Holes in plastic tub used as crock pot insert

Dear Orchidians: I have read the recent posts regarding drilling
holes in the plastic tubs. It is faster than drilling to heat up a
small gauge metal rod on the kitchen stove to red heat, and melt
holes in. Each heating does about 3 holes; it’s very fast, and the
plastic doesn’t crack as it may with drilling. For really tiny tiny
parts, I use a small amber plastic pharmacy bottle, set within the
larger tub. Handle for basket is copper wire, formed to stay above
the level of the pickle to avoid saturating the pickle too quickly.

I have not had the problem with the tubs melting. The tub needs to
have clearance from the sides of the crockpot, and not to be allowed
to touch the sides. I’m sure running dry or even very low would build
up the temperature. I do have a sign next to the light switch in my
studio, “Pickle off?” I’m good about turning off the lights,
therefore the sign is read. The plastic in your tub will eventually
break down, but it usually discolors and cracks first. I am using
sparex. Perhaps the people with the melting pots were using acid or
something stronger for their pickle?

Regards
Lin

 For really tiny tiny parts, I use a small amber plastic pharmacy
bottle, set within the larger tub. 

Another tip for really tiny parts: I bought a strip of fine,
stainless steel mesh from Small Parts (www.smallparts.com) which I
formed into a cup shape at one end using my fingers (it’s quite
pliable like any fine screening). It’s great for pickling shot and
other tiny bits. Stainless steel will not contaminate pickle the way
other ferrous metal does. I’ve been using stainless tweezers in my
pickle for 10 years.

Beth

 For really tiny tiny parts, I use a small amber plastic pharmacy
bottle, set within the larger tub 

Beth, I use what is basically similar to your solution. There is
available a stainless tea strainer consisting of two fine mesh
hemispheres which is hinged and has a latch closure. The only parts
which are not stainless are the rivet which anchors the latch and the
chain attached to the ball. Removal of the chain and rivet and
replacing the latch with a copper jump ring to effect the closure
enables submersion in the pickle without contamination and it is
easily retrived and contents removed. Excellent for pickling tiny
things such as granules, etc. Joe Dule