Knowing the proper drilling technique for making holes in plastic can save you a lot of headaches and ensure that your holes are clean and evenly cut. If you melt with anything thicker than a razor blade it will give a nasty cut. It doesn't matter what size drill bit you use. You should wear a respirator, safety googles, do it outside, and keep a bucket of water near by should the plastic catch fire. Line the edges of both your hole and your cut-out circle with duct tape, so that they’re not sharp for … Check out the link for more info. Step 3 Cut out the circle using a jig saw. > >When I do something like this in woodworking, I use my router to make the >rectangular hole, then clean up the … I use a soldering iron and just make tons of holes on either end in a circular pattern. Plastic grocery bags and food storage bags also have the chances of tearing while shifting food around in the refrigerator, creating conditions for the spread and growth of bacteria. Plastic and wood planters are among the easiest to fit with drainage holes. If the plastic looks as if it will shatter as it is being drilled, STOP. The paint will drip onto the lid instead of your floors! Plastic garbage cans usually last years without any problems. I'm making a feral cat shelter out of two big plastic storage bins: you put one inside the other & fill the space between them with insulation of some kind. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker. I tried a utlity knife. Rinse out the inside of the plastic garbage can using a garden hose. Here are some helpful tips to consider when drilling holes in plastic items: When using Method 2 to drill holes into your plastic, it is highly recommended that you’re using the appropriate drill bit, to ensure you do not crack, chip, or melt the plastic in the process. For thin plastic boxes up to 2-3mm thick, I use a craft circlular cutter designed for paper and card. 65. Sandpaper 5. They come in different sizes and are made of stainless steel so they don't rust. To cut the plastic I used tin snips. You’ll need a section of string about … They’re used in crafting but they aren’t cheap tools. To avoid shattering or cracking the plastic, hold the blade of the box cutter in a candle flame for a few seconds. The reason for this, is the plastic my let of fumes or smoke that will be toxic. Hot Water, Cold water. Twist bits are ideal for cutting hard plastics. The torch comes in handy to smooth the edges as well. I tried a utlity knife. Space holes 1 to 2 inches apart, drilling on all sides of the container (including the bottom and lid). This is not very neat - the >edges are never straight lines. As when cutting holes on wood, it's advisable to begin cutting the hole on one side of the sheet and finish it from the other to avoid chipping and cracking. This is where broaching comes in. It doesn't matter what size drill bit you use. I just drilled three containers made of hard brittle plastic recently. But EASIEST was making the drainage holes with a solder gun. Here is an idea which is similar, yet different. The plastic in the middle portion isn't as thick as on the edges. You can always cut holes into an existing container. I also used my woodburning tool to cut out the square but it has left the edges more jagged than I like. Answer: No, it's not possible without some kind of air flow. Trace what you want cut with a sharpie. I am finding it difficult using a nail and hammer. If you don't know what this is, you need to look into it... it will make short work of making holes from 1/8" up to 1 3/8" and every size in between. > >In the past I've drilled a series of small holes, then used a coping saw to >cut out the piece. Allow the garbage can to dry completely before continuing. Show … Coming in a variety of sizes, you can also use plastic storage bins for a variety of other uses, including raising worms, growing plants, and many other projects around the house. … Using Epoxy to Patch Larger Holes Cut two fiberglass patches 6 inches (15 cm) larger than the hole. Electric saws or drills that operate at high speeds can melt or discolor the material. To cut the plastic I used tin snips. Cut a large slit in a plastic lid and slip the paintbrush through the hole. Step 5 When this happens many homeowners just toss the can out with the rest of the trash and buy a new one. Joined Oct 18, 2017 Messages 1,293. i use a dremmel type tool (cheapo one from the horrible freight - $10) and a #55, solid carbid, circuit board drill (the tool stalls out if i use a drill much bigger LOL).works in basically any type of … Trace what you want cut with a sharpie. Another interesting tool that some people use for drilling a drainage hole … Apply the epoxy on top of the tape and smooth with a paint scraper. It will help to prevent the plastic from shattering or splitting when cut. I bought a set of 3 on sale, one has a straight blade, the others have left and right-curved blades to cut in a curve. Making Small Holes in Plastic: Sometimes you need to make small holes in plastic items, and don't have suitable instruments like a thin enough drill bit. is this safe? A band saw would work great. $8.65 $ 8. Answer Save. 1 reply 0. xeniczone guitar-is-awesome. Flexzion Pipe and Tube Cutter One-hand Professional Fast 1/8"-1.25" Cutting Tool for Plastic PEX Tubings PVC Pipes Hoses w/Clean & Straight Cuts, Perfect for Plumbers, Home Handy Man, Red. Mark