Holes in plastic

[Julianaaax]

How do I make holes in a plastic lid? I went to a few shops today looking for a soldering iron but couldn’t find any in store and can’t order it because I need to make the holes right away. Any ideas?

 

[Arachnoclown]

Heat a nail on the stove or open flame...use pliers to hold the nail.

 

[Phil]

a low speed drill also works with most plastic and won't leave any scorch/blackened areas to the plastic.

 

[Dave Jay]

If you're patient you can use the tiny little screwdrivers that come in a set for electronical use. It's not as much hassle as you think, the tops generally can turn/so it doesn't hurt your hand with the head against your palm while you rotate the shaft, they are almost made to be a hand drill.
Also, I found it hard to drill neatly with an electric drill because the bit skates around before it bites into the plastic. I found it neater to make pilot holes with the soldering iron before drilling.
With some plastics even on the lowest speed the bit gets coated in melted plastic, I've had to use a block of wood to clean the bit between holes.

 

[Phil]

If you're patient you can use the tiny little screwdrivers that come in a set for electronical use. It's not as much hassle as you think, the tops generally can turn/so it doesn't hurt your hand with the head against your palm while you rotate the shaft, they are almost made to be a hand drill.
Also, I found it hard to drill neatly with an electric drill because the bit skates around before it bites into the plastic. I found it neater to make pilot holes with the soldering iron before drilling.
With some plastics even on the lowest speed the bit gets coated in melted plastic, I've had to use a block of wood to clean the bit between holes.

A bradawl also does a similar job to the screwdriver you described...the advantage being it is already shaped into a spike rather than a flat head so is a bit quicker. But do not apply to much force if using a. bradawl as some plastics split/crack once pierced

 

[RonC]

If you're patient you can use the tiny little screwdrivers that come in a set for electronical use. It's not as much hassle as you think, the tops generally can turn/so it doesn't hurt your hand with the head against your palm while you rotate the shaft, they are almost made to be a hand drill.
Also, I found it hard to drill neatly with an electric drill because the bit skates around before it bites into the plastic. I found it neater to make pilot holes with the soldering iron before drilling.
With some plastics even on the lowest speed the bit gets coated in melted plastic, I've had to use a block of wood to clean the bit between holes.

Use some painter's tape. Keeps the bit from skating and leaves no residue. You can draw the pattern for the holes too. I use a 1.5mm bit for pilot holes.

 

[Whitelightning777]

I use a butane powered soldering iron. The electric ones are horrible for making holes.

 

[Mr. P]

Mossberg pump with #8 bird shot.

 

[Whitelightning777]

What do the neighbors think ???

So, that's what spooked my T stirmi that one time.....

 

[Tortoise Tom]

I've had good success using a Makita with a "step-bit" and any soldering iron with a fine tip will work.
Like this:

 

[Ratmosphere]

I just use cheap drill bits from Milwaukee.

 

[Stan Schultz]

How do I make holes in a plastic lid? I went to a few shops today looking for a soldering iron but couldn’t find any in store and can’t order it because I need to make the holes right away. Any ideas?

Go to http://people.ucalgary.ca/~schultz/roses.html. Scroll down the page till you're pretty near the bottom, looking at the photos. Note carefully the pair of pliers. You can't hold the hot nail with your bare hands!

 

[Whitelightning777]

Here you go.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000B61L0G/?tag=exoticpetnetw-20

 

[Dave Jay]

Here you go.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000B61L0G/?tag=exoticpetnetw-20

$38.72 is a bit rich for a soldering iron to make holes with imo though, my electric one was $8 aud!

 

[RonC]

I'd get the $3.99 version from Harbor Freight for melting holes. I do love my butane soldering iron for soldering though.