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Best way to enlarge hole in sheet metal?

Posted: 26 Jan 2014, 16:42
by syncropatrick
Got a couple of circular 16mm holes in metal dash which need opening out to 20mm for new switches. What's best way to do this?
I've got an electric drill and bits for making fresh holes in thin sheet metal, but nothing for enlarging.
I can buy a 20mm HSS bit with a taper shank http://www.tracytools.com/metric-drill- ... 1625-220mm, will that fit in my DIY drill chuck?

Doubt a Dremel would help here.
Maybe a manual circular file will do...

Re: Best way to enlarge hole in sheet metal?

Posted: 26 Jan 2014, 17:01
by nicq
Try something like this. http://www.axminster.co.uk/halls-tapere ... tAodEFAAuQ" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Re: Best way to enlarge hole in sheet metal?

Posted: 26 Jan 2014, 17:26
by T3luestar
I'd say a cone cutter is as good option, like said above.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_trksi ... &_from=R40" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Re: Best way to enlarge hole in sheet metal?

Posted: 26 Jan 2014, 17:30
by gtavalanche
A step drill would be the way forward.

Re: Best way to enlarge hole in sheet metal?

Posted: 26 Jan 2014, 18:21
by Plasticman
the above are a bit rough and ready and leave nice fat choddies on the reverse. i use
https://www.cromwell.co.uk/QMX0451124B" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
fleaba or simminlar about £20 i use them all the time .quick and neat
mm

Re: Best way to enlarge hole in sheet metal?

Posted: 26 Jan 2014, 18:45
by syncropatrick
ooh, those q-max cutters look the bizz - no tidying up needed afterwards and no danger of wandering drill bits. one ordered from feepay.
thx all.

Re: Best way to enlarge hole in sheet metal?

Posted: 26 Jan 2014, 19:24
by Plasticman
round ones are cheap , when i was m aking power amps we had to have rectangular holes for switches, they cost :D

Re: Best way to enlarge hole in sheet metal?

Posted: 26 Jan 2014, 20:22
by sarran1955
Hello,

Still got a couple..

Great for prototyping.. and cheaper than a fly press tool..

Cordialement,

:ok

Re: Best way to enlarge hole in sheet metal?

Posted: 27 Jan 2014, 09:11
by syncroandy
Q-Max cutters rock ! Stepped cone drills are pretty usefull to IMO, and definitely have a place in the toolbox.