Drilling plastics

I am wanting to drill a hole through a tail-light lens without cracking it. What is the best way to do this ?

 

A couple of ideas ...

Drill it with the drill running in reverse. It will keep the drill from going in too fast and having the flutes grab the plastic and blow it apart. Might want to drill it in steps, too.

Harbor Freight sell as "Hobby Tool" kit which is basically a wood-burning pencil with a variety of tips. You could start the hole with a round punch-shaped tip and clean it up (there will be some melted flash) with the X-acto knife tip. I have seen that kit for $5 there on sale.

 

Place tape over the lense before drilling.

 

I agree with my esteemed colleague from Missouri.

 

Light pressure and let the drill do the work ... shouldn't crack ...

 

you need a bit with a very shallow rake, and sharp, run it with a good bit of speed too

 

+1 adding blue dots?

 

try using a uni-bit we use them at work for cutting plastic(interior pieces). as long as go let the bit cut you should be fine.

 

Tape worked. Thanks...

 

Wonder how my Shelby tail lights would look with 12 blue dots across the back?

 

I heat up a nail, push it through and use a rat tail file...

 

I tried the hot nail idea but my thumb kept getting too hot from the bic lighter !