Soldering tool for vent holes in containers

Poec54

Poec54

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Mar 26, 2013
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That's what I use to make airholes for all my spider cages. For the most cages, I push the hot point all the way thru, and make holes in all 4 sides and the lid for cross ventilation.

For deli cups, the pointed tip lets you make some pretty small holes (or slashes) for small slings.

Turn on a fan so you're not breathing the fumes/smoke.
 
tisha

tisha

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Oct 8, 2013
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That's what I use too, but for really tiny sling I use a safety pin and a candle. ;)
 
Spinster

Spinster

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Mar 29, 2012
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I use a chef's torch for heating. It stands on a table to free your hands. You can heat different tools for different sizes of holes. I use a small awl (tool used by leatherworkers to make holes). It has a wooden handle and the sharp, tapered blade is triangular in cross-section. This makes it easy to both burn and shape holes of different sizes. For very tiny holes I heat a safety pin or tiny nail.
 
Tomoran

Tomoran

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Nov 11, 2013
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That's the one I use...works great for holes of all sizes. I try to use it in my garage, as the fumes are quite strong.
 
Poec54

Poec54

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Soldering guns are hotter, and you'll get more smoke from them because of the burning plastic. They don't have the sharp tips of a soldering iron so you can only make big holes. There's really no reason to use a soldering gun. Soldering irons are pretty cheap and last a long time.
 
lucarelli78

lucarelli78

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Jan 5, 2014
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Thanks for the replies everyone, I was going to go ahead and order this one on Amazon, but I happen to be at Walmart and found the same thing in the store for just $2 more. Between the cost of shipping and the time saved I went ahead and bought it. I've used it on a dozen enclosures already and it works perfectly. Oh, and make sure you use it outside, I don't care how will your ventilation or exhaust fan works, there's just too much smoke to do it indoors.
 
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