How Do You Make a Hole in a Well Pipe Casing?

A casing is pipe placed in a hole to keep the hole from caving in, prevent infiltration and maximize well control, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Several types of drilling require a casing. Casings are common in oil, gas and water drilling, and the pipes are usually made of steel. Making a hole in a pipe that's used in a casing defeats the purpose of the casing. And if you were to drill a hole in the pipe, the job would require special equipment and expertise, because the pipe's in the ground. It is possible, however, to drill a hole in steel pipe that's not yet in the ground and not intended for use in a casing.

Things You'll Need

• Pipe clamps
• Workbench
• Lubricating oil
• Cobalt drillbit
• Drill

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Brace the pipe. Pipe clamps on a workbench will keep it from moving.

   • 2

     Apply a dab of lubricating oil where you plan to make the hole. This keeps your drill bit from overheating and getting dull. Add more oil if the bit gets hot as you work. Cutting fluid is ideal for drilling into metal, but motor oil also works.

   • 3

     Press a cobalt drill bit into the desired location and drill slowly, holding the drill steady. Drilling into rounded pipe is difficult, so work slowly, and take a break if you need to. Continue drilling until you have made the hole.