Drilling 1" hole within sheet metal - but the drill won't sit still - what can I do? I have these shop lights made out of skinny metal that...
I have these shop lights made out of skinny metal that came next to a plug in cord. I am removing that cord and rock-hard wiring them within. I bought a 1" hole saw that is appropriate for metal - but it newly slides around on the surface "D-oh!"
How can I get these holes into the metal (the small hole for the cord is not big enough)
Tips for the drill, as powerfully as alternate ideas are treatment.
First Hole saw are not normally used to drill electrical access hole for the connection of conduit etc. within thin sheet metal.. the proper tool and one that you will probably use again and again on other projects is call a UNI BIT or step bit it is avail. at HD or the like and cost around 15 bucks most adjectives sizes start at 1/8" and will drill to 1 1/8'' in 1/8'' increments... it looks approaching a stepped cone. good luck The shavings from one of these are usually hugely hot so wear protective gear especially if drilling overhead!
The reason the metal is sliding around is that the drill bit is too small to save the hole saw stationary.
There are several solutions;
A- Buy an appropriate size knockout punch at an electric supply store.
B- Clamp the piece you are trying to cut the hole in, to a crumb piece of metal or a piece of 3/4" plywood underneath. That will provide a center hole for the drill bit. If you can't clamp it, stick it down to the plywood with double sided cassette.
C- Put a wheel collar on the bit. I come up with that will work. The existing hole is about like peas in a pod size as a 1/4" wheel collar.
Answers: my dad would have used a foundation punch... like these guys adjectives say.
How gelatinous is the metal? If it's not too thick, put a piece of wood losing it, anchor it to your bench and take a 6 inch spike and tack hammer the hole through. Of course, if the metal is too thick, you will hold to use the drill.