Getting Drainage holes in Flower Buckets!

[quark1]

I have acquired a large number of flower buckets from various generous sources and have been puzzling over how to pierce them without causing splits in the plastic. I have often done this with larger containers which have not come with holes made and made a mess of the bottom.

Old method was to use a screwdriver or drill (when I could find it) and was clearly too heavy handed.

New Method! Having talked the problem through with a friend and having decided that the best way was to ensure that the plastic had to remain 'sealed' (bar drainage) I have devised the following method which seems to have worked well today.

Using one of those 3-pronged hand rakes with a wooded handle - I held the prongs over a gas flame and when hot enough used the heated prongs to 'melt' 3x3sets of holes in the bottom of the bucket radiating from the centre - applying gentle pressure to guide through. No spliting and perfectly formed. Just another xx.......to go!

It goes without saying - but 'elf and safety might be watching......

Obviously only use an old hand-rake with insulation at the handle end and NEVER let the kids do it. Also don't get too close as there are some fumes which come off - if you've a mask - so much the better.

Mods - please move if this is in the wrong place - but couldn't see a more appropriate home.

[lainey lou]

My OH did our with a nail and a gas ring!

[Hans Mum]

i used a metal long skewer over a gas flame & it worked fine

[Seahorse]

Screwdriver on the gas hob here, but I like the idea of a multi pronged approach!

[crichmond]

cordless screwdriver and drill bit here

[smallblueplanet]

Drill small pilot hole first if necessary and then a bigger drill bit on a slow speed.

Not keen on the idea of molten plastic drips or fumes.

[shirlthegirl43]

I use the drill and just don't press too hard.

[Bren In Pots]

I drilled 5 or 6 holes half inch up from the bottom of my buckets, that way you've got a bit of a reservoir so your plants don't dry out too much.

[smallblueplanet]

Neat idea Bren.

[rustylady]

I use one of the old fashioned hand drills with a countersink bit. Take it easy and don't apply too much pressure. Have tried the heated skewer trick, but very slow and the burning plastic stinks and is not good for you.

[HeyWayne]

Never done this myself, but personally I'd use a drill - probably a wood drill if I'm honest.

On the "hot poker" theme, you could use an old soldering iron?

[gardenplot]

i used a Screwdriver on the gas hob and just pearced someholes in bottom

[Cutecumber]

It's the drill for me - it's a good idea to start with a small bit and move up to a larger size.

It might seem a bit awkward if you are not familiar with your tools (oo-er!) but it's worth persevering.

[Flummery]

I've used Himself's hand drill. Hope he's not reading over my shoulder! The secret is not to press too hard and let the drill do the work.

[Cutecumber]

Ah so true, Flum.