how to cut holes in plastic bins

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. $8.65 $ 8. They’re used in crafting but they aren’t cheap tools. Somebody told me they just used a box cutter/razor blade. Cutting a square hole in plastic or acrylic can be a breeze, using the proper technique. I use a Unibit, also referred to as a step drill. Image Credit: Anna Sutheim 2. I've used a Dremel tool for the harder plastic. In addition, it is recommended that you place a spare piece of plywood underneath the plastic object. 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. Cut some strips of colorful fabric, and then simply weave them around the sides of the bin through the slots so that you get the look of a basket. 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. 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. Plastic and wood planters are among the easiest to fit with drainage holes. Logan Acrylic Plastic Cutter 709-1 for Plexi Glass and Thick Plastic and Acrylic Sheet Cutting. 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. Three seconds for each hole did it! So make sure you wash and remove all dirt before storing them in the refrigerator. Plastics (particularly small or thin pieces) don’t need extreme … 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). > >In the past I've drilled a series of small holes, then used a coping saw to >cut out the piece. To cut the plastic I used tin snips. You should wear a respirator, safety googles, do it outside, and keep a bucket of water near by should the plastic catch fire. Get it as soon as Tue, Jan 12. 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. I normally just lay the plastic container on its side with the screen side up and let gravity hold the parts together. Then I use either epoxy or aquarium caulk. As such, not many people would want to use them as shipping container homes are a low-cost housing solution. $8.65 $ 8. The only problem, is how to make the hole? You can always cut holes into an existing container. Amanda Flanigan began writing professionally in 2007. For those of you that have made enclosures with plastic bins, what did you use to cut the plastic in order to put in the screen? 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. But you have to cut a "cat hole" thru both bins. 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. FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon. Allow the garbage can to dry … It might also be possible to cut with a hot tool. So, your chances of ruining the material by drilling are minimized. The holes are smooth, no little bits and pieces sticking out like you end up with drilled or cut holes. Remove the lids from both containers and set the lids aside. Place a piece of masking tape on the opposite side of the hole, where the drill point will emerge, and continue drilling at a reduced speed. When this happens many homeowners just toss the can out with the rest of the trash and buy a new one. 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. It can be used to make odd shapes such as circular or non-circular holes, splines, keys or flat surfacing. Avoid using a jigsaw/scroll saw, lol. Cut a layer of Vs every six to eight rings down from the top until reaching the bottom. Heat it up with a cigarette lighter, on top the stove (gas stove I’ve never tried it with an electric stove), propane torch. How to cut plastic storage bins for nesting boxes? I make the hole in the plastic smaller than the outside rim of the screen. A small bit … 8 Years. A piece of wire wi… Cut a large slit in a plastic lid and slip the paintbrush through the hole. This is not very neat - the > edges are never straight lines. Rinse out the inside of the plastic garbage can using a garden hose. Pencil 6. 4.8 out of 5 stars 15. I use a soldering iron and just make tons of holes on either end in a circular pattern. I also used my woodburning tool to cut out the square but it has left the edges more jagged than I like. 4.3 out … You will only get a few seconds of cut before its cool and needs heated again. However, if your holes … Then I got this drill bit at Home Depot that's supposed to act like a saw to cut straight & curved lines. 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. Building your own 18 Gallon Plastic Tub Cat Shelters Material List Make the … I just drilled three containers made of hard brittle plastic recently. Making Drainage Holes in a Metal Container. In the unfortunate event that there are cracks, well, you can carry it out more carefully with new plastic. Question: My plastic bin, which I won in a raffle, is about 4 1/2 feet tall and 2x2 wide/deep. Why holes? 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. Once the hole is cut put the tube through (without the ring) and then place the ring on the part of the tube that's inside the bin. 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. > > In the past I've drilled a series of small holes, then used a coping saw to > cut out the piece. I have also found that these containers work perfectly for planting delicate edibles like Mint and Arugula. Use the welder on the end of the plastic rod to melt the plastic into the hole. