Drilling Holes Into Plastic Pots

Tilly2 | 09:33 Fri 17th Jun 2016 | Home & Garden

29 Answers

I have bought two plastic garden pots but there are no drainage holes in them. How do I drill holes in the base of the pots, safely? I don't want to crack the base.

Is there a technique for doing this please?

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RATTER15

As long as the pots are fairly thick, just use a sharp drill bit, if the pots are thin, use a small drill bit first before going up to the size you want. should be fine. drill a few small holes rather than just a couple of large ones.

gingejbee

Very small drill-bits, very slow speed, bit of sticky tape on plastic to prevent bit from skipping....and support the other side of the plastic - so you're not drilling into empty space.
Or, buy some with holes!

Old_Geezer

Don't push too hard. Consider drilling small holes first then widening them with increasingly bigger diameter drills.

Tilly2

Question Author

They are thick, good quality plastic, Ratter. Thank you. I shall use a small bit first and see how I get on.

retrocop

There should be about 3-5 indent guides at bottom of pot for drilling with any HSS or even a sharp awl will do it. Mrs retro re potted last week and used my drill to do it. Easy peasy. :-)

RATTER15

If they are thick it it should be plain sailing Tilly.

gingejbee

OH has just suggested a meat skewer from the inside.....take your pick!

Tilly2

Question Author

......and thank you, others who have answered.

Ginge, they didn't have any with pre-drilled holes, otherwise I would have bought them. I'm not that daft.

RATTER15

gingejbee, I cant see a meat skewer doing anything to be honest, especially if the plastic is thick.

Tilly2

Question Author

What's an HSS, retro?

Tilly2

Question Author

I don't have a meat skewer.

RATTER15

HSS = High Speed Steel = an ordinary drill bit.