pot in water and then gently hammering the nail through the bottom to create a drainage hole, turning overlooked containers into functional, budget-friendly plant pots.

Many users claim the hack works thanks to the Rehbinder effect, a physics phenomenon that affects the fragility of surfaces when they're in contact with water, making it possible to pierce them without collateral damage. However, this effect has been studied primarily on metals, with the limited research on ceramics only conducted in response to drilling and grinding rather than hammering. 

Evidence in favor of this hammer and nail hack is anecdotal, stemming primarily from social media videos, which are often cut and edited. Some videos even suggest that you don't need water to pull off this hack, indicating that, if the hack does work, it may not be due to the Rehbinder effect at all. On the upside, if you give in to curiosity and choose to give this bizarre hack a try, it is relatively simple and safe to set up, with just a few easy steps.

If you've researched how to pop a hole in ceramic before, you've likely come across tutorials on drilling into your pots and vases. Using a hammer and nail can be a convenient alternative to the classic ceramic drilling method — and a more affordable one if you don't have a lot of tools on hand.

Before you get started, you will need some gloves and safety glasses to protect your hands and eyes should the pot shatter. Make sure to protect your fingers from hammer injuries as well. Once you're ready to go, submerge your pot in water — or cover it with a wet rag on both sides, like this YouTuber does — and carefully start hammering the nail into the material until it goes through. As the brute force of a hammer can be pretty strong, avoid hammering too hard; hit the nail with medium strength to let the nail gently find its way through the material. You can place the pot on a layer of foam, a towel, or another soft surface to further minimize impact.

For your own peace of mind, we recommend trying this hack on old jars and vases you're not too fond of rather than risking your favorite pieces. If you don't have a lot of suitable jars and vases at home, it's a great opportunity to drop by a thrift store and pick up some affordable options. Should you get this hack to work, almost any ceramic container and even common household items can be reimagined as a beautiful plant pot.

If you have a drill on hand and would rather follow the classic method of drilling a hole into your ceramic pots than risk them to the hammer and nail, this approach is not too difficult to pull off, either. It does, however, require a bit of extra prep to ensure things go smoothly.

Key to the success of this method is choosing your drill bits with care. You'll want to look for specialized diamond-tipped drill bits from a reliable shop. These are handy for drilling into ceramic and glass, but even beyond this particular project, they are a powerful addition to your toolbox. While you can use any drill, a cordless drill with adjustable speed will allow for more control and precision. Make sure to use a respirator to avoid inhaling harmful dust while drilling. It's also recommended to operate a drill in a well-ventilated space.