Knockout Punch sharing

I'm in the midst of converting a Sabco Brew Magic to electric and I have several holes to cut in the kegs for various couplings, tri-clover ferrules, etc and it seems one method of getting these holes cut in a clean fashion without making hole saws disposable is by using knockout punches.

I have one set, a conduit set, 7238BB and that goes from 1/2" to 2" for conduit. I'm looking to get a 39860 set which makes standard holes from 3/4" to 1.5".

With the money invested in these, I'm wondering if anyone on the forum would be willing to throw me a few bucks plus shipping to borrow the sets. They should fit in a $10.95 Priority Flat Rate box.

I have 6 holes to cut into my kegs and at nearly $285 for the set of standard punches, $47.50/hole is pretty steep. I also need to cut the holes in my enclosure for the switches.

If you're interested in borrowing a set for like $30 shipped, post here and if I get enough of a response, I'll probably buy the other set. If not, I'll call a few shops to see if they'll do the work for me.

I'm thinking we could get a list going and send it from member to member in order of the list. First person paypals me $30 and the kit is shipped. When finished, the next person on the list paypals the shipping funds to the person who has the kit and paypals me the other $19. If you only need or two punch sizes, we can work that out.

Maybe I'm setting myself up for failure with lost/destroyed tools, I just figured we could help each other out as I don't have much use for these tools once I'm done with my e-Brew Magic build.

Let me know.

I guess that decision was easy.

I'd be down with this. I'm getting ready to build an electric system and I need to punch holes. $30 sounds like a deal, and like you, I don't need the tools after I'm done.

I'm not sure there's going to be a huge response though, since the huge majority of people here already have a brewing system, and aren't imminently contemplating building a new one.

OTOH, for single-use, Harbor Freight has a set for $25...

Are the harbor freight sets decent? I've it two bayou classic kettles coming my way to start my electric build. Might be the route I take.

Are the harbor freight sets decent? I've it two bayou classic kettles coming my way to start my electric build. Might be the route I take.

I don't mind if the response isn't immediate or the need to use them isn't right away, I'm just not looking to dump hundreds of dollars into tools I use once and then share with 6 people on the forum over 5 years.

I'm going to call around to check with shops for a idea on what the work will cost.

The Harbor Freight punch set is perfectly adequate. It won't last hundreds of holes like a Greenlee set, but we probably won't make that many holes in our hobby. Get the HF set! My HF set has performed very well

mabrungard said:

The Harbor Freight punch set is perfectly adequate. It won't last hundreds of holes like a Greenlee set, but we probably won't make that many holes in our hobby. Get the HF set! My HF set has performed very well

Click to expand...

I think I'll pick one up tomorrow and see how it goes. Still need a 1.5" hole for the ferrules.

Knockout cutters are also an option, it's basically a whole saw made for metal. They don't last forever like a slugbuster set but they are fast and easy, as long as you have a drill. If you take your time with them they do last pretty good (turn it slow!). I think the Ideal set is pretty reasonably priced.

I bought the 13/16" Greenlee punch. It's used for 1/2" fittings, so I know I'll get a fair amount of use out of it. And we don't have Harbor Freight in Canada, so that wasn't an option.

After I'm done with it, it's high-quality and durable enough that I should be able to sell it (if I want to) at not *too much* of a loss, especially since the buyer should know he'll be able to do the same and that there is no lack of people needing this particular punch.

emjay said:

I bought the 13/16" Greenlee punch. It's used for 1/2" fittings, so I know I'll get a fair amount of use out of it. And we don't have Harbor Freight in Canada, so that wasn't an option.

After I'm done with it, it's high-quality and durable enough that I should be able to sell it (if I want to) at not *too much* of a loss, especially since the buyer should know he'll be able to do the same and that there is no lack of people needing this particular punch.

Click to expand...

I need to get my hands on a set of calipers to get exact measurements of the fittings. I have 1/4" half couplings, 1/2" couplings, and 1.5" tri-clover ferrules to weld into the kegs...then there's all the stuff that goes into the control box.