I'm working on a 1946 M416 trailer and need to replace the trailer lights. The closest lights I found need a hole that's slightly larger than the current 4.5" hole. I'm considering using an angle grinder with a metal cutting wheel to enlarge the hole by about 1/4" all around. I'm cutting into 3/16" thick metal. Is this a decent approach?
3 Answers
While a die grinder is good, it may be challenging to get a perfectly even hole and could take a while. Using cut-off wheels can be tricky too—they're sharp, and if you don’t handle them well, you could end up injured. Another option is to use a hole saw; just clamp some scrap wood behind the metal for stabilization. Drill a center hole first to guide the saw, then start cutting. Just keep in mind that with a cheaper hole saw, you might only get a few uses out of it before it dulls.
Using a die grinder might be a better option since it's easier to control than an angle grinder. It’ll give you a chance to make the adjustments more accurately. Just keep an eye on your control to prevent any mishaps!
I have a neat trick for this! You can actually thread two hole saws onto one arbor. Use the smaller one as a guide for the larger one that matches the size you need. This way, you’ll have a better starting point for making a clean cut!
That makes sense! I'm definitely looking for something easier to handle. I'll check out die grinders.