Cutting through metal

[Spearball]

What can i use to properly cut a 7/8 hole in the back of my case? Its to pass another water cooling tube.

Thanks :)

[TwoRails]

How about a 7/8" hole saw? :)

[flanzig1]

Another choice would be a Unibit. They come in sizes up to an inch and probably would leave a cleaner hole.

[Cricket]

Another choice would be a Unibit. I've used that at work...works pretty good.

:) Cricket

[MaxRat]

also called a step-drill....most hardware stores have them in the plumbing section....

[glfredrick]

You might also find a knock out punch.

Harbor Freight has a cheap set that would work great for computer case thickness.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91201

The only drilling required to use these is a 1/4" hole for the screw that makes the punch work. You get a really clean, precisely sized hole, and it is cheaper to get the entire set than a single hole saw or uni-bit.

The tool works by placing the cup on one side of the metal, and the cutter on the other. Then the screw is tightened, causing the cutter to enter the cup, taking the metal plug with it. I used these every day as an electrician, and they work great.

[Panama Red]

You might also find a knock out punch.



Agree, that would be my choice too for a clean, precise hole-making tool that doesn't break the bank.

[TwoRails]

And that's a nice price, too: only a fraction of the price of a Greenlee set!

[glfredrick]

And that's a nice price, too: only a fraction of the price of a Greenlee set!

A fraction of the quality as well, but it will definately punch a few holes in a computer case.

The Greenlee is designed for professional tradesmen that use it all day long -- one great piece of toolmaking. The HF set is lesser quality steel, but it works great for this sort of application. I have one myself. Only thing that has stopped it so far is cutting a new hole in my stainless steel sink... And stainless is some tough stuff. A Greenlee would have cut it, the HF broke the bolt (it did cut it though). No biggie, got a new one under their lifetime hand tool warranty.

[hagatha]

I've used both... If my case is empty/stripped down, I'd use the unibit... If I'm adding something and need a hole, then the knockout set is better.

[madtownidiot]

The only thing for drilling through metal are diamond or carbide bits and hole saws. Make sure it's carbide or diamond tipped or you'll just end up extremely frustrated. Start with a small bit, as in 1/8, as a guide for the 7/8 hole saw.

[TwoRails]

The only thing for drilling through metal are diamond or carbide bits and hole saws. Make sure it's carbide or diamond tipped or you'll just end up extremely frustrated. Start with a small bit, as in 1/8, as a guide for the 7/8 hole saw.
This is a little off-topic, but the statement "The only thing for drilling through metal are diamond or carbide bits" is incorrect. Twist drills are specifically made for drilling through metal. Would I use a 7/8" twist drill on a case? Probably not but if you sandwich and clamp the side between two pieces of wood it would work.

[boondokk]

Stencil the circle you need to make and then Dremel it. Or get the appropriate size drillbit.