Odd project

[FlaBill]

I have a need to make a hole in the center of plastic sunglasses. Drills or hole saws don't seem to work. What would you suggest? Bill

[Joe]

Your tools are dull. Alternatively, try a heated needle for a small hole, a piece of hot metal tubing for something larger. Most plastics are more or less machinable so your technique needs refining.

Joe

[The Ranger]

Are you attempting this with a hand drill or a drill press? How large is the drill bit and how have you secured the glasses? Are these the 10-for-$1.99 "beach combers" that kids love? Are you using an old drill bit that might've lost its cutting edge or a new out-of-the-package bit?

When I did this, I used a 1/32" bit, locked the entire package down on top of my drill press, wood block underneath, and dropped it down SLOWLY. It took several minutes of tedious work but I was able to do it. I first tried it with my hand drill and quickly decided a drill press was the better tool. ;)

If you have a plastics shop (TAP comes to mind but I haven't seen one in years) near you, they might also offer some tools for "punching" the holes.

The Ranger

[sligoNoSPAMjoe]

Without knowing exactly how you are trying and exactly what you want, it is difficult to offer suggestions.

How big of a hole? Are you drilling slow or fast RPM? Are you using little or a lot of pressure? In what way does it not seem to work? What tool are you using? Are you holding the object and tool securely (like a clamped part while using a drill press?

[Rudy]

If the LENSES are actually plastic, try heating a small nail to RED HOT, then apply it to the lens to melt a small (pilot) hole. Drill out to correct size later.

[The Daring Dufas]

Excimer Laser should do the job nicely.

TDD

[FlaBill]

Thank you all for fine suggestions. The glasses are $1 type until I find the best way to put a 3/4" hole in center. Please don't ask me what for...I will have to kill you ;) but will reveal the reason when successful. I'm inclined to try the heated points first then enlarge with tubing until the right size is met.\\ This means a lot to me and I am grateful for you input. You all may be participating in a major discovery. Bill

[gfretwell]

Use a Dremel and grind the hole.

[Oren]

Did someone beat you to it?

We have a gag set of dark shades that really take people by surprise. The lenses are "blood shot". making the eyes look really BIG.

[Oren]

Thought the same thing. Maybe a step bit would work.

pic:

[Jon Danniken]

Seconded on the step drill recommendation.

Jon

[Phisherman]

What doesn't seem to work? Most any drill will cut plastic, use a medium speed. So the tip doesn't wander around, apply some masking tape.

[Phisherman]

You arn't making a pair of those glasses that allow you to see through clothing, are you?

[Doug Miller]

LOL - probably where he got the idea!

[Stormin Mormon]

Drill press. Hole saw. VERY gentle feed pressure, very slow RPM. That's what comes to my mind.

[The Daring Dufas]

Those work very well for drilling holes in plastic but you have to keep the speed low or the plastic will melt.

TDD

[The Daring Dufas]

I've actually used conduit KO punches to put a round hole in plastic. It works quite well.

TDD