Cutting holes in sheet metal

[mrtexas]

I need to cut some 7/16 holes for side curtains. Is this what I need? Note this is a blind hole without access to the back.

http://www.amazon.com/Mountain-10-Piece-Sheet-Metal-Cutter/dp/B000LQB6NI?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[skip]

Opps I mis read this post. Thought the holes were for side cowl lamps...some guy asked this question on the old Ford Barn too. Sorry to take up your time.

Greenlee Tools. KNOCK OUT PUNCH makes a nice clean hole. Use 'em to build my Motor Starting Panels. Rent them from ACE Hardware once in a while or AutoZone Auto Parts if your lucky enough to live in the right area.

skip.

 

[custom53]

there is a guy on the jalopy journal thet sells the piece that you need with the correct raised hole. check it out.

 

[Doug in NJ]

I needed to drill some 3/4" holes in sheet metal (in a patch panel in the rear wheel well,
for the D-nuts that hold the fender braces). I used a step drill from Harbor Freight, and it worked fine.

Doug

 

[d.j. moordigian]

Google , Rotabroach, I have the same problem and this is what I'm going to use.

Dudley

 

[Art Bjornestad]

The great part about step drills is that they will not tear sheet metal out of your ungloved hands

 

[Fred K-OR]

Take it to a machine shop. They can do it well and does not cost much-less that the tool.

 

[RockHillWill]

Mr. Moordigians' idea regarding the 'rotabroach' is an excellant approach. We use them for removing spot welds and they leave a nice, clean round hole. Not cheap, but worth every penny!

 

[2manycars]

The hole saw in your link will work if the saw is the correct size. The Greenly punch will not work in a blind hole. It need access from both sides to assemble the punch. It is made for making holes in electrical panels. The step drill bit is the best suggestion, as it will not tear the metal so much when it breaks through.