• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Tool to cut through aluminum on case?

T

TrojanAaron

Senior member
Hey guys,

Question... I'm trying to cut out a small square out of the back of my Dell case to accomodate a new PSU. I just need to cut about a 2"x2" square through the aluminum.

I've learned that

1.) Garden Shears can't stand up to aluminum
2.) I lack the strength and persistence to cut through aluminum w/ a Ginsu knife

Any of you Macgyver modders out there have any suggestions as to what to use? Simple house hold tools are best, but if theres like a cheap tool I can get a radio shack... thats cool too.
 
Ok... so I google searched "Nibbler" to find out what the hell that is...

and I got a fetish porn site....

Ok... JP... but what the hell is a Nibbler?

How much and where to get it?
 
It's kinda like a square one-hole punch. Kinda like scissors that cut out a small square at a time.
Run through the local hardware stores or something.
 
Originally posted by: TrojanAaron
sweet... thanks... now I can have Aluminum confetti to throw around during new years
Click to expand...

Cut up a few cases.. Put all the confetti into little packages of shot or paintballs.
Launch them at people..
???
Profit!
 
You want to use a holesaw. Cuts a 120mm hole or 92mm or 80mm hole very easily and CLEANLY.

If you use a nibbler, you're gonna get something like my art projects when I was a 5 yr old.
 
Originally posted by: DLeRium
You want to use a holesaw. Cuts a 120mm hole or 92mm or 80mm hole very easily and CLEANLY.

If you use a nibbler, you're gonna get something like my art projects when I was a 5 yr old.
Click to expand...


Wouldn't you need a square saw to make a 2" X 2" square? 😀
 
I really don't care how the end product ends up looking.. it could look like an Ameoba for all I care... I just need an opening for the power switch of a PSU to fit through my Dell case.

I'll probably try the Nibbler or the Dremel... thanks for the help guys.
 
dremel is nice, but costs a bit. maybe better choice to buy new case then dremel. nibbler is like a strong nippy wirecutter i guess. ist cheaper and harder on your hands😉 hardware store.
 
Best way to go (IMHO), drill a round hole (w/ hole saw if you have it, otherwise twist drill), then square it off with a hand file. AL is soft and files very easily. Dremel tool will certainly work, but it can get away from you and cut where you don't want to. Also costs more than a file (if you don't already own one).
 
Originally posted by: DLeRium
You want to use a holesaw. Cuts a 120mm hole or 92mm or 80mm hole very easily and CLEANLY.

If you use a nibbler, you're gonna get something like my art projects when I was a 5 yr old.
Click to expand...

He's cutting a square, not a hole. But, you are right, the holesaw is the only way to go when it comes time to cut holes, fast, simple and clean.
 
Originally posted by: TrojanAaron
Hey guys,

Question... I'm trying to cut out a small square out of the back of my Dell case to accomodate a new PSU. I just need to cut about a 2"x2" square through the aluminum.

I've learned that

1.) Garden Shears can't stand up to aluminum
2.) I lack the strength and persistence to cut through aluminum w/ a Ginsu knife

Any of you Macgyver modders out there have any suggestions as to what to use? Simple house hold tools are best, but if theres like a cheap tool I can get a radio shack... thats cool too.
Click to expand...


Invest in a dremmel tool. You'll find many uses for it once you get it.
 
Originally posted by: 0roo0roo
dremel is nice, but costs a bit. maybe better choice to buy new case then dremel. nibbler is like a strong nippy wirecutter i guess. ist cheaper and harder on your hands😉 hardware store.
Click to expand...

BUt a dremel can be used for so much more...very handy tool in many many jobs. MacGyver would've had one.
 
well assuming you do use it for so much more. some people are handy people..others will just leave it to rot in storage. in that case a new case would be better
 
Originally posted by: Bonesdad
Originally posted by: 0roo0roo
dremel is nice, but costs a bit. maybe better choice to buy new case then dremel. nibbler is like a strong nippy wirecutter i guess. ist cheaper and harder on your hands😉 hardware store.
Click to expand...

BUt a dremel can be used for so much more...very handy tool in many many jobs. MacGyver would've had one.
Click to expand...

Or the memebers of the A TEAM :laugh: (you know that 80s tv series)

 
go buy a hacksaw blade and some duct tape. wrap tape around one end to make a handle. drill holes at all 4 corners. cut from hole to hole. file square.
 
Originally posted by: Kaspian
Originally posted by: DLeRium
You want to use a holesaw. Cuts a 120mm hole or 92mm or 80mm hole very easily and CLEANLY.

If you use a nibbler, you're gonna get something like my art projects when I was a 5 yr old.
Click to expand...

He's cutting a square, not a hole. But, you are right, the holesaw is the only way to go when it comes time to cut holes, fast, simple and clean.
Click to expand...


You can cut a circle and dremel your way into a square =P.....
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top