Abstract: A method of forming holes laterally in the wall of plastics tubing, such as, for example, in medical cannulae, uses a smooth-surfaced, pointed needle. The needle is first forced along its length through the wall of the tubing by a gas-driven motor to form a pierced aperture in the wall. The needle is withdrawn from the aperture and drive is then applied from a gas-driven turbine to rotate the needle at high speed about its longitudinal axis. The needle is then inserted into the pierced aperture, drive to rotate the needle only being applied up to the time of insertion of the needle. Contact of the rotating needle with the rim of the aperture causes the rim contour to be smoothed out. When the needle has ceased to rotate it is withdrawn from the aperture.