Watchly Safety Review

Make a Gorilla cam- HOW TO

1:27 · 483K views · February 14, 2012

Safe for Most KidsReviewed June 2026

This short DIY tutorial is clean, creative, and safe in terms of language and content, but it does demonstrate drilling through glass — a task that carries real physical risk and requires adult supervision. It's a clever maker project with a neat optical payoff, though the hands-on technique shown is not appropriate for children to attempt independently.

What Parents Need to Know

This video shows an adult creator walking through how to drill a hole in a mirror to create a 'gorilla cam' — a device that lets a phone camera film through a reflective surface. There is no inappropriate language, advertising, or harmful content of any kind. The educational value lies in its creative problem-solving and DIY ingenuity, and it briefly touches on an interesting concept about visualizing infinity. However, parents should be aware that drilling through glass requires carbide-tipped drill bits, water for lubrication, and carries a risk of glass shattering — this is strictly an adult-only activity. Older kids with an interest in photography, optics, or making things may find it genuinely inspiring, but should be reminded that the hands-on steps must only be done with a knowledgeable adult present.

Talk to Your Kids About

1Why do you think the creator needed to use water while drilling through the glass? What do you think would happen without it?
2Can you think of other ways a mirror with a hole could be used for photography or art?
3The video mentions 'visualizing infinity' — what do you think that means, and why would a mirror help with that?
4If you wanted to make something creative like this, what project would you want to build and how would you plan it safely?

Protected Viewing

What's This Video About?

A simple $8 rig that takes 10 minutes and will get you AWESOME footage at the zoo. Check out the original video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaOw8B_2kWY Check out my Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/onemeeeliondollars Follow me on twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/MarkRober Facebook me: https://www.facebook.com/MarkRoberYouTube "My Word" by Qwiet. iTunes link: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/top-of-the-world/id489568533?i=489568535 Find more at http://www.qwiet.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is this video appropriate for?

We recommend this video for ages 10 and up. The content itself is clean and age-appropriate in language and tone, but the project involves drilling through glass, which requires maturity to understand the safety risks involved.

Is there any bad language or inappropriate content in this video?

No — the video is completely free of profanity, violence, sexual content, or any other concerning material. It is a straightforward, calm DIY tutorial from start to finish.

Is this a dangerous video for kids to watch?

Watching the video is safe, but the activity shown — drilling through a mirror — is not something children should attempt on their own. Glass can shatter unexpectedly, and the process requires adult tools and supervision.

What will my child learn from watching this?

Kids will be exposed to creative problem-solving, basic DIY craftsmanship, and a fun application of optics and photography. It can spark interest in making, building, and visual arts.

Does this video contain any advertising or sponsored content?

No sponsored content or advertising is present in this video. It appears to be a purely informational creator tutorial with no commercial intent.

Can I do this project with my child?

Yes, with the right precautions this could be a rewarding parent-child project for older kids and teens. An adult should handle all drilling, eye protection should be worn, and the mirror should be secured in water as shown to reduce the risk of cracking or shattering.