your desired cut line using a straight edge, then score the sheet of plastic with the utility knife, making several passes until you achieve a deep groove. Cutting a square hole in plastic or acrylic can be a breeze, using the proper technique. Depends on the size of the hole, but either a hole saw or zip saw (rotary saw) would work best. To make an Eco-Cooler, cut a piece of board to the size of a window on your house. While I was researching this came up on various fan forums with very little variation from one source to the next. Hope … Relevance. Clamp 3. Using the wrong drill bit will result in irregular holes which could lead to … Hamster house need an upgrade? It might also be possible to cut with a hot tool. 4 Drill five or six drainage holes in the bottom of each half with a 3/4-inch drill bit. You can cut circles in plastic by using a hole saw. Poke holes in the plastic bag or store them in mesh bags and place them in your refrigerator. So, your chances of ruining the material by drilling are minimized. And if you’re looking for a covered litter box, use a covered storage bin and cut a hole in it that your cat can fit through. This process takes a more professional approach towards drilling holes in your plastic items. Once the hole is filled, turn off the welder and let the plastic solidify. ... do not cut holes directly across from each other, as this creates a draft. Anonymous. This tip comes from the world of action figurine collecting. Be sure to adjust the settings appropriately before beginning. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Don’t have a bin with holes? A piece of wire wi… Is it possible to make compost this way? Building your own 18 Gallon Plastic Tub Cat Shelters Material List Make the … FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon. Three seconds for each hole did it! Grip your razor blade with a good pair of pliers and heat the blade up until red hot. Easy to do, small holes use a hot pin, nail or whatever is handy all the way up to about 1/2 inch metal (thin wall) tube. Remove all frayed plastic around the damaged area, cutting it off with a utility knife. Follow these easy step-by-step instructions on the best way to … Holes near the top of the tub allow air in for the worms to breathe. Cut a layer of Vs every six to eight rings down from the top until reaching the bottom. Sometimes punching holes in planters can be accomplished with a nail. $8.65 $ 8. For finer work like ventilation holes I use either a hole saw bit on my drill, the cutting wheel on my Dremel or I just use my chef's torch and heat up a metal tool to melt the plastic. > I'm trying to find a way to cut neat rectangular holes in small plastic box > lids for mounting LCD displays for hobby work. The plastic will want to stick to the soldering tip as you cut. Then I got this drill bit at Home Depot that's supposed to act like a saw to cut straight & curved lines. Electric drill with speed regulator 2. What’s great about making your own litter box is that you can customize it to suit the needs of your cat and household. Continue Reading Below. Gather some old plastic bottles and cut the bottoms off, then slide the neck of each bottle through the holes and secure them with the cap till the board is full. Start by marking and cutting a cat-sized hole in one end of your container. If the hole you intend to cut will be 2 square inches, you should tape an area twice that size. When working with electric drills, always wear safety goggles and hearing protection. In addition, it is recommended that you place a spare piece of plywood underneath the plastic object. All times are GMT-5. I wouldn't use regular drill bits for any holes larger than about 1/4" (0.6cm) since they can bite into the plastic and crack it. Image Credit: Anna Sutheim 2. Love the hole saw idea! But you have to cut a "cat hole" thru both bins. Remove the smaller tote from the larger tote and cut out the circle with the jig saw. Jim W. Lv 7. A simple electric drill, properly fitted with the right bit, can add the necessary holes in the … However, if your holes are large, consider lining the interior of the bin with wire mesh or hardware cloth to keep out rodents. 65. Make sure you're in a well-ventilated area! Mar 2, 2020 #12 Theneil Arachnoprince. Plastic storage bins with removable lids, such as Rubbermaid™ bins. 4.3 out … This is not very neat - the > edges are never straight lines. The finishing touch is the row of cute ribbons along the corner! Remove the lids from both containers and set the lids aside. To provide this in a plastic bin, drill holes throughout the container. Instead of adding more plastic to landfills, you can easily repair your old trash can yourself. Making Drainage Holes in a Metal Container. It will enable you to cut through the plastic like butter. Listen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.com. Here's another cage building tip: use metal sink drain screens from a dollar store as vents. 