Asked on Jan 25, 2015
Making a hole in a plastic lid
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I need to make a nice smooth hole in the center of a plastic coffee can lid. I repurpose coffee cans and make tissue holders and using a craft knife or sharp scissors leave a rough edge and the tissue rips. Any suggestions?
15 answers
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Try a hole punch and a grommet
Tudyrunningwater
on Jan 25, 2015
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A hole bit for a drill.
Adrianne C
on Jan 25, 2015
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How flexible are the lids? You can try folding them in half and then in half again and then cut a piece out of the center. Sort of like if you were making paper snowflakes or something.
Lulu Dubin
on Jan 25, 2015
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I've cut the hole just slightly smaller than needed. Then using an old knife & flame, get the tip of the knife hot and run it along the edge to smooth the edge. When I'm finished I do the same on the under side & top until I have it all smooth down. Takes some time & patience but I've used mine for delicate things like yarn and no snags. Good luck. I love the cans you show in your picture.
Tammy Purl
on Jan 25, 2015
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I use an exacto knife but heat the blade over a flame. It cuts like butter but in small strokes.
Diane K.
on Jan 25, 2015
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heat is definitely the answer to smoothing its not for children but I always take my plastic cut holes and use heaat or a lighter not too much not for long then wait a few secs not long and smoothe with my fingers to get a smoother edge I do the same with straw projects...
April Pelfrey
on Jan 25, 2015
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Use a car cigarette lighter to melt a perfect hole .
Vicky Griffin
on Jan 25, 2015
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Heat up a knitting needle, it will slide right through
Marja Smellink
on Jan 25, 2015
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Would taping the edges after cutting help?
Marg Caputo
on Jan 25, 2015
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I would trace the size of hole desired onto the plastic lid, and then use a wood-burning tool to carefully follow the tracing. This should be done in a well vented area, is NOT for children to do, and, of course, assumes you have a wood-burning tool (or use a heated stencil making tool, if you have it).
Andrea Robert
on Jan 25, 2015
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Go to Lowe's, The Home Depot, whatever home center/hardware store is in your area and buy a hole saw. Chuck it up in your drill. Place the lid upside down onto a piece of scrap wood and saw away. Hole saws come in a variety of diameters so you can choose which size will be best for your task.
Swan Road Designs
on Jan 25, 2015
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Thanks one and all for all the suggestions! I will be trying some of them soon and let you know how they come out. Thank you again!
Judy Thornton
on Jan 29, 2015
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@Judy Thornton Hot knife, depending on size. Or heat some metal object. That's what I do when I make bottle waterers for plants to poke a hole in the top of the plastic water bottles, I heat a cake tester. But I've used a hot knife to melt a larger hole.
Annie Medic
on Feb 10, 2015
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Thank you.!! That's a good idea.!!
Kayoko Susaki
on Mar 25, 2015
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Joey
on May 22, 2018
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