What to use to drill a button hole

ToplessZ

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I need to drill a button hole through some 1/4" (might be 1/8") steel. what do you guys use to do this? I have a drill bit that I normally use to drill button holes through wood but I dont think it will "cut" it (sorry for the pun)..
 
I don't remember seeing 1"1/4 steel drill bits, the one I use on wood is a hole bit, since it has a round saw with a bit in the middle.
 
Decent Bi-Metal will do the job. If you plan on using it for a long tim get a nice one and make sure to use some sort of coolant/lubricant while cutting (WD-40 or some cutting fluid will work fine).
 
Greenlee makes punches that can punch out a hole that size. You drill a pilot hole, and then install the cutting piece on one side, and the guide on the other side.

Step drills can also work, but tend to be a little more coarse on the cut.

You could look for a shop that works metals - they would likely have the necessary components, and could punch the hole exactly as you'd like it.
 
Another option: Call Chuck Norris.

When Chuck Norris needs to cut a hole in metal, he stares at it, and the hole appears out of fright.
 
right way= expensive punch sets. If youre going to build games on a regular basis id reccomend buying them.

If you plan on cutting 10 buttonholes in your entire life, a hole saw for metal will work just fine

Remember to go slowwwwwww. Hole saws work great but if you get impatient and spin them too fast the teeth dull out and the holesaw becomes virtually useless.
 
Just need to cut 1 button hole, but I'm the type of guy who looks for reasons to have to buy tools so my wife can't argue about it ! Hehe
 
A metal panel 1/4" or 1/8" thick is too thick for a knockout punch. For that thickness you've need a bi-metal holesaw, cutting oil, and a drill press on low speed.

Knockout punches were only designed to punch through a thickness of 2 mm maximum. Cheap punches dull easily and can shatter if trying to punch too thick of a panel. I use only Greenlee brand punches. They can be bought at Home Depot either on the rack in the electrical section or at the customer service counter.
 
I use the same for wood, didnt know there was one that could cut metal, I have a whole rig for it too so the bit is stable and the wood is stable, so I might try getting one of these then.
 
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