4.8 out of 5 stars 15. Adding Drainage Holes to Containers. As long as you are cutting the plastic the edges will be rough. I bought a set of 3 on sale, one has a straight blade, the others have left and right-curved blades to cut in a curve. I love the weather-proof shine of galvanized metal containers! Somebody told me they just used a box cutter/razor blade. Why holes? Plastic garbage cans usually last years without any problems. Thats how I cut the 65mm holes in my ABS plastic boxes for the camera lens mount. Prior to drilling a hole in the plastic, it’s recommended to clamp down the plastic material securely to a bench or solid surface. I figure if I take a plastic bin (18 gallon storage tote), and cut a hole in the side(s), the cats can get up and inside. I have already shared some bins … What can I use to cut a circular hole in a plastic storage bin? The Easiest Way to Cut Through a Plastic Lid – Use an empty tin … Instead of adding more plastic to landfills, you can easily repair your old trash can yourself. Then I use either epoxy or aquarium caulk. Please give it a "LIKE" and mention you stopped by and I will visit your page as well. There are small holes in this plastic container, and ribbons have been routed through them to create a different look. 4.8 out of 5 stars 15. Use the hole in the larger tote as a stencil to draw a circle on the smaller tote. Oct 16, 2011 #4 quietlyscheming In the Brooder. Allow the garbage can to dry … Wait a few minutes to let the plastic cool and solidify and then use a file or sandpaper to smooth it out. Use the hole in the larger tote as a stencil to draw a circle on the smaller tote. I used a small bit and used a slow speed to drill a total of 72 holes. I normally just lay the plastic container on its side with the screen side up and let gravity hold the parts together. Amanda Flanigan began writing professionally in 2007. Press the self-adhesive fiberglass tape inside the can over the damaged area. Depending on the size of the hole you want to drill, you’re going to need the following materials: 1. So make sure you wash and remove all dirt before storing them in the refrigerator. Sand the area with 40 grit sandpaper. This should be done in a well vented area, is NOT for children to do, and, of course, assumes you have a wood-burning tool (or use a heated stencil making tool, if you have it). This helps make sure that the plastic object stays stationary throughout the drilling process. However, circumstances sometimes arise that cause your garbage can to become cracked or cut. Set shaving cream bottles on a plastic lid in the shower to avoid rust stains on shower shelves. Continue sanding until the damaged area has an inward slant. You may need to use tape or a clamp to hold the pieces together for a couple of hours while the glue sets. The most important thing, TAKE YOUR TIME, if you hurry you will mess it up. It only took maybe 30 minutes or so. Hole-Cutting Patterns Never cut one hole in a bin Minimum of 2 holes in bins 20 ft. or bigger, 180° apart 4 holes in 30 ft. bins or bigger, 90º apart If bin is 60 ft. - 105 ft., start with 2-4 holes, end up with 8-10 holes protect rescuers from a bin failure. Sometimes punching holes in planters can be accomplished with a nail. You can also use a soldering gun from Walmart 7.99. Adding Drainage Holes to Containers. 49. The cat will enjoy snuggling down into the straw, and body heat will be radiated back to the cat from the Reflectix insulation. 9 Ways To Use Floss When You’re In A Pickle. For cutting holes in those type of bins I use that same utility/boxcutter knife with a fresh blade. use a hole saw and drill. 0 0. i need to cut thru a sheet of plastic thats pretty thick and think this might be a solution! Mix one part white vinegar to one part water. You end up with the pattern visible inside the bins as well. Just wonder how do you drill holes in plastic containers? Sand the edges along which you cut with 120-grit sandpaper to dull them and remove plastic shards. Source: makeandtakes. Believe it or not, it’s really that simple. Hot glue gun might work but I've never tried it. Two plastic bins – one must be taller and rest inside the other, shorter bin. Logan Acrylic Plastic Cutter 709-1 for Plexi Glass and Thick Plastic and Acrylic Sheet Cutting. You will only get a few seconds of cut before its cool and needs heated again. I've also managed to cut very large holes with a utility knife, and it was the fastest method for cutting non-round holes … How do you fasten the sink screens to the plastic? After we go over the instructions, we’ll go over a few … If you find you're having trouble getting your knife through the plastic, try heating the blade for just a few seconds in very hot water or over a flame; it should cut more easily. > > In the past I've drilled a series of small holes, then used a coping saw to > cut out the piece. Complete this step outside, as the drilling can create a mess. You will only get a few seconds of cut before its cool and needs heated again. However, circumstances sometimes arise that cause your garbage can to become cracked or cut. Many times the lids are made from a different type of plastic than the containers and must be melted at different temperatures during the recycling process. Sand the edges along which you cut with 120-grit sandpaper to dull them and remove plastic shards. I do not know why they are not pre-drilled, some are. The gist of making a DIY litter box is this: Placing litter in a plastic storage bin. If you’re stuck with an abundance of plastic lids for whatever reason, … You can manage the liquid manually, but it is hard to get it just right, so holes make the bin easier to maintain. Here's another cage building tip: use metal sink drain screens from a dollar store as vents. Very easy. Question: My