Home Made Gasket Hole Punches

[chuck hahn]

I was looking at Harbor Freight for some hole punches for making gaskets when i had this idea.

Go to Home Depot or Lowes and get iron pipe close nipple with the ID as close to the hole diameters you need.

Next cut off the threads on one end and grind the outside edges down till you have a decently sharp outside beveled hand punch.

Then you just place the gasket material on something like plexiglass or similar to act as a cutting pad. Place the punch where you need it and hit it with a mallet to punch the holes. Clean the slugs out by shoving a screw driver down the inside.

I will be getting some and will make a set and post up pictures when i get a set made.

[Nessism]

I've used tubing to cut holes in gaskets for years. Works great. Well stocked hobby stores sell brass tubes in various diameters so you just need to find the appropriate size and sharpen the inside edges with a small round file. Don't overlook a common paper hole punch either. The hole size is perfect for side cover screw holes and carb floatbowl screw holes. Punching holes this way is much easier than messing with tubing.

[chuck hahn]

I was thinking the iron pipe due to it being a bit harder than brass or copper tubing. Also big holes like exhaust and intake manifold holes, like some bike have, would be ideal candidate for say a 1 3/4 inch pipe.

[Nessism]

Chuck,

For a large hole, just cut it out with an Xacto knife. Much easier than trying to come up with an appropriate pipe you may never use again.

[chuck hahn]

I dont like etchy sloppy looking holes.

[mrbill5491]

I dont like etchy sloppy looking holes.

Nope nope, not going there, not gonna say a thing nope nope...

[dorkburger]

I was cleaning out my 5 alarm mess of a garage tonight and remembered....Ferrules from compression fittings make good punches also. Available in different sizes, and also cheap and sharp. I remember someone mentioning bullet casings also. Spent obviously, otherwise it might make the hole too big

[Spot1000Kat]

Most hardware or tool stores over here sell cheap Wad punch kits for $10 or less for a kit of 5 punches 6mm to 12mm (1/4" to 1/2") , hardly worth making something up.

check out this Link -under $6 for five : http://www.bunnings.com.au/products_...bType=products

Spent Bullet casings sound like a really good cheap alternative, anything circular and preferably metal , I've used Stainless instrument air tubing ,and cut off oxy brazing tip a few inches long as well.

[madmikeracing]

Cheap ASS Punches

Hardened roll pin dia you want and sharpen end on Bench grinder and best Hole Punch you will ever use.