Easy way to make vent holes in plastic containers?

Tyrantula138

Arachnopeon
Joined
Sep 29, 2011
Messages
15
I don't have a drill, and burning holes through this container store box turned out to be messy and looks a little ugly IMO.
Are there any tips anyone can give me to make nice clean ventilation holes?

Thanks.
 

jarmst4

Arachnoknight
Old Timer
Joined
Oct 9, 2008
Messages
214
If you don't want it messy your not gonna get that without a drill.
 

catfishrod69

Arachnoemperor
Old Timer
Joined
Oct 1, 2010
Messages
4,401
Well if it was softer plastic, i use a multi-position leather punch. But since its harder plastic, yeah your best bet would be a drill. I dont care for the look of holes melted either.
 

NoSBoH

Arachnopeon
Joined
Feb 15, 2011
Messages
30
I used a solid mini screw driver with a lighter to heat it. Push through and I would keep moving it slowly until out. Most of the holes are clean. Have a paper towel to wipe the screw driver off. This is hard acrylic btw.
 

Tyrantula138

Arachnopeon
Joined
Sep 29, 2011
Messages
15
Yea. I think Im gonna give the melting another try cuz this xacto knife and mini screw driver hand drilling is taking ages, and Ill never be done
by the time my new slings come in.

Thanks a lot for all the help!
 

MarkmD

Arachnoprince
Joined
Aug 9, 2012
Messages
1,835
I also just melt the plastic with mini screw driver works well so far, but a drill will do a good job aswell.
 

cerialkiller

Arachnosquire
Joined
May 18, 2011
Messages
59
Pliers, nail, flame (lighter, torch)
Done that how I did mine

caught somewhere in time...
 

jebbewocky

Arachnoangel
Old Timer
Joined
Oct 1, 2009
Messages
909
Soldering iron+dremel tool to work down the melty bits will get you more consistent results than a heated x-acto knife, but not as good as a drill.
 

CarpeGecko

Arachnopeon
Joined
Dec 9, 2012
Messages
21
You can pick up a cheap Dremmel for about $20 and a small drill tool for it for another $5 or so. Not sure how well it will work on hard plastic and you have to have a seriously steady hand to make good looking circles but it might be worth a try! I know I'm headed to the container store while I'm visiting my parents next week and plan to pick up some of those hard acryllic containers from there and try out my dremmel on them so I'm hoping it works!
 

unicyclemike

Arachnopeon
Joined
Sep 7, 2009
Messages
10
for bigger ones that I can get to the inside of I first drill the holes, then I go back with a razer and a lighter to remove any little pieces. It takes some time but works.
 

VictorHernandez

Arachnobaron
Old Timer
Joined
Aug 30, 2012
Messages
546
I just use a drill, or sometimes I hammer a nail through softer plastic, then I pull it out.
 

shebeen

Arachnobaron
Joined
Jun 24, 2011
Messages
383
Invest in a drill; it'll make future projects easier and produce nice looking enclosures. A good cordless drill will run you about $40. If you want to make large holes, a hole saw drill set costs about $20, or $9 for a single 2.5" hole saw. If you want to make small holes, a twist drill set costs about $10, or a few dollars for individual bits.
 

The Snark

Dumpster Fire of the Gods
Old Timer
Joined
Aug 8, 2005
Messages
11,044
For ideal holes. Prep is everything. Use a needle or scribe and carefully mark where you want the holes, making a small dent. The best drill is commonly called a brad point drill bit. It has a very sharp center and cutting edges at the perimeter. Unlike regular drill bits it cuts to the edge without wedging which is what breaks plastic.
Place the piece to be drilled on a flat piece of scrap wood and hold the plastic down very firmly. This will make a very clean hole both entrance and exit. Avoid very high speed drilling as that can melt plastic and muck up the hole.
 

Jaymillion

Arachnopeon
Joined
Dec 5, 2012
Messages
6
The cheapest way ever!!! No cost involved...Straighten the hook end of a metal hanger and heat it on the stove and burn holes in the plastic. You may have to reheat hanger end a few times to fully push through the plastic depending on how thick it is, but it'll definitely do the trick and won't cost a penny out of your pocket...
 

Gnat

Arachnoknight
Old Timer
Joined
Nov 16, 2009
Messages
286
I just use a soldering iron and wiggle it around until the hole is adequate. maybe use a razor to clean around the vent or to widen it out.
 
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