Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Well, as some of you know I've embarked on the creation of my first acrylic cage. Thanks to some of the warnings and tips I recieved on the forum and through email I've managed to avoid some common mistakes. So far, everything is going fairly smoothly, I'm taking it slow so I don't screw up too much. Right now, my biggest obstacle is the fact that the material is so heavy it is bowing under it's own weight.

But, enough of that... I'll explain everything when I'm finished and post some pics.

I do have one problem...about ten minutes ago I had one of my drill bits actually break off in the acrylic (it's 1/2 inch thick and the break was flush with the acrylic). I have nothing to "grab" onto and have no clue how to remove the bit. Is there anyway to get it out? If not, I've got a couple ideas on how to cover it up without anyone really noticing (except me) and the spot it broke is fairly inconspicuous.

I'm open to any ideas and suggestions.

Thanks.
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Sometimes, things are exactly as they appear...sometimes.

They do make stripped screw removers that might work. Might be more money that it's worth to remove one bit, especially with no guarantee it will work.
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Current snakes:

1.1 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Silver/Yellow)

3.4 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Green)

2.1 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black)

Thanks, Chris. I'll check it out. I don't mind spending money on hardware that I'll be able to use again if needed. It becomes more of an issue if I can only use something once or for only one project.
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Sometimes, things are exactly as they appear...sometimes.

you'll need to be real carefull. Screw extraction requires a pilot hole and drill bits are generally harder steel than regular scews. You just have to have a firm hand and steady pressure so as not to jump off the bit and scratch your acrylic.

As mentioned in another post, you have to be careful with screw extractors and the fact that it's a broken off drill bit complicates matters. I would do one of three things - 1. go with whatever plan you have to conceal the mess-up 2. use the smallest size of hole saw available to cut around the section containing the drill bit, then cut a plug the same size from a piece of scrap and glue it in place [will probably be a really ugly looking repair] 3. Use something like a Dremel to dig around the bit until you get enough exposed to grab with pliers [still an ugly solution].
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Matt Campbell
Animal Keeper, Small Mammal/Reptile House
Lincoln Park Zoo Chicago, Illinois

Assistant Curator
Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, Illinois