Rubbermaid question

To cut a Rubbermaid lid what tool bit or dremel do you recommend?

My project is that a few of my night enclosures need less humidity so I wanted to cut a square into it and add a screen, like glue it or something strong/secure? Basically I need a screen on it to vent & so it’s easier placing a basking light, thanks?

I did it the hard way. Scissors.

When we cut things of hard or thick plastic hubby pokes a hole to get saw blade in we use a hand held jigsaw to cut, sometimes the saw can get hot and melt the plastic so while hes cutting im using a spray bottle and spraying water onto the blade as he cuts makes for nice smooth clean cuts.

wellington said:

I did it the hard way. Scissors.

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Ditto.

If you're careful, using a box-cutter would probably work well enough.

We used a dremel, made
Jagged edges
And made a huge mess but was probably easier than scissors

Jigsaw... http://www.fivetowns.net/subsites/StromAud/chrhsdrama/Images/Jigsaw.jpg

jeffbens0n said:

Jigsaw... http://www.fivetowns.net/subsites/StromAud/chrhsdrama/Images/Jigsaw.jpg

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Yup that be it.. Comes in handy for ALOT of things we do..

The Jigsaw sounds awesome I can go rent one... But for screens? how did anyone add one? glue? melt? lol

I would say Just light it up and see if it sticks that way . Kidding, I would say to use a hot glue gun.

tyrs4u said:

The Jigsaw sounds awesome I can go rent one... But for screens? how did anyone add one? glue? melt? lol

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I used 1/2 inch hardware cloth, cut to be an inch larger than the size of the hole I cut with the jigsaw, then drilled two tiny holes every six inches or so around the edges and used wire to hold the hardware cloth in place. I also twisted the ends of the wire on the underside, so it wouldn't be sharp to touch from the top of the cage.

Neat thank you Jeffbens0n... I'll head on over to depot or lowes & ask if they have that to start a little project... =]

The easiest way would be a box cutter and a metal straight edge. Use the straight edge to guide your blade, and don't try to cut the through in one pass, make multiple passes with lighter pressure, then you'll have less chance of slipping and it will just be easier all together.

Sharp, thin blade- new box cutter blade or Xacto. Take it slow and use long, steady strokes.

As for the screen- why? If trying to keep bugs out, use plastic or fiber window screen material, and either buy the self-adhesive patch kit stuff or secure it with hot glue. If it is to keep the tortoises out of the hole, make the holes higher in the walls.

An even easier way than all of this, however, is to use a drill or hot nail to just punch several holes. The hot nail will protect the structural integrity of the plastic better too.

Oh the why is because cats are famous for carrying away yearlings or smaller. Id feel better.

Drill starter hole using a drill, then use jigsaw. I doubt the jigsaw will get hot enough to melt as plastic cuts like paper with a decent blade. You can clean up edges with a rasp(file) if needed. Buying a cheap jigsaw is probably less $$$ than renting one at Lowes/Home Depot. Also, using a box cutter/exacto knife is a pain.

I just use a box cutter and that works for me pretty well.

I'm a sheetmetal worker and I have found a pair of tin snips does a fine job on plastic with very little effort. Either the red or green handled ones. One is meant to cut left turns the other right. You will need to cut or drill a starter hole. Also as mentioned before a hot nail is great for poking holes. Won't crack like drilling can.