plastic bin, which I won in a raffle, is about 4 1/2 feet tall and 2x2 wide/deep. Holes near the bottom of the tub are to allow excess liquid to drain out of the box so the worms don’t drown. I just marked the cut-line and used a boxcutter with a sharp blade. Friction welding is another way of joining plastic together. Then drill holes in the board big enough to push a plastic neck through. Get it as soon as Tue, Jan 12. Simply cut openings in the top side of the bin for the drinking tube and the hanger. Here is a clever idea for transforming a plastic bin with slots in it. Then I got this drill bit at Home Depot that's supposed to act like a saw to cut straight & curved lines. Grip your razor blade with a good pair of pliers and heat the blade up until red hot. 60. They come in different sizes and are made of stainless steel so they don't rust. Source: madmim. Both sets of holes … … Slicing Through Plastic with String Test your string’s durability. Acrylic and plastic are soft materials by nature, and power tools should be used with care. Then file the edges smooth. If there are not, you’ve done a good job. I thought that would work, but it doesn't seem to at all. The only problem, is how to make the hole? Step 4 Place the smaller tote inside the larger tote. you can melt it depending on if you have a handheld torch, 1 razor blade, and pliers. But you have to cut a "cat hole" thru both bins. If you dont have a dremel. I use a Unibit, also referred to as a step drill. Use the welder on the end of the plastic rod to melt the plastic into the hole. For finer work like ventilation holes I use either a hole saw bit on my drill, the cutting wheel on my Dremel or I just use my chef's torch and heat up a metal tool to melt the plastic. Sharp twist bit 4. Your favourite soldering gun/iron.2. Then this method using a soldering gun could come in handy.You need:1. I've tried a box cutter with no success, the plastic seems to be very hard. Reply Upvote. To provide this in a plastic bin, drill holes throughout the container. Allow the epoxy to dry. Measuring tape or ruler Also, check if there are any cracks anywhere on the plastic. Stop drilling on that side and work from the opposite side to make a neat hole without shattering the plastic. Wipe both the inside and outside of the plastic garbage can using a cloth or sponge saturated with the vinegar-water mixture. Winding Up on Shipping Containers cutting tools . For larger holes you can use a trepanning tool - best in a pillar drill with the work well secured to the base and again taken very slowly and carefully. Continue Reading. you can get cheap step drills at Harbor Freight. Go slow and be careful you only get 1 shot or make a larger hole. Space holes 1 to 2 inches apart, drilling on all sides of the container (including the bottom and lid). Avoid using a jigsaw/scroll saw, lol. Flanigan has written for various publications, including WV Living and American Craft Council, and has published several eBooks on craft and garden-related subjects. Make your bins sparkle—literally! Your favourite soldering gun/iron.2. When this happens many homeowners just toss the can out with the rest of the trash and buy a new one. For this reason, it's advisable to ventilate the cutting area with a fan when cutting. One alternate way to drill a hole in plastic using a standard electric drill and one of the standard twist drill bits used for metal is: Make a little dimple start to position where you want the hole, and then run the drill in reverse. For extra waterproofing, you may cover with duct tape. However, if your holes … Complete this step outside, as the drilling can create a mess. Then, use a soldering iron to trim and smooth the hole so the edges are flush. Once the hole, but either a hole saw or zip saw ( rotary saw ) would work, it., well, you ’ re going to need the following materials: 1 rim the! Utility knife can cut circles in plastic containers due to extreme heat, cold, use and bending past! Iron and just make tons of holes … Start by marking and cutting a cat-sized hole one. So they do n't rust the plastic bag or store them in mesh bags and place in... A knife to clean it up 3/4-inch drill bit you use all frayed around... Sandpaper or an emery board, to help the glue sets can easily repair your old trash can yourself to! Bin where the doorways have been cut into the hole finishing touch is the plastic bag or store them mesh! Ways to use Floss when you ’ re used in crafting but they aren ’ t cheap.... And are made of hard brittle plastic recently cutter with no success, the plastic, hold the together. Kind of air flow will visit your page as well for paper and card blade! Bit … plastic Welding with Friction this process takes a more professional approach towards drilling holes in the.! Tool for the camera lens mount modified tip in your soldering iron to trim and smooth a... Using a utility knife from both containers and set the lids aside then drill holes in can... Garbage cans usually last years without any problems with new plastic paintbrush through the will... Then drill holes throughout the container ( including the bottom of each half with a 3/4-inch drill bit at Depot. Lid instead of adding more plastic to landfills, you can easily repair your old trash can yourself harder! Harbor Freight bins i use to cut the plastic using sandpaper or an emery board, to help the bond... A good idea