All,
  FYI -- My local not-so-aptly-named "Dollar Store" had cheap pencil soldering irons for $2.  Many folks have recommended soldering irons for melting drain holes in plastic cups and deli containers for growing out cuttings.  (It works great!)  I've never seen them that cheap anywhere.
  If you're in the market for one, your local dollar store would be a good place to check first.  You get what you pay for, but quality does not have to be first rate for melting holes in plastic.
Cheers,
Jim

Got loads of irons through the yrs but thanks for the tip Jim the dollar stores are usually good for stuff like that little odds and ends containers for cuttings zip lock bags etc.

Don't know why I didn't think to use a soldering iron!  I've been using a drill.  Works fine, but melting would be much easier.  Thanks for the tip.

I love the Dollar store. Good find. I will check it out

Jenn

Damm i already over spent at Harbor Feight $2.99

Where in the store would they be?  I have been using an awl - it's OK but the hole is a bit smaller then I would like.

The soldering iron works well...too well...I prepped about 150,  32oz. deli cups for the inverted cup method....now that I have uppotted most of my trees to 1gal pots I have about 75 to 100 cups and lids that I will probably never use again...they have only been used once and are in great shape(a little potting soil residue clinging to the inside surface)...If anyone is interested I will ship cups and lids to you for postage only.....Paypal preferred.

Edit....PM me if interested.

JoAnn,  In the dollar store I was in, they had one section of wall that contained various "hardware" type stuff...tools and other whatnot you might use around the house.  Based on my limited experience the soldering iron would be safer/easier than using an awl...you have more control and only have to worry about burning yourself, not losing control and poking yourself.  The soldering iron just zips through the thin parts of the cup but quickly works its way through the thicker bottom section.  Oh, and it is best to do it in a well-ventilated area -- you don't want to be inhaling too much of the melting plastic fumes.
Jim

Thanks Jim!  Ahhhh........... I could smell the scent of burning plastic now!  LOL

Thanks for sharing Jim. I gonna check out my store.