DIY Builds
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Can you drill into plastic shed?

While drilling through plastic can be done using any power drill, it's important to have the correct drill bits so you don't chip or crack the material. Irregular holes and rough edges could lead to cracking, even months after the drilling occurs.

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While drilling through plastic can be done using any power drill, it’s important to have the correct drill bits so you don’t chip or crack the material. Irregular holes and rough edges could lead to cracking, even months after the drilling occurs. Drill bits for plastic are available in a variety of sizes; however, it’s best to consult with a professional before undertaking a project on your own. When drilling plastic, the larger the hole, the slower drill speed you should use since high speeds can melt the plastic. Also, always reduce the drill speed as the drill bit exits the material. Before drilling, it’s best to clamp down the plastic securely to a solid surface and back up the piece you are drilling with a spare piece of plywood underneath. This way the drill bit enters the plywood when it exits the plastic and avoids chipping the surface on the bottom. In addition, it’s recommended to use a lubricant while drilling deeper holes to help remove debris and dissipate the heat. Furthermore, since plastics expand and contract with temperature changes, make sure you drill a slightly larger hole than necessary to allow room for screw movement without placing stress on the material. The most effective drill bits for plastics are spur-point bits, also known as dowel bits. They are specifically angled to make smooth cuts in the material. A spur-point bit has a central point and spurs that keep the bit aligned, maintaining a clean, neat hole. Some soft materials, including plastics, benefit from countersinking before actually drilling. A power drill is used to countersink or create a depression in the material first. Using a countersink bit along with a plastic drill bit ensures that the drill bit remains in the center of the depression. Never use twist bits when drilling plastics; they can splinter and ruin the material.

Originally Published: Jul 25, 2011

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Preparing The Ground

Ground preparation is a crucial part of installing a plastic shed base, without the correct preparation the benefits such as permeability will not be as effective. So, first of all, you need to decide where your shed will be going on your garden or allotment. Once you have decided, measure out the base and outline this in the turf. Next, remove the existing turf and soil from within the outlined area down to a depth of around 70mm and dispose of the waste responsibly. Digging down to 70mm allows for the base to sit flush with the remaining turf once the installation is complete. With the area now clear, lay down the sheet of membrane and secure it into the ground using the provided metal pins. The membrane is used to stop weeds from growing up through the base but still allows water to drain away naturally. Finally, on top of the secured membrane, a bedding layer of between 5mm-20mm angular gravel or crushed aggregate approximately 30mm deep needs to be laid and compacted down very well to ensure the surface is level and hard. If the sub-base needs a little more material to level it out then we suggest using some sharp sand.

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