20 replies to this topic

[brianhershey]

I've had mixed success drilling into thin (2mm) plastic. For small holes I simply use standard bits, start out small and use larger bits until I get the desired size. 

 

For large 1" holes I'm having a hard time. Can anyone with experience comment on this?

 

I have a couple step bits and they chew and crack the plastic at the larger sizes. I tried it unclamped, perhaps clamping is better.

 

I've read a 1" hole saw with small teeth might work, and maybe clamp thin wood on both sides and drill through.

 

Any tips would be helpful, I'm running out of containers to test!

 

Brian

[YsTheAnt]

You need to have support around the area you are drilling, I have a desk with a hole just about 2 inches wide which provides good support. Tape around the area also helps.

Also use a stepper bit with smaller increments to reduce cracking.

Edited by YsTheAnt, September 22 2018 - 12:19 PM.

[Trythis22]

Hey Brian,

 

I'm assuming you have a 1" drill bit for wood? That's designed to brute force its way through 2x4 studs and other hard woods. It will certainly drill through plastic, but as you already know it's not the most subtle way to go about doing it. Smaller sizes are okay, but 1" is a bit large, at those diameters you'd be better off with a hole saw. For plastic, it seems you'd have to buy the carbide-tipped hole saws.

 

However! You mentioned you're drilling through plastic of only 2mm thickness. That's liable to be more sensitive than thicker sheets. This brings up the question: What's the exact type of plastic you're drilling through? It seems like it's maybe a hard variety since it cracks like glass? Like YsTheAnt said, it'd help if you could provide backing - If you are cutting a flat piece of plastic, lay it against a hard surface you can damage without regret, then drill away using smaller bits first or go slowly if you have a pilot drill. I know for glass you need to lube it every now and again with water, but that's probably not the case for you. For your specific operations, you will most likely have to invest (again) in a carbide hole saw. 

[ANTdrew]

Could you melt the hole? Heat up something thick enough with a flame and poke through?

[CamponotusLover]

This is probably not the answer you are looking for as it is mainly used as a last resort, but I myself use it all the time.

Using a knife to DIG a hole into the plastic, starting from the tip of the blade, twisting the knife with force into the plastic, but not to much force to not cut yourself or break the plastic/knife. Though there is risk of cracking the plastic or making a terrible hole, I personally have never experienced this. And I have cut holes in all sorts of plastic, thin and weak, to thick and strong. No special knife required either, I just use a basic walmart pocket knife. Never leaves any space for ants to crawl out of and fits whatever in tight. Though I cannot say you will have the same luck, it's always an option.

Edited by CamponotusLover, September 22 2018 - 6:28 PM.

[YsTheAnt]

A hot 1 inch diameter drill bit will melt right through it if all else fails, but may leave burn marks across the entire container.

[nurbs]

You need a more acute and less obtuse stepbit. Use less force and gradually push in. Start with the sharper smaller bit, and gradually go larger. It's not easy, takes some practice, but it is doable.

 

[CoolColJ]

Step drill bits work well, but will still crack say a petri dish lid

 

So I hear that gaff tape on the drill area, support and reverse the drilling direction helps

[brianhershey]

A 1" hole saw with arbor and pilot bit works perfectly every time. The plastic needs to be clamped to scrap wood and a pilot hole pre-drilled into it and the wood.

 

I couldn't get the step bit to work consistently over 3/4", but maybe after more practice it would work OK.

 

Thanks for all your tips!

[dspdrew]

Some of these answers are funny. nurbs has the correct answer. Also, the key word is inertia. I drill clean holes in thin plastic larger than 1 inch all the time with stepper bits. I get the best results using a drill press while the part is held in place securely. Maybe one of these days I will make a video to show everyone how it's done.

[brianhershey]

Some of these answers are funny. nurbs has the correct answer. I drill clean holes in thin plastic larger than 1 inch all the time with stepper bits.

 

Saying your way is 'correct' directly implies my method of using a hole saw with perfect results is INCORRECT. Yah, you top the funny list.

[dspdrew]

 

Some of these answers are funny. nurbs has the correct answer. I drill clean holes in thin plastic larger than 1 inch all the time with stepper bits.

 

Saying your way is 'correct' directly implies my method of using a hole saw with perfect results is INCORRECT. Yah, you top the funny list.

 

 

If you want to see it that way, go ahead. I think most can see what I was referring to.

[nurbs]

 

 

Some of these answers are funny. nurbs has the correct answer. I drill clean holes in thin plastic larger than 1 inch all the time with stepper bits.

 

Saying your way is 'correct' directly implies my method of using a hole saw with perfect results is INCORRECT. Yah, you top the funny list.

 

 

If you want to see it that way, go ahead. I think most can see what I was referring to.

 

 

 

Think this was the funny response Drew was referring to. 

 

WTG camponotuslover. The mental visuals of the description has me 

 

This is probably not the answer you are looking for as it is mainly used as a last resort, but I myself use it all the time.

Using a knife to DIG a hole into the plastic, starting from the tip of the blade, twisting the knife with force into the plastic, but not to much force to not cut yourself or break the plastic/knife. 

[Barristan]

It all depends on the type of plastic. If you want to drill a hole in hard stiff plastic like acrylic glass stepper bits are the best option. If you have soft plastic like the ones used for storage boxes almost every drill may work and also a hole saw.

 

When using a stepper bit try low rotation speed and be patient. It might take a while but ultimately you will have a clean hole without any cracks or melting. 

 

Never try to drill a hole in stiff plastic with a wood drill at high rotation speed. I tried that with a plastic terrarium and countless splinters flew all over the room

Edited by Barristan, September 24 2018 - 12:00 PM.

[CamponotusLover]

 

"Think this was the funny response Drew was referring to. 

 

WTG camponotuslover. The mental visuals of the description has me  :lol:"

 

This is probably not the answer you are looking for as it is mainly used as a last resort, but I myself use it all the time.

Using a knife to DIG a hole into the plastic, starting from the tip of the blade, twisting the knife with force into the plastic, but not to much force to not cut yourself or break the plastic/knife. 

 

I mean hey, what I was trying to say was not cutting  a hole but digging. 
But hey, what can I say.. why u bully me

Edited by CamponotusLover, September 24 2018 - 12:22 PM.

[nurbs]

Cuz it was funny     

 

 

I mean hey, what I was trying to say was not cutting  a hole but digging. 
But hey, what can I say.. why u bully me

 

[CamponotusLover]

Hey Brian, sorry for the confusion before, that was me he was talking about I believe, I open my mouth sometimes and sound stupid.

Edited by CamponotusLover, September 24 2018 - 9:37 PM.

[brianhershey]

Hey Brian, sorry for the confusion before

 

No objection from me! I've used a knife in soft plastic before and you were only sharing your experience. Anyway I have a solution now so all is good

[SuperFrank]

You need to cut holes? You need a hole saw. https://www.amazon.c...e saw kit&psc=1

Edited by SuperFrank, October 3 2018 - 7:44 AM.

[nurbs]

You should make a video of a hole saw drilling clean, crack free holes into thin polystyrene.

 

You need to cut holes? You need a hole saw. https://www.amazon.c...e saw kit&psc=1