a little hint for tub users:

[zeewhiz]

Hey everybody,

I have been noticing in different pics how that those who use the clear plastic tubs (sweaterboxes) have drilled holes in the sides for air ventilation. After I tried this a couple of times myself, with all the holes getting hairline cracks in them no matter what speed I used, I decided to try something different, and it works like a champ. Go buy a soldering iron from Radio shack (no more than $10), plug it in, and let it get to full temp. Then, start poking holes. It melts right through the plastic, leaving clean holes that have no cracks, no sharp edges, and are more aesthetically pleasing. I have done this to all of my tubs, and its truly is quicker and easier to do. Also, keep a damp rag near by to wipe the melted plastic off of the tip!

Later,

Matt

 

[Maize411]

very cool idea and with me getting a rack system in a few days this tip came in good time..thanks :0)

 

[Susielea]

I've been using a soldering iron to make holes in my tubs for over 5 years

 

[Joejr14]

Yeah, it's nothing new. Although it does make whatever room you're doing it in stink to high heaven. I'd suggest you do it outside so you don't pass out from the fumes.

 

[zeewhiz]

yeah, i figured that some of us had done it before, but I was hoping to shine the light on the subject for the people who haven't heard or thought of this before... you're right about the fumes tho, that junk is stout!

 

[Flagg]

I tried the soldering iron, but I prefer a rotary tool with a diamond coated drill bit. Much cleaner, more uniform holes, and no plastic fumes.

It also works much better on Amac acrylic cubes for the tarantulas.

 

[pgr8dnlvr]

I too have tried pretty much every method out there for holes.

Just straight drilling didn't work due to cracking, sharp edges, and uneven spacing.

Soldering iron didn't work for me again due to uneven hole sizes and bubbly circles of plastic around the holes <perhaps I had the wrong tip going though>. I also didn't like the fact I had to work outside if doing it due to the horrible fumes.

I used nails, again, cracking and such...

So I do a three step process that no man in his right mind would use. You have to remember that I am an anal woman with slight OCD when you read what I do! lol!

I first go through with a ruler and fine tipped sharpie and measure where each hole should precisely be. Then I go through with the diamond tipped bit that looks like a cone on my dremmel moto tool and pre drill pilot holes.

Next I take a metal type drill bit that is freshly sharpened by a drill DR. and use that to drill the holes. The last step is to take a straight razor and take off any sharp or uneven spots.

I think my tubs are some of the "prettiest" ones out there! lol

For the hatchling containers <sandwich type> I tried using a nail heated up by a lighter and didn't like the results due to the black charcoal which would frequently stick to the plastic. So I figured out to heat nails on a red hot stove element, pick them up with hemostats and use those to melt the holes! Voila! Works like a charm!

Rebecca

 

[Blue Apple Herps]

Yeah, nothing new, but good to bring it up as there are always new people who probably didn't know. and it definitely stinks up the place, but I've gotten so used to it that it doesn't bother me. Though I'm sure the fumes have probably killed off half my brain or something; oh well...

 

[Susielea]

I do mine in the garden when the weather is fine, but when the weather is bad, I do them in the kitchen with the extractor fan on full belt

 

[zeewhiz]

Yeah, nothing new, but good to bring it up as there are always new people who probably didn't know. and it definitely stinks up the place, but I've gotten so used to it that it doesn't bother me. Though I'm sure the fumes have probably killed off half my brain or something; oh well...

lmao... thats why we get TWO halves!:rofl::rofl:

 

[dpreston66]

very cool idea and with me getting a rack system in a few days this tip came in good time..thanks :0)

That's great! I too have a rack system and have never poked a single hole in any of my tubs. I'd recommend that you wait and see if you even need to. After about a week, if moisture is present on the tub walls then go ahead and poke some holes.

Enjoy your rack! :spinner:

 

[Jay@PJCReptiles]

Yeah, it's nothing new. Although it does make whatever room you're doing it in stink to high heaven. I'd suggest you do it outside so you don't pass out from the fumes.

What? ......... We're not supposed to sniff the fumes? That explains why I woke up looking at the kitchen ceiling. :crazy02: :sidestep:
Jay

 

[abell82]

I use a dremel, It's never cracked a hole.:laugh01:

 

[elmo1990]

i did this a while back on the tub that my cypher is in now. too bad hes gettin to big for it n i need to find something else to put him in until i seal all the holes in his viv.

 

[DanaP]

As far as the soldering iron, I plan on getting a pencil tip one to burn holes into a 6qt Sterilite tub for a hatchling. I know that I should do this outside so that the fumes do not build up, but I was wondering if the smell remains IN the tub itself...like after the tub has cooled and all the holes are melted, will the tub still smell of the melted plastic? And if so, for how long?

 

[Nanci]

I've been working on melting holes in hatchling bins for days. The smell stays in the room a little, but not in the bins. I can't do it outside here- it's too hot. So I do it in the bathroom with the fan running and leave it running for a couple hours when I'm done. (The hatchlings are in the bedroom- there is virtually no separation.

I had a fancy $30 soldering gun before, but the tip got worn out and it wouldn't work. So I couldn't find a replacement tip, and ended up buying a new,really plain iron with just a sharp point (at Lowes). It works _way_ better, and only cost $12.

I thought if you were drilling holes and didn't want the plastic to crack, you put masking tape over where you were drilling. I think that was imprinted on me as a child- my dad was an engineer in a plastics factory and would bring home big sheets of acrylic to make projects out of.

 

[DanaP]

Thanks Nanci. I was worried about the forever smell of burning plastic lol

 

[dionythicus]

I use a dremel, It's never cracked a hole.:laugh01:

Same here. Never had a problem with the Dremel, even in the smallest tubs.

 

[abell82]

Wow talk about digging up the past! (LOL)

If your tubs are collecting moisture, try drilling one hole, in the tub, 1/2 - 1 inch from the bottom (or from the bottom of the substrate?) . This will help disperse the carbon dioxide that is accumulating in the tub. This should help solve some of the moisture problem. It will also help your snakes to breath. There's a post on here about it somewhere...

 

[ziggybond_007]

I used one of those wood burning tools that worked really well, but I'd drip plastic on myself, and that was not pleasant. And the smell was horrendous. This time I used a drill then went through with a utility knife and cut the little rough inside edges out. I didn't have any cracks though? Maybe you guys that have had that problem were pressing too hard on the plastic?