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Manual hole punch/PVC?

Jillbeans

Jillbeans

New Member
I need to get two holes into the tops of 4 small 3mm expanded PVC signs.
Rather than drilling them and potentially really ruining things, can I just use the hole maker from a DIY grommet kit?
(far left in sample pic)
I don't have anything to test on so I was wondering if anyone's ever tried this. I do this in coro quite easily.
:thankyou:
Love....Jill
 

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dwt

dwt

New Member
In this situation I would use the drill. Worried you might crack the substrait.
 
Gene@mpls

Gene@mpls

New Member
You really need to invest (for the future) in a set of these hand held punches- Harbor Freight has them cheap (plenty good enough for light
duty stuff). Gene
 

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Jillbeans

Jillbeans

New Member
Looks like a trip to Harbor Freight is in order.
I hate to go there because I always buy extra stuff!
There is a Primanti's nearby though.
Thanks for the info.
 
Billct2

Billct2

Active Member
Yea, those hand punches are handy for lots of little jobs and don't leave burrs in aluminum.
 
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signmeup

signmeup

New Member
I'd be scared pvc would crack....especially if I only had one shot at it without doing a test. I can tell you that it drills fine. If you hit it with one of those hollow punches I'm 99% sure it will crack if you're anywhere close to an edge.
 
Jillbeans

Jillbeans

New Member
They dropped off the rest of my cut off sheet yesterday
(it was accidentally left in the van and I was too busy to follow up)
So I do have some test scraps available now.
I am going to HF later today, and if I can find my drill I think I will try all three methods.
My son used my drill and I haven't seen it in 6 months or more, and I am incredibly dangerous with a drill.
If I buy a new one it will disappear too, a hole puncher will be easier to hide.
I also hide an air nozzle for his compressor.
I'm thinking the holes will be about 1" down from the top, maybe 6-8" apart.
I was going to take the finished signs over to the place who punches holes in aluminum for me but have not had time to make them any more cookies this week and I promised them some at Christmas.
 
Mainframe

Mainframe

New Member
Hey jill, I put grommets in that stuff all the time with the set up you are asking about, I have had no problems.
Bill
 
Jillbeans

Jillbeans

New Member
OK back from Harbor Freight.
I bought both the hollow punch set for $5.99 and the Deep Throat punch for $24.00.
Yes, I only bought it because of the name.
It did not come with a needed allen wrench which I discovered after getting home.
The other one mentioned on this thread was on sale for $17.99 but it didn't make big enough holes.
Of course, some chick was horning in on the punch area when I was trying to look at them, probably the only person who has for the past 6 months.
:doh:
But the Deep Throat was obviously the best choice.
The grommet punch left a bruise, the hollow punch was better but not much.
The .22 shot was just for fun. Never did find my drill.
:thankyou::signs101:
 

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F

Fitch

New Member
Jill, drilling is easy.

All you need to do is "sandwich" the acrylic between say mdf, and drill away. BUT !!! a pilot hole will always help, AND do not apply any pressure. Let the drill do the work. Basically, just "rest" the drill and pull the trigger. It will be a lot slower than usual, but will be very clean and no breaks.

Cheers - G
 
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