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker. It will enable you to cut through the plastic like butter. Remove the smaller tote from the larger tote and cut out the circle with the jig saw. 4 Drill five or six drainage holes in the bottom of each half with a 3/4-inch drill bit. Visit My FB page - Candy Box Geckos. The next time you find yourself in need of a storage solution for your items, consider plastic storage bins. So before you resign yourself to tossing a broken bit of plastic into your recycling bin, here are a few techniques you can use to repair plastic. Use an electric hot knife if you already have one. I would trace the size of hole desired onto the plastic lid, and then use a wood-burning tool to carefully follow the tracing. http://www.reptiledge.com/2-round-al...-vents-2-pack/, If this is your first visit, be sure to Make sure you're in a well-ventilated area! Sand the edges along which you cut with 120-grit sandpaper to dull them and remove plastic shards. Use a Zip tie through each set of holes to fasten the lid to the bin. Line the edges of both your hole and your cut-out circle with duct tape, so that they’re not sharp for … Please give it a "LIKE" and mention you stopped by and I will visit your page as well. Sometimes punching holes in planters can be accomplished with a nail. 4 Drill five or six drainage holes in the bottom of each half with a 3/4-inch drill bit. A piece of wire wi… 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. Then file the edges smooth. A simple electric drill, properly fitted with the right bit, can add the necessary holes in the … 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. Then this method using a soldering gun could come in handy.You need:1. It doesn't matter what size drill bit you use. Reply Upvote. Then this method using a soldering gun could come in handy.You need:1. As long as you are cutting the plastic the edges will be rough. How do you fasten the sink screens to the plastic? Jim W. Lv 7. You can cut circles in plastic by using a hole saw. All content Copyright Pangea Reptile LLC 2007. Poke holes in the plastic bag or store them in mesh bags and place them in your refrigerator. … Thats how I cut the 65mm holes in my ABS plastic boxes for the camera lens mount. Sand the edges along which you cut with 120-grit sandpaper to dull them and remove plastic shards. Using Epoxy to Patch Larger Holes Cut two fiberglass patches 6 inches (15 cm) larger than the hole. Another interesting tool that some people use for drilling a drainage hole is a rotary tool often referred to as a Dremel. However, if your holes are large, consider lining the interior of the bin with wire mesh or hardware cloth to keep out rodents. Check out the link for more info. The cat will enjoy snuggling down into the straw, and body heat will be radiated back to the cat from the Reflectix insulation. Be sure to adjust the settings appropriately before beginning. Watch the video at the end of the post to see how to attach a water bottle to a bin cage. Stop drilling on that side and work from the opposite side to make a neat hole without shattering the plastic. Another interesting tool that some people use for drilling a drainage hole … 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. Plastic garbage cans usually last years without any problems. Adding Drainage Holes to Containers. For this reason, it's advisable to ventilate the cutting area with a fan when cutting. When this happens many homeowners just toss the can out with the rest of the trash and buy a new one. Mar 2, 2020 #12 Theneil Arachnoprince. I drew the hole pattern on paper, taped it to the container and commensed drilling. If you melt with anything thicker than a razor blade it will give a nasty cut. I love the weather-proof shine of galvanized metal containers! Sort by reaction score Thread starter mommy3; ... We used bins in our coop, i used a razor blade knife to cut out the door hole. 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 … Favorite Answer. Than used a knife to clean it up after. Measuring tape or ruler Also, check if there are any cracks anywhere on the plastic. Electric drill with speed regulator 2. You will only get a few seconds of cut before its cool and needs heated again. I do not know why they are not pre-drilled, some are. Once the hole is filled, turn off the welder and let the plastic solidify. Set shaving cream bottles on a plastic lid in the shower to avoid rust stains on shower shelves. Continue Reading Below. Two plastic bins – one must be taller and rest inside the other, shorter bin. Slicing Through Plastic with String Test your string’s durability. Answer Save. Using the wrong drill bit will result in irregular holes which could lead to … However, circumstances sometimes arise that cause your garbage can to become cracked or cut. Cracks occur in plastic containers due to extreme heat, cold, use and bending plastic past its breaking point. This helps make sure that the plastic object stays stationary throughout the drilling process. Prior to drilling a hole in the plastic, it’s recommended to clamp down the plastic material securely to a bench or solid surface. But you have to cut a "cat hole" thru both bins. To provide this in a plastic bin, drill holes throughout the container. ... do not cut holes directly across from each other, as this creates a draft. 9 Answers. Continue Reading. Complete this step outside, as the drilling can create a mess. Drill bits for drilling plastics are come in a variety of sizes, from small to large. Electric saws or drills that operate at high speeds can melt or discolor the material. Believe it or not, it’s really that simple. They come in different sizes and are made of stainless steel so they don't rust. 