mechanical question

[hebaton]

This one is about the chassis ! I have an amp that was built using "mini fuses" those are very hard to find here.
I need recommendations for a tool that would allow me to enlarge the holes in the chassis to install standard size fuse holders.

Let me know if this was the wrong place to ask,

Thank you !

[sluckey]

I use this step bit...
https://www.amazon.com/Greenlee-GSB04-S ... 08TVF22W4/

Much cheaper at Harbor Freight
https://www.harborfreight.com/search?q=step%20bit

[cdemike]

I also use step bits. One things that's nice about them is that they generally leave less of a burr than regular drill bits, but I'd still recommend picking up a deburring tool. This is the one I use, and it works fine:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-NA-in-R ... 1002599656

[Kalamazoo 2]

Step bits yield surprisingly precise and clean holes. Where there is room to use one, the result is better than a tapered reamer, which is all I had for many years.. er, decades.

Just an example of what I'm referring to:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/General-Too ... /309489883

The hand reamer is handy in situations where you don't want to go at it with a power tool. Note that the resulting hole is tapered--not a big problem in very thin material, but noticeable even in 16ga steel. But it's quick and easy. Grab it and make a hole bigger. No set up. No chucking.

Finally, a deburrer is never a bad idea. You really need all these tools, and so many more, for good holes. Which reminds me, my deburrer broke last week...

[hebaton]

Thank you !

Eaxtly what I needed !

[Stevem]

Step bits are pretty dam expensive!

If you have any friends who are auto enthusiasts I would first see if they have one you might use.

If I am working on a chassis that is not bare and I am doing such a mod I make a big Tee Pee of clay or playdough around that hole I am enlarging so it catches 100% of all the steel chips that are made.

[Stevem]

Step bits are pretty dam expensive!

If you have any friends who are auto enthusiasts I would first see if they have one you might use.

If I am working on a chassis that is not bare and I am doing such a mod I make a big Tee Pee of clay or playdough around that hole I am enlarging so it catches 100% of all the steel chips that are made.

[lonote]

I finally started using step bits a few years ago & they DO work pretty well, not sure why I had avoided them previously..?

Anyway, I have purchased from a few sources & I like this particular one the best, as the small 1/32" graduations are especially nice for smooth cutting & there is a sort of metric-crossover with the in-between sizes (hope that makes sense). It also seems sharper & has held up better than the more generic ones I have bought. No affiliation.

https://drill-hog.myshopify.com/collect ... ll-hog-usa


Agree that a deburring tool is also a great thing to have on hand.

[cdemike]

Step bits are pretty dam expensive!

If you have any friends who are auto enthusiasts I would first see if they have one you might use.

If I am working on a chassis that is not bare and I am doing such a mod I make a big Tee Pee of clay or playdough around that hole I am enlarging so it catches 100% of all the steel chips that are made.

Hadn't thought to do this -- I'm definitely borrowing this idea next time I'm doing metal work on a chassis! Much better than the bubble of duck tape I was using before.