Weld-on #40 to fix crack in eurobrace acrylic

[wednesday13]

So the hole i drilled is showing some crazing opposite side of the crack. 2-3 small stress crazing at the top of the brace. Think i should drill a slightly bigger hole?

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Sounds like u may need to drill it out again. Worth a shot, wont really hurt anything. Id ask for a picture but i dont think there woking yet on the app. There must be alot of pressure on that top piece/brace. May not be a bad idea to throw a couple small patches over/under the crack with #40 after u drill again.
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[davenmandy]

Ya the plan is definitely to do a full patch as soon as i figure out the temp home situation. Hard to commit putting my babies in a temp home, I'll stress the whole week I'm sure, so gotta do it right for my own peace of mind. Aiming for February or April. As for the crazing, i check it every week with my water change and it seems to have just started being noticeable. 3 or 4 enough that I see it when looking through the brace at eye level parallel. Kind of milk white, only at the top of the cylindrical hole i drilled where the crack is. So would you expand the existing hole which is 1/16 to something like 1/4? Or maybe give it a bit more time? I can drill it further if it spreads unless the crazing causes it to go a few directions. They're 1mm long if that, no risk when I hit them while drilling? Crack happened November 16th.

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[wednesday13]

Ya, id just open it up to 1/4" and see how she fairs...no need to tear the whole tank down for the patches yet. I have alot of old acrylics running with crazing and cracks in the top braces, just have to keep an eye on em as ur doing and hope for the best.
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[davenmandy]

I'll drill it to 1/4 inch if it's not too big. Thanks man! What kind of bit do you use out of curiosity? I imagine it may be prone to melt, i used a small wood bit last time and no issue.


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[mudbuttjones]

I've had good luck drilling lots of holes in 1/4" thick acrylic with cobalt (for metal) drill bits. I don't think I ever went bigger than a 3/16" drill bit though

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[wednesday13]

I'll drill it to 1/4 inch if it's not too big. Thanks man! What kind of bit do you use out of curiosity? I imagine it may be prone to melt, i used a small wood bit last time and no issue.


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I use whatever i find first in my tool hoard lol...regular style bits for wood will work just fine. Mine are usually old and dull but ive never had a problem. Only time ive ever cracked the acrylic drilling is when im rushing by pushing too hard. Patience is a virtue lol.. if your super worried about it, you can clamp a piece of wood underneath to help support the acrylic while u drill.
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[davenmandy]

Nah not super worried about it, first one went fine, I already have a hole i just need to expand so I won't exert too much pressure. If it gives me issue I'll do 1/8 and then 1/4. Just curious that's all, I'll get it done tonight and hopefully that's the last issue I have till I patch it. Would sucks to see it crazing again cuz then I'll feel like I'm under a timer to get it patched haha, and rushed work doesn't work with these things. Thanks for your help.

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[davenmandy]

Successfully drilled.

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