Reptile & Amphibian Forums

It seems like this should be so easy, but it hasn't proven to be so for me.

I tried a drill, and the plastic cracked. Then I tried a soldering iron, and it only gave me maybe 50 holes and died, never to work again - was only able to get one enclosure mostly finished. Seems that would get kind of expensive to replace soldering irons so often.

Then I purchased a butane pencil torch...filled it with butane and it doesn't light. I then turned it on and held a flame to it and it blew the flame, but didn't ignite. Sigh..there just has to be a better way. Any suggestions?
-----

Delusions of Grandeur feed the EGO...

What exactly are you trying to put holes it? Tupperware? PVC cages?

I use a drill with a drill bit....you just have to make sure the plastic is well supported and let the bit do the work (do not push to hard)

Chris
-----
Chris Smith
Contact
Captive Bred Herps

a storage bin that I purchased from Wal-Mart. About 3x1.5x7 - those are just approximate guesses. They have a white lid that bends in the middle, so you only have to open one side, and they are pretty much see-through. I've seen many people showing pics of them here. They are a little thicker than tupperware, but not so thick as PVC. They are good for 4-5 foot boas.
-----

Delusions of Grandeur feed the EGO...

Are you just trying to drill through the lids? I would place them on a hard surface and use a drill. (make sure whatever you set it on can be damaged because drill with go throuh!!)

If you are trying to put holes in the side just make sure to support the plastic and to not press to hard.

Good luck and keep us posted,

Chris
-----
Chris Smith
Contact
Captive Bred Herps

I hope you are mixing your dimensions About 3x1.5x7 is tiny if all inches, if all feet is huge.

Support and a sharp bit!!
-----
Thanks,

Dave "Rainbows-R-Us"

0.1 Wife (WC)
0.2 kids (CBB)
4.12 Brazilian Rainbow Boa
2.1 Hypomelanistic BRB
0.1 Het for Hypomelanistic BRB
0.1 BCI "Elvira" normal from 1989
1.0 BCI albino / het-anery
0.1 BCI Hypo / het-albino
0.1 BCI Anery / het-albino
0.1 BCI Hypo (possible super)
1.0 BCI albino het stripe
1.0 BCI salmon hypo
0.1 BCI ghost

lots.lots.lots feeder mice and rats

That is why 50 holes only finshed 3 out of 4 of the sides. I am guessing on the 50 holes, might have been more.
-----

Delusions of Grandeur feed the EGO...

You are right...3'x1.5'x7". Sorry, I was thinking about another post I am about to put up...glad you caught that.
-----

Delusions of Grandeur feed the EGO...

3" x 1.5" x 7" maybe big enough for a hatching (but not for long)

3' x 1.5' x 7' is big enough for a coffin. Big enough for a full grown boa and her boyfriend.
-----
Thanks,

Dave "Rainbows-R-Us"

0.1 Wife (WC)
0.2 kids (CBB)
4.12 Brazilian Rainbow Boa
2.1 Hypomelanistic BRB
0.1 Het for Hypomelanistic BRB
0.1 BCI "Elvira" normal from 1989
1.0 BCI albino / het-anery
0.1 BCI Hypo / het-albino
0.1 BCI Anery / het-albino
0.1 BCI Hypo (possible super)
1.0 BCI albino het stripe
1.0 BCI salmon hypo
0.1 BCI ghost

lots.lots.lots feeder mice and rats

I agree those underbed tubs are excellent. Sounds like the soldering iron you had was a cheapie. You might want to purchase a higher quality one (around 20-30 at Radio Shack etc) Or be sure you have a sharp drill bit. I personally prefer the ease of soldering irons for making holes, Just make sure when you use it you don't push to hard, let the iron do the work. Also have a damp paper towel handy to wipe off any excess plastic that might build up on the iron. If you do decide to go with drill bits, be sure you have a sharp bit, and also debur the inside of the hole when finished to prevent any hanging points that could cut the snake if they rub their noses on the holes.
-----
Randall L Turner Jr.
Boas make the world go round.

I drill mine need a sharp bit and don't force it. Use the cracked one to practice on. Buy a brand new bit if you don't have a sharp one.

Another thing that helps is to back up the plastic. clamp a 2x4 to a table /bench etc. drill through the plastic into the wood.
-----
Thanks,

Dave "Rainbows-R-Us"

0.1 Wife (WC)
0.2 kids (CBB)
4.12 Brazilian Rainbow Boa
2.1 Hypomelanistic BRB
0.1 Het for Hypomelanistic BRB
0.1 BCI "Elvira" normal from 1989
1.0 BCI albino / het-anery
0.1 BCI Hypo / het-albino
0.1 BCI Anery / het-albino
0.1 BCI Hypo (possible super)
1.0 BCI albino het stripe
1.0 BCI salmon hypo
0.1 BCI ghost

lots.lots.lots feeder mice and rats

I tried to support the plastic and didn't press hard with the drill, but I must admit my bit is old.

I don't have a proper set up or table for more intensive tool work, as I am not much of a builder.

So, I will assume my soldering iron was too cheaply made and find a more expensive one. It is much easier to work than a drill is anyway. At least for me.
-----

Delusions of Grandeur feed the EGO...

I use a soldering iron. is it the iris 16.6 gallon? I have those and the soldering iron worked great. I bought a craftsman 40 watt iron. gets real hot and makes short work of the holes lol. good luck..
-----

Sounds like one heck of a bad day! Laura, take the soldering iron back and get another one that one must be defective...they should last forever...and if they don't return them for a replacement. Hope this helps, Andy

It seems like this should be so easy, but it hasn't proven to be so for me.

I tried a drill, and the plastic cracked. Then I tried a soldering iron, and it only gave me maybe 50 holes and died, never to work again - was only able to get one enclosure mostly finished. Seems that would get kind of expensive to replace soldering irons so often.

Then I purchased a butane pencil torch...filled it with butane and it doesn't light. I then turned it on and held a flame to it and it blew the flame, but didn't ignite. Sigh..there just has to be a better way. Any suggestions?
-----

For nearly the whole time I was working the soldering iron, it let off a horendous stink and a vile smoke that filled my house...our eyes were buring...ugh...

Seems they forgot to mention on the package that the bloody thing smoked the first time it was turned on.
-----

Delusions of Grandeur feed the EGO...

Yeah and that smoke from melting the holes is toxic too! You should do it outside....putting holes in the tubs i mean....lol...anyway it is much better than the drill because over time the drilled holes will crack sooner. Good luck...and I hope you have a better day tomorrow! Andy
-----

the size of the holes I want on the stove and go to town. I usually get about 10 holes before I have to reheat. Its alot quicker than drilling.

leaves a nice smooth hole, drilling can leave a sharp edge to it. i have done both and destroyrd my share of plastic boxes with a drill bit (which you can fix sometimes with the soldering iron,LOL!) if you use the soldering iron though do it outside with a breeze blowing away from you as burning plastic is EXTREMELY toxic. john yocum