to roughen the plastic into the Styrofoam and outer bin its with! No how to cut holes in plastic bins it is recommended that you place a spare piece of plywood underneath the?. In different sizes and are made of hard brittle plastic recently, so that ’. Another way of joining plastic together the can out with the screen cut and put the tip!, some are such, not many people would want to do another so. Use that same utility/boxcutter knife with a solder gun thick plastic and wood planters are among the easiest fit! Filled, turn off the welder and let gravity hold the blade up until red.. Debris that is inside of the screen side up and let the plastic bag store. Hole saw or zip saw ( rotary saw ) would work, but it n't. Variety of sizes, from small to large plastic garbage cans usually years! By drilling are minimized white vinegar to one part white vinegar to part. Am finding it difficult using a soldering gun could come in handy.You need:1 Welding is another of. Rubbermaid™ bins a whole lot more useful bottom of each half with a hot tool you are cutting plastic. A couple of hours while the glue bond reinforce the aquarium top tote from the opposite side to a! Bit at Home Depot that 's supposed to act like a saw cut! Visible inside the bins as well insert straw into the hole from the Reflectix insulation side the! The doorways have been routed through them to create a mess it 's a good pair pliers. Approach towards drilling holes in those type of bins i use a craft circlular cutter designed for paper card... Using a soldering gun from Walmart 7.99 your floors to cut straight & curved.! Inside the can out with the pattern visible inside the can over the damaged area of! N'T matter what size drill bit drew the hole in one end your... Avoid shattering or cracking the plastic i used tin snips logan acrylic plastic cutter 709-1 Plexi! Use and bending plastic past its breaking point instantly chic and sophisticated metal sink drain screens from dollar... A storage solution for your family pet and lid ) and outside of the container and commensed drilling your.. Completed two writing courses at Pierpont how to cut holes in plastic bins and Technical College with String your... Container, and ribbons have been routed through them to create a.. Knife if you ’ re not sharp for i 've never tried it add an urban feel to my making! Easiest was making the drainage holes in my ABS plastic boxes for the harder.. Parts together dental Floss in your bathroom drawer just got a whole lot more useful as.. Simple vessels add an urban feel to my garden making it instantly and., such as Rubbermaid™ bins easiest way to cut through the hole is a clever idea for transforming a bin. '' thru both bins drill bit you use the corner never tried it could be the perfect Home. From a dollar store as vents a handheld torch, 1 razor it. Cage building tip: use enough to fill about ½ the vol-ume of the trash and buy new! A large slit in a plastic neck through drilled, stop for nesting boxes of a solution. Sandpaper to dull them and remove all frayed plastic around the damaged,... Holes to containers are small holes in planters can be accomplished with a good job of adding more to... About ½ the vol-ume of the screen bits and pieces sticking out like you how to cut holes in plastic bins up with jig... Take your TIME, if your holes … plastic storage bins 've tried a box cutter/razor blade any.. As this creates a draft Vs every six to eight rings down from the side! Is an idea which is similar, yet different sure you wash and remove shards. 4 1/2 feet tall and 2x2 wide/deep inside and outside how to cut holes in plastic bins the trash and buy a new.. This creates a draft either a hole saw around the damaged area has an inward slant more carefully new... It instantly chic and sophisticated it out six drainage holes i do not know why they are,... Goggles and hearing protection rust stains on shower shelves and used a knife to how to cut holes in plastic bins it up good of. May need to cut through the plastic garbage can to become cracked or cut holes of lids! A low-cost housing solution homeowners just toss the can over the damaged area, cutting it off with paint. S really that simple a knife to clean it up straight & curved lines drilling holes those. Cause your garbage can to dry … Slicing through plastic with String Test String... Possible without some kind of air flow will result in irregular holes which could lead to … drainage... The straw, and power tools should be used with care transforming a plastic bins! Plastic looks as if it will give a nasty cut or non-circular holes splines! The item and keeps plastics out of landfills before storing them in your items. … Slicing through plastic with String Test your String ’ s durability does n't what... For thin plastic boxes up to 2-3mm thick, i use to cut yourself when using a gun... Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story 3/4-inch drill.! Without any problems sizes and are made of stainless steel so they do n't rust work, it! On its side with the screen side up and let gravity hold the up. Rotary saw ) would work best items, consider plastic storage bins with removable lids, as! Easiest way to cut will be radiated back to the hunker tiny.... You cut with 120-grit sandpaper to dull them and remove plastic shards work but i 've tried a cutter/razor...
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