Bins

[Kera]

How do you go about putting holes into plastic tubs? Just need to know for the JCP, I've been trying everything to get the heat up in the glass tank but it's not working, and I'd rather use a bin anyway. Thanks!

[Sharlynn93]

I used a drill, but I know a lot of people use a soldering iron...

[Mikoh4792]

I use a power drill. Hole size doesn't really matter but I usually go with 1/8" holes or something similar.

I've tried a soldering iron and the plastic got stuck on the iron...making it smoke and fume around the house.

[Kera]

Awesome, thanks. Easy enough How many should there be? Just experiment?

[Mikoh4792]

Originally Posted by Kera

Awesome, thanks. Easy enough How many should there be? Just experiment?

Yeah I'd just slowly work my way up on the number of holes. I've never done a stand a lone bin, just tubs in rack systems. Right now I have two holes for the winter. For the summer I put in 30.(I have two sets of tubs)

[Kera]

Originally Posted by Mikoh4792

Yeah I'd just slowly work my way up on the number of holes. I've never done a stand a lone bin, just tubs in rack systems. Right now I have two holes for the winter. For the summer I put in 30.(I have two sets of tubs)

Thanks! I'll do that tonight.

[bigsnakegirl785]

I used a soldering gun for mine. Wasn't the prettiest job, though. I tried a drill, but ended up breaking the plastic....I guess it depends on the plastic, and how hard you apply pressure.

[LadyWraith]

A drill is my preferred method. In order to keep the plastic from cracking, you start off using a small bit then step by step use larger bits until you've achieved the preferred sized holes.

[knox]

Soldering iron for me as well. If I can't do it outside, I will do it on my stove and turn the exhaust fan on. Suck the fumes right out.

[smy_749]

I love my soldering iron. The tip is the perfect size for the holes I use, and once its heated up, I just poke it in and out like butter haha, no twisty pieces of plastic to try and pry off after either, only smooth melted edges

[guyabano]

I use the soldering iron method as well. The key to penetrating the surface nice and cleanly is to make sure the tip is warmed up fully.

Don't worry about the fumes, they're GREEEAAAAT.

[formica]

burning plastic is HIGHLY toxic and carcinogenic.


To drill plastic, use medium pressure, and if possible, a slow drill speed combined with a drill bit designed for metal - slow and steady is the key

[knox]

Originally Posted by formica

burning plastic is HIGHLY toxic and carcinogenic.


To drill plastic, use medium pressure, and if possible, a slow drill speed combined with a drill bit designed for metal - slow and steady is the key

Which is why it should be done outdoors or under an exhaust fan.

[formica]

Originally Posted by knox

Which is why it should be done outdoors or under an exhaust fan.

plastic remains on the soldering iron, and continues to give off fumes every time it is subsequently used.

It is not a safe thing to be recommending to people.


some plastics also release HCL, which converts to Hydrochloric Acid on contact with water in the air, which will damage anything organic or metal that it comes into contact with

[knox]

Originally Posted by formica

plastic remains on the soldering iron, and continues to give off fumes every time it is subsequently used.

It is not a safe thing to be recommending to people.


some plastics also release HCL, which converts to Hydrochloric Acid on contact with water in the air, which will damage anything organic or metal that it comes into contact with

I respect your opinion and will not argue with anyone. But to say it's "not safe to recommend to people" is a bit of an overstretch. It's obvious that melting the holes in the plastic is the preferred method for many, many people. If you are in a well ventilated area, it's a safe practice.

You prefer drilling. We prefer melting. Neither is wrong.

I used to drill, until I cracked a tub. I have never cracked a tub with a soldering iron.