How To Make A Hole In Plastic Without Cracking It

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Is it possible to create a hole in plastic without cracking it? Have you ever tried and failed to do so? So, if you’re interested in learning how to make a hole in plastic without cracking it, this article is for you!

Making holes through plastic may seem quite simple. However, the delicate nature of plastics makes them non-drillable using typical drilling techniques.

The challenge is to use the appropriate drill bit and speed and not to over-drill holes in hard plastic. Running the drill too long can melt the plastic, leaving you with a hole that looks like Swiss cheese. Learning how to make holes in plastic is crucial as it will make life easier by saving money and time.

In this post, we’ll show you how to make a hole in plastic without shattering it. We will discuss common issues that people have when drilling and offer any solutions to them. We will also address some questions regarding it.

Tools you required:

Drilling a hole requires the use of the correct tools and materials. Protect your hands, Safety goggles, and whole body from damage as well.

You should only use power tools in a safe environment, and you should wear safety equipment at all times.

You’ll need high-quality safety gear, a piece of plastic to drill through, bits for plastic, and a corded drill/corded power drill, among other things.

Read: Best Corded Drill For Home Use In 2021 – Reviews & Buying Guide

How to drill a hole in plastic without cracking it

Drilling holes in plastic is not challenging at all. To learn how to drill holes in plastic, just follow the procedures given below:

Step 1 — Place the plastic on a flat surface

Before starting the project, lay the plastic on a level surface. The floor is best, although you may also use it on a workbench or table.

Step 2 — Use clamps to tighten the plastic

To drill your holes with precision, make sure to get your workpiece stabilized before drilling to avoid it slipping around while you’re drilling.

To avoid the plastic sheet from cracking, I used a wooden batten on top of it and multiple clamps to hold it in place.

Make sure you cover the plastic sheeting with a protective layer to prevent damage. Attempting to find thin cardboard or something similar is an option.

Just be careful not to apply too much pressure in one location. And be sure to clean the surface well before clamping.

Step 3 — Decide what type of bits for plastic

Drill output on plastic is controlled by the kind of drill bit you use. If you want to drill more holes in plastic, you’ll want to use a sharp drill bit.

Always go with a smaller drill bit if you are unsure. You can always use a bigger bit to expand the hole, while you can’t use a smaller bit to reduce its size.

Tighten the bit in the drill with a sharp twist bit. Make sure the drill bit is the correct size, and then turn the drill to the forward position.

Step 4 — Mark the center of the hole Using a pen

If you’re thinking about how to punch holes in plastic, then the answer is: the best way to make a punch hole in plastic is by using a pen, pencil, awl, nail set, etc.

Because of its rotating motion, the drill bit wonders what it’s going to get started on. A pen, awls, and nail sets can help you accurately locate where to drill.

With a pen, firstly, mark the spot where I want to start drilling. Secondly, tap the tip of my punch just there to make a perfect drill bit of biting into.

Step 5 — Lubricate oil on the drill bit

When drilling bigger holes, I suggested using a lubricant to help clear away debris and dissipate heat.

Step 6 — Drill at a slow speed

Drilling with a slow-speed drill is the best way to control the drill. However, drilling too aggressively may cause your plastic to crack. Drill a small hole in the plastic by gently depressing the trigger and slowly rotating the drill bit.

Step 7 — Keep the drill stable

To maintain the drill upright or at 90 degrees, make a certain angle to the surface while you drill the hole in the plastic. In order to make the plastic hole square and circular, it is important to keep the drill stable.

Step 8 — Stop and take your time

As you drill, keep an eye on the area surrounding the hole. If the plastic shavings covering the hole start to gum up, stop drilling and allow the material to cool.

Step 9 — Remove the drill bit

Slowly remove the drill bit from the created hole by setting the drill to the reverse setting.

Step 10 — The finishing touch

Avoid scratching the plastic while sanding the area around the hole to avoid damaging it. It is recommended to inspect the plastic for cracks or splinters before using it to ensure a cleaner hole.

To clean plastic from stickiness after drilling, try wiping it with denatured alcohol (methylated spirits) or water. First, apply denatured alcohol and give it time to dry, and then wipe it up. After that, use talcum powder, cornstarch, or baking soda.

Problems that individuals have while trying to create a hole in plastic without cracking it 

The difficulty that individuals have when trying to create a hole in plastic without breaking it is the plastic’s tendency to melt or twist when heated up. When utilizing tools like a drill or a hot needle, the heat created by these tools can cause the plastic to soften and lose its shape. Furthermore, if too much pressure is used during drilling or punching the hole, the plastic may break or crack. To avoid these problems, use a low-heat or cool-running tool and apply light pressure while drilling the hole. Using a cutting lubricant or a dedicated plastic-drilling bit can also assist to avoid cracking and melting. 

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

Can drill bits for plastic be used to drill other materials?

We wouldn’t advise that drill bits you’ve purchased for plastic be used on wood, masonry, or vice versa.

How to clean a plastic drill when it becomes sticky

Try cleaning it with denatured alcohol (methylated spirits) or water, letting it dry, and then dusting it with talcum powder, cornstarch, or baking soda.

What drill bit is best for plastic?

Drilling holes in plastic is best made using spur-point drill bits (dowel bits). The smoothness of the cut is ensured by the bits’ points and angle in front of the cutting surface. To ensure a clean exit, it’s best to go at a slower pace as you leave.

Can I Use a Wood Drill Bit on Plastic?

It’s pretty possible to drill a hole through plastic using any power drill. But, without the suitable drill bit at your hand, you’d chip or break the material throughout the drilling process. So, before you begin your task, make sure that you have the correct drill bit for drilling a hole in the plastic.

Will plastic wear down my drill bits?

More rigid plastics will wear out your drill a little more quickly. However, get a decent drill bit. It shouldn’t begin to feel “dull” like you might anticipate a masonry bit after lots of drilling into brick or concrete.
The sharpness of the bit’s tip is critical for drilling effectively through the plastic.

Will a spade bit drill through plastic?

It’s best to take your time and be very cautious when using a spade bit to drill into plastic. The edges may need to be polished when you are done.

YouTube Video Credit: Gardening Upbeat

Final Words

Have you ever had the feeling that nothing seems to go as planned, no matter how hard you try?

If this is the case, learning how to make a hole in plastic without cracking it can take to prevent negative influences from entering your life.

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Hello. You've come to the right place if you want to learn more about power drills and how to make your home improvement projects go quicker and easier. I'm Jacob P., the founder and content writer of drill-guy.com. Anyone who needs assistance with a project or has a query about how something works (or doesn't) can count on me to share my expertise.