Holes!! I've hole-sawed and cut holes in thin gauge metal but always liked that punched out look. I've seen tools that do the job, kind of 2 piece affair but haven't got a clue what they're called or where i could start looking for some. I'd love to track some down and have a play if they are not silly money. Any ideas please? Many thanks Dan
Knock out punches,,this is a image from HF,,they are cheap but if you want quality you are going to have to dig deep. HRP
Roper Whitney hand punch tool. It comes as a set with dies for punching small holes instead or drilling.
Got a set of those from my brother for Christmas - he swore I'd use them every day but I still haven't opened the case, other than to look at them...
Over here they're known as a "Chassis Punch" . Make sure you well oil the threads and moving faces , and they'll last a life time . Shrapnel
Google "knockout punch" and you'll get a bunch of hits. I bought mine used 2 or 3 at a time off eBag to get a set of good quality used ones at a decent price. They come up all the time on eBay, so bid a decent price and sooner or later you'll win enough auctions and end up with a good selection. The used Greenlee sets are stupid expensive. The cheapos will work, but how long they last and how clean a cut is the question.
The best set that i have is called 'Pro-Flange' they both punch and flare (dimple) and they are made in England and, as you described, they take an allen wrench. I made an adaptor to use them in my hydraulics. I have many different punches, this set is the best set i have ever seen, excellant quality. I believe these were intended for the aircraft industry. The flare or dimple in the automotive industry has a well defined edge and raises the panel at an angle. The aircraft flare is much more defined and kinda rolls the outer edge, it don't quite get to 90deg but it is greater than the automotive one. If you go to the mittler bros web site i believe they have a comparison.
Thank you all for the response. Wow they aren't cheap but sure do make a nice clean, rolled edge, which i really like. I don't mind shelling out decent money for tools as long as they'll get used and as i'm planning to do quite a few various size holes i'd rather get a quality tool to use. OJ thanks for the info and ref the allen key. Thought i was going mad, I remember where i used them now, it was when i used to fit sunroofs. I'll be keeping my feelers out for some soon, thanks again with the info HAMB'ers.
Irvan-Smith gets $35.00 for a single 2-1/2"set that flanges after you drill hole. Other sizes or kits also. I did a Model A visor with one after swapping grade 5 bolt for grade 8. http://www.irvansmith.com/scart/hole-flare-p-402.html?name=Hole Flare - 2 1/2"
Thats what I always called them in SoCal, chassis punch ... I think the names comes from the days of making radio chassis' and the necessary holes.
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