Just interested to know how you all make holes in metal enclosures, CUs etc

[freddo]

That is a very nice set to have @freddo
I now want one!

Probably better to get the battery version now! I've had that set quite a long time, the foot pump needs a new seal kit.

 

[nicebutdim]

Might be worth watching ebay for the occasional, additional bargain punch.

 

[SparkySy]

Ah I will keep an eye out on eBay, I already have several hydraulic pumps. I do like the look of the battery ones though a mate has one and it's spot on! He also has a cordless compressor that I like the look of too. I need to work harder to fund my tool addition

 

[R-fur]

Used to use QMax cutters all the time before battery drills came along. They were very good and you could get an optional bearing to put under the bolt head to make turning it a bit easier. Not used one in years now.

 

[loz2754]

Then there's this:

 

[Megawatt]

I use a Greenlee hydraulic punch set for most things. This kit has punched so many holes since I bought it. Fairly recently got the heavy duty parts for punching stainless in the smaller sizes as we started doing a lot more stainless work. Great at producing burr free holes, much safer than a holesaw too. The square punch is an awesome timesaver when it comes to cutting trunking entries in distribution boards. I wish I had more square sizes but I just can't afford them so have to use it for each corner to make up the size. Still faster than messing about with a jigsaw or whatever and much gentler on modern flimsy steel enclosures often found today. Bring back cast iron!
View attachment 95741

I also use Greenlee knock outs from 1/2 inch to 2 inch holes

 

[SparkySy]

@loz2754
That's the one my mate has and I've been looking at getting! It is a great bit of kit, I've just picked up a new Milwaukee catalogue too

 

[freddo]

@loz2754
That's the one my mate has and I've been looking at getting! It is a great bit of kit, I've just picked up a new Milwaukee catalogue too

Can't afford that, as recently bought a Milwaukee 18V mag drill. It's an amazing tool if anyone is considering buying one, I've wanted a mag drill for years and couldn't resist when I saw it in their catalogue.

 

[SparkySy]

My same mate has the mag drill as well, in fact I think he has most of the Milwaukee catalogue in his workshop! They are a great bit of kit too, in fact I haven't seen or played with any bit of Milwaukee gear that I haven't wanted to buy yet!

It's funny as I have another mate who is the same for Dewalt gear, he must have nearly all the stuff they make too! Never really been into Dewalt stuff but some of their kit is just as spectacular!
Sy

 

[freddo]

My same mate has the mag drill as well, in fact I think he has most of the Milwaukee catalogue in his workshop! They are a great bit of kit too, in fact I haven't seen or played with any bit of Milwaukee gear that I haven't wanted to buy yet!

It's funny as I have another mate who is the same for Dewalt gear, he must have nearly all the stuff they make too! Never really been into Dewalt stuff but some of their kit is just as spectacular!
Sy

Battery tools are insanely powerful and compact compared to how poor they were 15-20 years ago! I don't miss my first battery combi drill with it's ni-cd batteries. Milwaukee make some cool specialist tools if you have deep pockets.

 

[SparkySy]

totally agree with you there, I remember my first black & Decker 12v ni-cad drill driver, 12 hours to charge and about a half hours use!
The kit now is unbelievable, I still have a brace somewhere and a few choice bits, all gathering rust though now. Actually they may be useful again soon, what with electricity, gas and oil prices n all!

 

[Rockingit]

I’m a Makita man - just looked up their version and apart from looking very chunky and clumsy is an eye watering £1500+

 

[nicebutdim]

I’m a Makita man - just looked up their version and apart from looking very chunky and clumsy is an eye watering £1500+

Didn't know they made one. Having looked at it, I don't think it's aimed at this industry - punches through 8mm plate, but max diameter of 20mm.