Soldering Iron??

[honey.bee]

Hey guys I'm looking to upgrade my two girls to a rack/tub system. So I can get rid of the tanks that are becoming cumbersome.

All I need now is the soldering iron to make the holes. Any recommendations for one I can get for a reasonable price on amazon or a good brand to get?

Also how big do you make the whole and where typically on the tub? (Dez is still a sub-adult and on the small side.) My other girl Nagini is pretty big so I'm not too worried about her.

Any soldering technique tips are welcomed as well.

 

[DollysMom]

http://smile.amazon.com/60-Watts-So...qid=1429130934&sr=8-1&keywords=soldering+iron

If all you are doing is melting holes in plastic, this should be more than adequate.

 

[Dahliasmom2012]

I can vouch the above model works well. I just got one myself

 

[Blue Apple Herps]

Can't speak to that model, but just get whatever cheap one you can find. So long as it gets hot it'll do the job.

 

[honey.bee]

thank you!

 

[daddio207]

Remember to burn/melt the holes outside. The fumes are toxic from most plastics especially PCV.
The more holes the better ventilation but less heat and humidity retention. I keep mine to a minimum for that reason here in the northeast. In Cali your requirements will be different. I would guess that more holes the better ??

 

[Amanda47]

I got mine from Walmart for five dollars and it works fine for poking holes in plastic.

 

[backafter30]

I got a cheapie soldering iron at first, and it worked very well, but... even in my garage, with the door open, I was gagging on the fumes. The holes looked ugly, and after a few tubs the tip bent over, which made it harder to work with. Afterwards, I just drilled holes with a cordless drill. I've read how this can produce sharp or rough edges, which is why this method is not recommended by others. I did go over the holes with a knife to cut off little plastic twisties and blobs, but I didn't see any sharp or rough spots. The holes look much cleaner, it was fast, and you can choose the diameter of the holes easily. I have never had any issues with snakes injuring themselves on the holes, so I have to say I prefer this method. If you need a soldering iron to make heat tape connections, get a decent one that will last. I've had a few really cheap ones melt in my hand.

 

[cornsnakeforsale_com]

Haven't tried melting the holes, but drilling works fairly well. I like to drill from the inside out, so if there are rough edges they're on the outside. Then you can smooth them up as needed.

Even better, if you have a dremel that works really well. Not sure if my bit is better or if it's spinning faster, but it has always worked much better for me. Much smoother and I don't think any have cracked on me while drilling the hole like a few have with the regular drill.

 

[DollysMom]

... I did go over the holes with a knife to cut off little plastic twisties and blobs, but I didn't see any sharp or rough spots. The holes look much cleaner, it was fast, and you can choose the diameter of the holes easily. I have never had any issues with snakes injuring themselves on the holes, so I have to say I prefer this method. If you need a soldering iron to make heat tape connections, get a decent one that will last. I've had a few really cheap ones melt in my hand.

A round or half round jeweler's file can also be used to smooth out small holes drilled in plastic. A set of these small files should be pretty inexpensive (haven't priced them lately) and are handy to have. Of course they can be used on metal as they were designed for, too.

I also agree, if you are doing any amount of soldering electronics at all, a better iron is absolutely worth a few dollars more.

I have a glass viv, but after reading this, if I have to make holes in plastic in the future, I will try the cordless drill first.