How do I cut square holes ?
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Forum Name: General Discussion
Forum Discription: General Mobile Electronics Questions and Answers
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=78554
Printed Date: May 17, 2024 at 1:37 PM
Topic: How do I cut square holes ?
Posted By: vsx123
Subject: How do I cut square holes ?
Date Posted: June 01, 2006 at 2:51 AM
Hope this is not a too dumb question but I am trying to install pushbuttons. The problem is that they are supposed to be mounted behind the panel. How do I cut the hole without having to rely on accurate cutting since it will never look good enough ? Is there a tool for this since I know somebody must have been in a similar situation ?! Thanks...
Replies:
Posted By: boug0752
Date Posted: June 01, 2006 at 6:45 AM
As I always I would tape off the section that you want to cut out and then use a Rotozip to cut it out. Good luck!!
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Posted By: djfearny2
Date Posted: June 01, 2006 at 8:46 AM
what i do is similar to previous responded. but i use a dremmel. tape off area, make a square in marker on tape than cut hole smaller and use a file for the rest. to make it fit perfect. takes some extra time but if you worried about outcome than that is what is required. never use dremmel for entire cut if you want piece to look good no gaps etc. use dremmel for most than file rest and test fit every so offten. ps you dont want it to tight because it sometimes pinches the switch and the contacts get messed up depending on switch make it snug but not to tight were you have to force it in.
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Jon
Installer/Help Technician
---coral springs florida---
mecp certification is not always needed. I have it and it has not helped me out at all. my experience out shines it.
Posted By: vsx123
Date Posted: June 01, 2006 at 11:30 PM
Problem is that it will just look unprofessional if I use a Dremel. The cut outs must fit exact and there can't be any uneven cuts because it would be visible.
Posted By: auex
Date Posted: June 02, 2006 at 1:00 AM
Depending on how large the area to be cut you could drill a hole in the panel and shave with a razor knife. You could also try using a plastic cutting tip on a soldering iron, you would also need to clean it up with a razor.
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Certified Security Specialist
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Posted By: electrostatic
Date Posted: June 02, 2006 at 5:29 PM
1.center tap 2.starter drill bit 3.uni-bit (step dill bit) 4.file
if your doing large holes dremel it.
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Prove your connections, use a meter!
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Posted By: sparkie
Date Posted: June 03, 2006 at 11:10 AM
Use a template to insure accuracy and consistent results. Use a piece of metal and drill a hole in it. File the hole slowly so that it is the exact shape and size you need it to be. Clamp the metal template to the piece that you need to mount switch holes in and use a dremel to cut the holes. The hole in the template will not allow the dremel to wander. Fine tune the corners with a small file to get them square. Take your time and the edges will look great.
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sparky
Posted By: forbidden
Date Posted: June 04, 2006 at 1:34 PM
I use my square hole saw, it is fully adjustable and can cut either squares or rectangles from 3/8" up to 3.5"
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Top Secret, I can tell you but then my wife will kill me.
Posted By: electrostatic
Date Posted: June 04, 2006 at 1:43 PM
forbidden wrote:
I use my square hole saw, it is fully adjustable and can cut either squares or rectangles from 3/8" up to 3.5"
no smiley? you must be serious! so can i see a piture of the square hole saw? ------------- Prove your connections, use a meter!
I promise, I'll behave!
Posted By: electrostatic
Date Posted: June 04, 2006 at 1:44 PM
moderator, delete me, thanks
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Prove your connections, use a meter!
I promise, I'll behave!
Posted By: DYohn
Date Posted: June 04, 2006 at 3:25 PM
electrostatic wrote:
moderator, delete me, thanks
Nah, how about if we just send you out for a can of striped paint?  ------------- Support the12volt.com
Posted By: forbidden
Date Posted: June 04, 2006 at 3:35 PM
I just could not help myself when I read that, sorry guys.  ------------- Top Secret, I can tell you but then my wife will kill me.
Posted By: electrostatic
Date Posted: June 04, 2006 at 3:55 PM
okay here's my response. rasberrie's to you!
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Prove your connections, use a meter!
I promise, I'll behave!
Posted By: vsx123
Date Posted: June 07, 2006 at 5:32 PM
So where can I find a square hole saw (if it exists) ? Was thinking that there must be some kind of tool since there is no way to cut squares that will look presentable. A jig saw would, even if I sanded the edges, not achieve aything professional looking. Same applies for the Dremel tool.... Maybe I should ask who actually cut square holes in the dash (or any other surface panel so it is visible) ? Otherwise I will have to bug my poor installer....lol
Posted By: sparkie
Date Posted: June 07, 2006 at 6:43 PM
There actually is a square hole saw of sorts. If you use a mortising attachment on a drill press. There is a square shaped chisel that has a drill bit in the center of it. It will actually cut a small square hole through wood. They come in various sizes up to 1/2 inch.
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sparky
Posted By: vsx123
Date Posted: June 07, 2006 at 10:08 PM
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