What do you use to make the hole in clay beads?

Press the hole into the clay while the clay bead is still soft. If you wait until the clay is dry, you will have to drill the hole and risk breaking the bead. Use a metal rod to form the hole in the clay with a slight twisting motion. Clean the opening of the hole on each side of the bead. After the bead is given its final shape, clean the holes again.