What tool to cut the metal on the back of my case

[TheNinja]

So I'm replacing a Dell PSU and the power switch / adjustable fan knob on my new power supply won't fit unless I make a few cuts in the case. What should I use to cut through the metal on the back of the case? Dremmel? Hack Saw? Tin Snips? My teeth?

 

[imported_Gorgarath]

I'd go with teeth...

If for some reason, they break, go with the Dremmel. Hack saw would work, but the Dremmel will most likely come out looking the best.

 

[Henny]

Use a jig saw with a fine tooth blade for major cuts. Smooth them out/refine them with a Dremel with a small sanding drum bit.

If you can't manuever the cut with a jig saw then you'll probably have to use a Dremel for the entire job. Use a double cut carbide burr.

A pneumatic die grinder will go faster if you have a source of compressed air.

Wear safety glasses and hearing protection.

 

[Howard]

Snips would be the easiest, probably.

 

[anandtechrocks]

Originally posted by: Howard
Snips would be the easiest, probably.

I agree with Howard, tin snips are what I would use.

 

[pkme2]

Since I have a Rotozip and a drill/cutter/grinder bit, I found it very helpful cutting the top holes on my PC-60 cases for 120mm fans.
I wrapped tape to adjust depth cut and side damage while cutting. A plywood template would be highly desired to do a neat job.
I believe that one should take the time to get the best results, but heck what do I know.......

 

[Henny]

Originally posted by: anandtechrocks

Originally posted by: Howard
Snips would be the easiest, probably.

I agree with Howard, tin snips are what I would use.

Yea if it's an ultra low end case and you don't mind it looking like crap.

 

[TheNinja]

Originally posted by: Henny

Originally posted by: anandtechrocks

Originally posted by: Howard
Snips would be the easiest, probably.

I agree with Howard, tin snips are what I would use.

Yea if it's an ultra low end case and you don't mind it looking like crap.

I'm thinking tin snips for 3 reasons.

1. Easy, no mess. I don't have to drill or get metals shavings everywhere
2. It's on the back of the case where nobody sees
3. It's like a 2x2 inch square I need to cut.

Sounds like on the on front or sides that dremmel is the way to go for sure.

 

[Howard]

Originally posted by: Henny

Originally posted by: anandtechrocks

Originally posted by: Howard
Snips would be the easiest, probably.

I agree with Howard, tin snips are what I would use.

Yea if it's an ultra low end case and you don't mind it looking like crap.

Why would it look like crap?

 

[Henny]

Originally posted by: Howard

Originally posted by: Henny

Originally posted by: anandtechrocks

Originally posted by: Howard
Snips would be the easiest, probably.

I agree with Howard, tin snips are what I would use.

Yea if it's an ultra low end case and you don't mind it looking like crap.

Why would it look like crap?

Try cutting a 2X2 hole with tin snips without causing any metal distortion or burrs.

A 2" hole saw and a square bastard file for the corners would do a much better job.