hardworkingstiff
Senior Member
- Location
- Wilmington, NC
I'm getting ready to buy a hydraulic KO punch set. Any recommendations or comments are welcomed. (1/2" - 4", including 3.5")
Thanks,
Lou
Thanks,
Lou
KO punch
- Thread starter hardworkingstiff
- Start date
- Status
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician
Re: KO punch
We always use Greenlee. They seem to last forever if they're not overly abused. They are expensive however. Here is a link for more info:
http://www.toolup.com/productinfo.asp?id=7310SB&Manuf=Greenlee
We always use Greenlee. They seem to last forever if they're not overly abused. They are expensive however. Here is a link for more info:
http://www.toolup.com/productinfo.asp?id=7310SB&Manuf=Greenlee
Re: KO punch
Greenlee seems to be the only game in town for hole punches. Except Harbor Freight has a small set for like $20.
But if you just need holes in sheet metal, I suggest you look at this site:
http://www.hougen.com/cutters/sheetmetal/Holcutters.html
They look like little hole saws but are much better, faster. But these only seem to go up to 3". And a lot cheaper than a full blown Greenlee hydraulics set [which is also heavy].
Perhaps if you really need the 4" capacity, you could get just the pump, stud and 4" punch and die. What excuse do you have for 3 1/2"? That size seems to be another candidate for obselesence and extermination [along with the doomed 1 1/4"].
~Peter
Greenlee seems to be the only game in town for hole punches. Except Harbor Freight has a small set for like $20.
But if you just need holes in sheet metal, I suggest you look at this site:
http://www.hougen.com/cutters/sheetmetal/Holcutters.html
They look like little hole saws but are much better, faster. But these only seem to go up to 3". And a lot cheaper than a full blown Greenlee hydraulics set [which is also heavy].
Perhaps if you really need the 4" capacity, you could get just the pump, stud and 4" punch and die. What excuse do you have for 3 1/2"? That size seems to be another candidate for obselesence and extermination [along with the doomed 1 1/4"].
~Peter
hardworkingstiff
Senior Member
- Location
- Wilmington, NC
Re: KO punch
I actually use 3.5" PVC. I often have to run 2 to 3 sets of 500 (single-phase) from a panel to an underground transformer, and for the cost difference between 3" and 3.5", I really like the extra room.
Re: KO punch
Well, as long as it's PVC, I guess that's OK. My head is always focused on EMT and THAT [3.5"] IS an oddball size. I was thinking of the logistical problems of keeping all the 3 1/2" fittings and clamps and supports on hand but underground you don't need all that ancilliary stuff.
~Peter
Well, as long as it's PVC, I guess that's OK. My head is always focused on EMT and THAT [3.5"] IS an oddball size. I was thinking of the logistical problems of keeping all the 3 1/2" fittings and clamps and supports on hand but underground you don't need all that ancilliary stuff.
~Peter
TOMWELDS
Member
- Location
- Westchester Cty. New York
Re: KO punch
Ive had the greenlee set for over 23 years. I use it up to 3". Ive never had a problem with it and give it no real maintenance. Great buy.
Ive had the greenlee set for over 23 years. I use it up to 3". Ive never had a problem with it and give it no real maintenance. Great buy.
macmikeman
Senior Member
- Location
- Planet macmikeman
Re: KO punch
There is also another company called Ensley, or at least there was another company called Ensley that made good ko punch kits. They were cheaper than Greenlee. I have not seen any Ensley tools sold at wholesale houses for a number of years now. Greenlee is a good way to go.
There is also another company called Ensley, or at least there was another company called Ensley that made good ko punch kits. They were cheaper than Greenlee. I have not seen any Ensley tools sold at wholesale houses for a number of years now. Greenlee is a good way to go.
- Location
- Massachusetts
Re: KO punch
I make a list and order what I need when I need it.
By the way, 1.25" is not a going anywhere either, it is commonly used for 100 amp feeders and services.
As it is the largest hand bender size it has some advantages, although I will buy the 90s.
Peter the job I will be starting soon has 3.5" EMT specified for some runs.
Not an issue, we do not 'stock' much above 1".
I make a list and order what I need when I need it.
By the way, 1.25" is not a going anywhere either, it is commonly used for 100 amp feeders and services.
As it is the largest hand bender size it has some advantages, although I will buy the 90s.
- Location
- Massachusetts
Re: KO punch
Along with Greenlee I have used Enerpac punches.
Either one gets the job done.
If you go with a Greenlee 1/2" to 4" set make sure you go with the metal case and treat the latches on the case carefully they always seem to break.
Once in a while you will get a leak, usually in the valve on the pump. It is just an O-Ring that can be purchased at any hardware store and replaced in less than a minute.
The company I work for beats the heck out of any tools and these Greenlee punches put up with a lot. If you treat it well I bet you will have zero problems.
Along with Greenlee I have used Enerpac punches.
Either one gets the job done.
If you go with a Greenlee 1/2" to 4" set make sure you go with the metal case and treat the latches on the case carefully they always seem to break.
Once in a while you will get a leak, usually in the valve on the pump. It is just an O-Ring that can be purchased at any hardware store and replaced in less than a minute.
The company I work for beats the heck out of any tools and these Greenlee punches put up with a lot. If you treat it well I bet you will have zero problems.
- Location
- Massachusetts
Re: KO punch
As I said I will still buy the 90s but making offsets and kicks is fairly easy.
I agree, I have the model with the foot pedal and I am more than 200 lbs.Originally posted by jbwhite:
It takes a big person to use a bender with an auxillary foot peddle.
As I said I will still buy the 90s but making offsets and kicks is fairly easy.
hey_poolboy
Senior Member
- Location
- Illinois
Re: KO punch
Augh, you guys are just sissies.
At 6'2" and 235lbs. I don't have to much trouble even with 90's. You just need a little lead in your britches.
Augh, you guys are just sissies.
At 6'2" and 235lbs. I don't have to much trouble even with 90's. You just need a little lead in your britches.
hey_poolboy
Senior Member
- Location
- Illinois
Re: KO punch
That looks like someone I used to work with.
That looks like someone I used to work with.
allenwayne
Senior Member
Re: KO punch
http://cgi.ebay.com/GREENLEE-767-hydraulic-punch-tool-set-knockout-dies_W0QQitemZ7581602925QQcategoryZ73117QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Here is a reasonable set from ebay
http://cgi.ebay.com/GREENLEE-767-hydraulic-punch-tool-set-knockout-dies_W0QQitemZ7581602925QQcategoryZ73117QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Here is a reasonable set from ebay
hardworkingstiff
Senior Member
- Location
- Wilmington, NC
Re: KO punch
Let's check back at bid closing. Bet it's not so reasonable, lol.
jimwalker
Senior Member
- Location
- TAMPA FLORIDA
Re: KO punch
Is it new or used ?
Is it new or used ?
- Location
- Massachusetts
Re: KO punch
It's well used, it needs a new draw stud, the first 1/2" of threads are ripped off which likely means one of the cutters has thread damage as well.
Did you look at the pictures.
It's well used, it needs a new draw stud, the first 1/2" of threads are ripped off which likely means one of the cutters has thread damage as well.
jimwalker
Senior Member
- Location
- TAMPA FLORIDA
Re: KO punch
after enlarging it i see that it is used.This might not be a good deal if you figure in freight and repairs.
after enlarging it i see that it is used.This might not be a good deal if you figure in freight and repairs.
- Status