Tub Holes

The tubs for my new AP rack are getting delivered tomorrow!

Holes: how do you make them? I used a drill on my current tubs and they left sharp spots and sometimes cracked into the tub a little as I was drilling. They're pretty sloppy holes from the drill with a 3/8 in bit.

I hear people use soldering irons, like the 10 dollar one at Walmart. Doesn't that leave burnt black plastic goo around the edges of the holes? How do you avoid that?

I see some people who put 2 holes in the front and 2 holes in the back and call it a day. Others make elaborate arrays of holes across the whole side of the tub. What kind of humidity differential do you look for in maintaining that balance? 10% higher than outside? 20%?

Those of you who have nice clean-drilled/melted tubs... how do you do that?!

I use a wood burned also 10 bucks at wal mart. Doesnt leave that much of a mess.

I use one of those cheap $10 soldering irons and it works great, will never use a drill again for ventilation on plastic.

I use a drill. I carefully drill the holes not putting too much pressure on the plastic. Then if there are any burrs left, I use a pair of pliers to pull it out. Usually end up with a smooth edge. I would think using something to melt the plastic wouldn't be too healthy for your lungs.

$5 solder pen from Harbor Freight ~ clean and no worries about cracking a tub

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Originally Posted by John1982

I use one of those cheap $10 soldering irons and it works great, will never use a drill again for ventilation on plastic.

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Agreed 100% ^^^^^

Soldering iron. When you put the holes in, do it from the inside of the tub pushing out. Where the soldering iron pokes through the plastic sometimes leaves a sharp edge on the outside. If you poke from the outside in, it could leave an edge on the inside of the tub, where the snake can rub it.

Be sure to do this outside or in an area with good ventilation. The fumes smell pretty bad.

Yup. Soldering iron. Got mine for $5 at Walmart.
It doesn't leave any burn marks. It's really easy. Like slicing butter with a knife.

And I second the notion to do it outside or by a stovetop vent. The fumes from the melting plastic are pretty strong.

I do 5 evenly spaced holes on the left and right side of the tub. I get a perfect 60% without misting. You may want to try fewer holes first and adjust accordingly.

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I use a drill bit with my handheld dremel. (1/8" I think) If done slowly with not much pressure, it doesn't crack the tub. Once the bit starts heating up, it sort of just melts right through with little effort. I pick off the small bit of melted plastic around the hole, and it's perfect.

Wood burner!! :thumbsup:

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