Drilling into Heys xcase polycarbonate luggage
Oct 27, 2013, 1:12 am
#1
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Join Date: Jan 2007
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Drilling into Heys xcase polycarbonate luggage
I was at a trade-show a couple weeks ago and one of the vendors was making custom dog tag style luggage tags at their booth.
They basically look like this with their logo on the other side:
I was contemplating riveting it to my Heys polycarbonate suitcase, if I drill 4mm holes do you think I can rivet it with a 1/8th inch rivet without cracking anything?
I lost a suitcase at SLC about six years ago after the tags supposedly got caught in a machine so I have been contemplating this ever since I got these.
They basically look like this with their logo on the other side:
I was contemplating riveting it to my Heys polycarbonate suitcase, if I drill 4mm holes do you think I can rivet it with a 1/8th inch rivet without cracking anything?
I lost a suitcase at SLC about six years ago after the tags supposedly got caught in a machine so I have been contemplating this ever since I got these.
Oct 27, 2013, 11:32 am
#2
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 6
Yes you can do that ...but I would recommend using a 1/8" bit in a Dremel tool which uses less torque and more speed to achieve the same result. Anytime I drill into plastics (or variations thereof) I prefer the Dremel tool.
Also, when setting your tag, use a rivet 'washer' on the inside to act as strain relief on the edges of the hole...sometimes the force of a pop rivet can create hairline fractures in the material that could be a problem down the road.
Also, when setting your tag, use a rivet 'washer' on the inside to act as strain relief on the edges of the hole...sometimes the force of a pop rivet can create hairline fractures in the material that could be a problem down the road.
Oct 28, 2013, 1:23 am
#3
Join Date: Jul 2011
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If you can find a bit of polycarbonate at a local store, you might want to practice your drilling first.
I second the Dremel idea; high speed, low torque, and also the rivets are a good idea. I would also think about 'finishing' the holes with a warm soldering iron to smooth off any points of stress. Having said that, polycarbonate shouldn't be susceptible to fracturing whilst drilling in the same way, for example, plexiglass is.
But I would practice first!
Having said all that, I would be tempted not to drill into the case, but stick with the tags and get a laminated sheet with your address on which you can lay on top of your clothes inside the case every time you travel.
I second the Dremel idea; high speed, low torque, and also the rivets are a good idea. I would also think about 'finishing' the holes with a warm soldering iron to smooth off any points of stress. Having said that, polycarbonate shouldn't be susceptible to fracturing whilst drilling in the same way, for example, plexiglass is.
But I would practice first!
Having said all that, I would be tempted not to drill into the case, but stick with the tags and get a laminated sheet with your address on which you can lay on top of your clothes inside the case every time you travel.
Oct 28, 2013, 6:09 am
#4
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,305
Not a Heys vendor ( with the ID dog tags ) I take it.
Frankly, unless this tag could be secured in a recessed space on the case, I would not apply it. Rivets come loose and break off, especially on flexible surfaces. If this tag then sticks out and catches a case on a conveyor, aren't you right back where you were before at SLC when you lost luggage ?
One final consideration is just what does this bit of cosmetic surgery do to your warranty ?
Frankly, unless this tag could be secured in a recessed space on the case, I would not apply it. Rivets come loose and break off, especially on flexible surfaces. If this tag then sticks out and catches a case on a conveyor, aren't you right back where you were before at SLC when you lost luggage ?
One final consideration is just what does this bit of cosmetic surgery do to your warranty ?
Oct 30, 2013, 10:10 pm
#6
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The vendor making the tags manufactures weather hardened networking and telco equipment
In any event me and one of my colleagues who also had them made went over to the fabrication shop where they helped us. Her bag was partially fabric.
They gave us washers that were 1/8th of an inch thick, drilled the holes with a drill bit intended for plastic and fastened them down with steel rivets with a really long grip.
I see luggage warranties as sort of a theoretical issue. I have only once had a bag repaired under warranty (when an extender handle was stuck in place) every other one has been refused as airline damage.
In any event me and one of my colleagues who also had them made went over to the fabrication shop where they helped us. Her bag was partially fabric.
They gave us washers that were 1/8th of an inch thick, drilled the holes with a drill bit intended for plastic and fastened them down with steel rivets with a really long grip.
I see luggage warranties as sort of a theoretical issue. I have only once had a bag repaired under warranty (when an extender handle was stuck in place) every other one has been refused as airline damage.
Oct 31, 2013, 2:09 am
#7
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Before drilling into plastics make sure you put tape (masking or duct) on the outside and inside of the material you are drilling through.
This will reduce the debris and hold the parent material together better preventing possible fracture or cracking.
Also I agree with the idea of using the Dremel tool.
This will reduce the debris and hold the parent material together better preventing possible fracture or cracking.
Also I agree with the idea of using the Dremel tool.
Dec 5, 2013, 11:40 am
#9
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Not going to argue about the attachment technique, but no matter how good the riveting/fastening is, please understand that anything protruding from the case may catch against something. Your bag sees quite a bit of dragging and rubbing against various surfaces. I fear that the stamped steel and the 2 rivets will act as a claw (or fangs) and rip/crack your case.
In my travels, I've never had personal luggage tags on my bags. Are you concerned with losing it? The airline puts a fairly strong tag on the handle, then stick another bar code on the surface....
If you must have a tag, and if the case doesn't already have a plastic insert somewhere to insert your identification card/paper/label, then use one of those plastic/leather ones and attach it to the handle instead.
In my travels, I've never had personal luggage tags on my bags. Are you concerned with losing it? The airline puts a fairly strong tag on the handle, then stick another bar code on the surface....
If you must have a tag, and if the case doesn't already have a plastic insert somewhere to insert your identification card/paper/label, then use one of those plastic/leather ones and attach it to the handle instead.
Dec 8, 2013, 2:25 pm
#10
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Dec 8, 2013, 4:26 pm
#11
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Inside!
Always, always place identifying info on the INSIDE of your luggage!
External bag tags (destination, I.D., Prority Handling, etc) get torn off day in and day out.
Always, always place identifying info on the INSIDE of your luggage!
External bag tags (destination, I.D., Prority Handling, etc) get torn off day in and day out.