Cutting Rectangular Holes In Sheet Metal

Be that as it may here is a neat idea from flyboy accessories for cutting larger holes in sheet metal.

Cutting rectangular holes in sheet metal.

Drill pilot holes slightly larger than the size of the stud. Sheet metal hole flaring dies create flares around already cut holes in sheet metal up to 3 16 thick to make the edges stronger and more rigid. Measure from the edges of the sheet metal to the point at which you wish to place the hole. Now it s time to use that center punch.

Also known as dimple dies. Create a raised edge in sheet metal that locks into the rolled edge of another piece. Put your ink to the use and mark the hole center. Next use a compass to outline the edge of the hole.

My idea is to get a standard 1 3 square punch and then punch two holes side by side to get my desired 1 3 x 2 3 rectangle but that could produce a crooked rectangle if the squares are not lined up. In response to a question about h. Also known as chassis and panel punches they cut through sheet metal and have an automatic centering design for accurate alignment. Punches for the cutting of holes and profiles in sheet metal may come in many different shapes and sizes.

I don t mind a quick file to smooth sharp edges but to cut the whole hole with a file is too time consuming and labor intensive and not accurate. Position the pattern on the sheet metal where the hole needs to go and draw a line around it using a permanent marker. Use your center punch to strike at the center of the hole. This will create dimples in the sheet.

It does this by rapidly punching many overlapping holes to make the larger cut profile. Step 1 create a paper pattern of the size and shape of hole you wish to cut. A machine called a nibbler uses a small straight punch to create the same geometric removal of sheet metal as that of a larger more complicated punch. You could use a square punch but it s a bit spendy.

Https amzn to 2mkd0sj large screw driver. Https amzn to 2ndf97w the best tin aviation snips. At first locate the center of the whole. Https amzn to 2kstzae sheet metal hammer.

Stud driven rectangular hole punches these punches make openings for a variety of panel switches and connectors. You could also cut the hole with a jigsaw.