Fibreglass planters - how to put drainage holes in

lynzpower

Hi all

I have some large oblong fibre glass planters I want to put my peppers and aubergines in.

I tried to use the soldering iron but this didn't work at all and just make some horrible noxious smell :eek:

Will drilling crack them ? Didn't want to try in case the answer was yes and these planters will be expensive to replace.

Does anyone have any ideas?

thank you in advance

ixwood

Hot knitting needle maybe? I think i'd probably cross my fingers and try and drill carefully.

Mankysteve

Use a brand new sharp metal bit and drill slowly letting the tool do the work.

forgotmyname

I use a wooden drill bit with a centre pilot, Start one side then turn it over & drill from the other side.
That will stop it splitting & let the drill do the work minimal pressure.

elantan

wouldnt putting some tape over where you are planning on drilling help as well ? i think its what is used if someone is drilling tiles etc ...

ds1980

There are drill bits for cutting tiles, look like an arrow head.

elantan

spoke to hubby (he drills things) he said first and foremost a mask ... a bit of insulating tape over the hole (a couple of layers) and make sure the drill in NOT in hammer mode ... you should be ok at that

Lotus-eater

Definately a mask.

Firstly make sure the pot is as warm as possible, get a sharp HSS drill bit and someone to help you, get them to hold a bit of soft wood the other side of the pot you are going to drill.
Using a low speed to start with, start drilling gently and if all goes well, put more pressure on until you are through, the wood should take any pressure off the sides and it shouldn't crack at all.
Any problems, stop and think about it again.

Obviously drill in a flat area away from any corners and not close to any stress areas if you can.

Little_Maya

I drilled holes in mine quite a few years back, used the widest wood drill bit I had. It's done in a few seconds, just start slowly though. Nothing else required other than a mask (essential!)