Drilling rubber!

My little plastic greenhouse blew down recently and most of the plastic multiway connectors broke. I can't find any anywhere to fit the tube size. I do have some rubber 'Build-a ball' things which would do, but only 2 of the holes are big enough to fit the tube framework. Has anyone ever tried drilling rubber, and if so with what results? It looks and feels like tyre rubber, quite hard.
The greenhouse only cost £25 but it was very useful last year, and if I have to buy a big drill bit it would still be cheaper than another greenhouse.
Any help would be much appreciated.

 

did you try the push fit plumbing to see if they would be ok to do the repair with?? I haven't drilled rubber i'm afraid so can't help there

 

Use an auger bit, slow speed will work ok but clamp the ball, dont hold it.

 

Have you still got the plastic fittings? If so, try either binding with Duct Tape or several turns of tying wire. I would recommend that anyone getting this type of greenhouse does this when first assembling. I find that the plastic fittings easily split.

 

What size tube do you have ?

 

Thanks all- I did look at plumbing fittings but for the 4 and 5 way joints couldn't find any. The tubes are 15-16mm internal.
Larkshall, I too find that the connectors are easily split, I usually secure the structure with string, but was in the middle of re-erecting this one and foolishly left it half done, and a gale struck! Duct tape is a good idea for some of the bits.
I am also wondering if I can make up my own 'build a cube' connectors from square hardwood, or would the holes weaken the wood too much?
Progard, I am going to buy an augur bit and see what happens....

 

I've tried drilling rubber once or twice and usually find the hole closes up. it tends to part the rubber rather than cutting it.
Sounds a bit smelly, but I just wonder if it would work if you used a hot poker to burn into the rubber after making a hole with a drill.

Just an idea.

 

I've now accumulated a 16mm augur bit [very expensive], some 4cm square treated timber left over from the decking, and found a reel of ancient duct tape. I'm still looking for my old round file which I usually use for heating up and making holes in plastic containers. SOMETHING ought to work!

 

Safer trying to burn a hole in as Pete says, use your old file and have a bucket of water handy to keep dunking the ball in when it flames.

 

In laboratories rubber bungs are 'bored' using cork borers. A wide range of diameters is available. The working part of these is just a piece of hollow metal tube, sharpened at the business end. They are rotated, and pushed in to the rubber by hand, and they take out an accurate diameter plug of rubber. So, maybe if you have contact with a school or college you could find out if they have a lab technician who uses cork borers.

 

Id say an auger would sort of rip the rubber id just try an average drill bit

 

Taking up on what Beechleaf said get the sharpened piece of tube place it on the ball in a vice wind the vice in pressing the tube into then through the rubber in effect coring it out,wear gloves to steady the process as you wind the vice in it's a bit of a balancing act till it gets started.

 

Rubber is easier to cut when wet, maybe lubricate the auger bit with water.

 

Use a normal bit, sharpened to razor edge, and lubricant.