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. For extra waterproofing, you may cover with duct tape. For cutting holes in those type of bins I use that same utility/boxcutter knife with a fresh blade. … Remove the smaller tote from the larger tote and cut out … Clamp 3. Hope … Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Start with a regular household plastic bin, and drill four 7/8-inch holes on the two short sides, toward the middle and bottom of the bin. This will stop it falling out as the ring will make the tube slightly wider than the hole from the inside. You’ll need a section of string about … The Easiest Way to Cut Through a Plastic Lid – Sand the area with 40 grit sandpaper. Twist bits are ideal for cutting hard plastics. This will prevent damage while cutting and allow you … Step 2 Draw a circle large enough for your cat to fit through on the larger tote. Use the hole in the larger tote as a stencil to draw a circle on the smaller tote. These simple vessels add an urban feel to my garden making it instantly chic and sophisticated. Plastic Welding with Friction. That little box of dental floss in your bathroom drawer just got a whole lot more useful! Get it as soon as Tue, Jan 12. Your old yet spacious plastic storage bins could be the perfect multi-story home for your family pet. While I was researching this came up on various fan forums with very little variation from one source to the next. To cut the hole you can either use a drill, or what I did when I cut holes in my bin is heat an old sharp knife up over a flame and then it melted through the plastic easily. 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 used a small bit and used a slow speed to drill a total of 72 holes. Draw the circle in the center of the tote's end. Source: makeandtakes. Friction welding is another way of joining plastic together. It's a good idea to roughen the plastic using sandpaper or an emery board, to help the glue bond. 1 decade ago. Here's another cage building tip: use metal sink drain screens from a dollar store as vents. Hamster house need an upgrade? I tried a utlity knife. Remove all frayed plastic around the damaged area, cutting it off with a utility knife. This tip comes from the world of action figurine collecting. Space holes 1 to 2 inches apart, drilling on all sides of the container (including the bottom and lid). Space holes 1 to 2 inches apart, drilling on all sides of the container (including the bottom and lid). Hot Water, Cold water. The Spruce / Cori … What can I use to cut a circular hole in a plastic storage bin? Use the heated tip to cut the plastic box. Your favourite soldering gun/iron.2. If there are not, you’ve done a good job. This page was generated at 07:02 PM. Use the hole in the larger tote as a stencil to draw a circle on the smaller tote. Anonymous. 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. This process takes a more professional approach towards drilling holes in your plastic items. Follow these easy step-by-step instructions on the best way to … If you dont have a dremel. If the hole you intend to cut will be 2 square inches, you should tape an area twice that size. Step 5 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. 60. Hot glue gun might work but I've never tried it. Then, use a soldering iron to trim and smooth the hole so the edges are flush. Acrylic and plastic are soft materials by nature, and power tools should be used with care. Repairing cracks in plastic containers restores the usefulness of the item and keeps plastics out of landfills. 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. Here's another cage building tip: use metal sink drain screens from a dollar store as vents. Wipe both the inside and outside of the plastic garbage can using a cloth or sponge saturated with the vinegar-water mixture. Relevance. Cut rough holes you can use a dremel, a keyhole saw, a drill, and yes a soldering iron, then dress the edges with a fine file and work your way to sandpaper. Trace what you want cut with a sharpie. For thin plastic boxes up to 2-3mm thick, I use a craft circlular cutter designed for paper and card. Mark the line you want to cut and put the modified tip in your soldering iron and heat it up. Plastic storage bins with removable lids, such as Rubbermaid™ bins. I just marked the cut-line and used a boxcutter with a sharp blade. I just finished renovating an aquarium using a plastic boot tray as a divider and also to reinforce the aquarium top. To cut the plastic I used tin snips. you can melt it depending on if you have a handheld torch, 1 razor blade, and pliers. Trace what you want cut with a sharpie. Show … The paint will drip onto the lid instead of your floors! 4.8 out of 5 stars 15. Complete this step outside, as the drilling can create a mess. When working with electric drills, always wear safety goggles and hearing protection. 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. Apply the epoxy on top of the tape and smooth with a paint scraper. Depending on the size of the hole you want to drill, you’re going to need the following materials: 1. After we go over the instructions, we’ll go over a few … Is it possible to make compost this way? You may need to use tape or a clamp to hold the pieces together for a couple of hours while the glue sets. Step 4 Place the smaller tote inside the larger tote. Warning. To avoid shattering or cracking the plastic, hold the blade of the box cutter in a candle flame for a few seconds. > >When I do something like this in woodworking, I use my router to make the >rectangular hole, then clean up the … … Lv 7. Use an empty tin … 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.