Holes 'square'... any advice?

[DarthNuno]

What would be the best solution for doing small holes 'square' like this one for example ->



...in a metal panel? Any good advice? 

[petieken]

A hole punch. Normally these are round, but they exist in square too.

Something like this: http://www.edmo.com/index.php?module=products&func=display&prod_id=23603


I recently purchased a round one to make a round 24mm hole in a metal sheet to make my own joystick mounting plates. You only have to buy the correct size and you should get perfect square or round holes depending on the model you buy.

[DarthNuno]

For small holes like that, I'm using a drilling machine but for -of course- rounds holes.

For making square holes, how does it works in details? I presume I have to press something, but in that case, a drilling machine is useless...



...or do I have to turn that big bolt, and it will push the 'square' head on the metal?

[vib_ribbon]

try Qmax hole punches.

i bought a big round one to go through a pretty thick area of a panel for a trackball.

[vib_ribbon]

you are correct, a big allen key is in order

[petieken]

Yes, my hole punch is a Qmax too I also find the holes (round of course) cleaner than with a large drill.

[DarthNuno]

Thanks for your help. Ok I understand how it works now 

But I can only find 'big size' square, see this link for example.    Do you know a good shop?  'coz I've tried ebay.com but maybe I don't use the right query ("metal punch square")? I really need a smallest size, as you can see on my original picture...

[petieken]

I did a google search and it is indeed not easy to find a small size...
I did find a USA website which had 1/4" squares but it's $89

[Etienne MacGyver]

that looks like the punch i used in my sink to make the hole for the valve   

its very easy indeed with this tool , drill a hole with the size of the bolt thats inside the punch and with a wrench you are in no time through as a knive through butter, and even better, no "drilling damage" if you know what i mean.

its a clear cut

[vib_ribbon]

Thanks for your help. Ok I understand how it works now 

But I can only find 'big size' square, see this link for example.    Do you know a good shop?  'coz I've tried ebay.com but maybe I don't use the right query ("metal punch square")? I really need a smallest size, as you can see on my original picture...

give us an actual size to enable us to search.

[liquidx]

If it can help, in French they're called "emporte-pièces" or sometimes "poinçon à tôle".

[DarthNuno]

I got an issue :



See the post right here 

[Etienne MacGyver]

I got an issue :



See the post right here 

I like the solution ! , very "MacGyver" ! 

[scr33n]

Nice solution Bruno