Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm wondering what kind of drill bit is necessary to drill through a Boaphile plastic cage. I'm looking to rig some custom lighting, and looking for a way to secure branches to the cage so that they won't fall, but are removable for cleaning. Will a standard bit work, or is there something special I need so I don't ruin the cage?

While I don't own Boaphile cages, I cant imagine needing a special bit. However...keep your drill speed slow so the bit doesn't overheat and melt the plastic.

I on't have experience drilling thru boaphiles, either. I have drilled quite a few holes in plexiglass, though and the matrial is somewhat similar, I believe.

When I drill plexi I sue regular steel bits & I start out with a small one. Low RPMS and a slight bit of pressure. After the initial hole I don't put any pressure on the drill because it can easily catch and dive straight down, craking the material. If I need a 1/2" hole I drill it in about 3 stages, increasing drillbit size a little each time.

Hope this helps.

Oh, and yeah, drilling too fast, too many RPMs, will melt the material and also make it harder. One other thing; If you can put a piece of wood against the opposite side you're drilling, use it to support the material so it doesn't flex or crack.

Have a good one!
HH
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Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American

The Unibit. Yeah, they are expensive, but for PVC, ABS, HDPE and HDPS, there is no better drill. No cracks, no heat, no problems. And the holes are pretty much deburred by the bit. Invaluable tool. Mine was about $22 and has sizes from 1/8" to 1/2" on one bit.
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Mark