If you are searching for the best method of getting a hole in your metal without a drill, you need to read this article. This article covers techniques for how to make a hole in metal without a drill. Drilling metal without the help of a drill is difficult.
A hacksaw, Hammer, hitting it with a chisel, or even taking a center punch can be used to make a hole in metal. Note you can’t drill without a drill. But you can make a hole without a drill. Although it will not be perfect, hopefully, that will be enough to do your job.
You may also be interested in reading How to Drill Deep Holes in Metal, another post by homegearz.com contributor Nathan Rogers. Not only did he outline 10 easy procedures, but he also provided recommendations for the most effective drill bits to use.
How to make a hole in metal without a drill
Be patient and take your time. When punching holes in metal, people’s most common mistake is to hurry through the process. It will end up costing you more time and money if you rush things. Take your time and work slowly.
In many ways, you can make a hole in metal plates without a drill. This article will use Hacksaw, Hammer, and Punch Pliers Method to punch holes in the metal.
Method 1 — Hacksaw or Jeweler’s saw
Facing the lack of cutting tools, you can utilize a hacksaw or Jeweler’s saw to make larger holes in sheet metal.
However, this will limit the hole cutting in the metal sheet because of the saw frame. You can also use this method to create other defined shapes.
Tools you needed:
- Hacksaw or Jeweler’s saw
- Center punch
- Metal pieces/Steel block
Step 1 — Mark the design
Ideally, you can manually mark the design. If you want the perfect design, I advise you to start with a design paper. Now lay the design paper on the sheet and fix it with double-sided sticky tape.
With care, apply the stencil to the sheet metal. Double-sided tape is sure to keep the stencil firmly in place.
Step 2 — Create a center point
Use a center punch, hammer, and steel block to produce a center point. Place the sheet metal on the block and the center punch in the cut-out pattern.
This step is the most crucial in punching holes in sheet metal. Depending on the available tools, a small hole needs to be punched to make the indentation.
Step 3 — Start the proceeding
Carefully remove the saw blade from the saw frame. Place the blade through the hole in the metal sheet. Now is the time to reconnect the saw blade to its frame. To create a smooth cut, ensure the saw blade teeth are running in the right direction.
Before you start sawing, take your time and start slowly cutting. This will allow the saw to get into the track you created, making it easier to continue sawing.
Draw a deep breath and continue sawing in a downward motion, making sure the saw frame is similar to the workbench.
Step 4 — Finalizing
Carefully prepare the saw. Now grab your saw. Once prepared, now slowly run the blade in an upward motion. Thanks to the creative idea, you’ll be able to make holes in metal in no time.
Method 2 — Punch pliers
Punch pliers are a handy tool to have around for punching holes in leather, plastic, or metal. They are convenient for working with thick materials.
Tools you needed:
- Punch pliers
- Center punch
- Metal pieces/Steel block
Step 1 — Marked with a black marker or center punch
The punch plier’s sharp metal pin pierces cleanly through sheet metal, making them helpful work tools. Before punching, ensure the metal is measured and marked with a black marker or center punch.
Step 2 — Squeeze the handles together
To use punch pliers, place them exactly where you want to make the hole in the sheet metal and then squeeze the handles together.
This will create a perfect hole every time. If you need to space multiple holes evenly, punch pliers can help you do just that.
Punch pliers are perfect for making small holes in thin pieces of sheet metal. The sharp edges and tiny burs it creates are easy to sand off with a file.
Method – 3 Center punch & Hammer
Tools you needed:
- Hammer
- Center punch
- Metal pieces/Steel block
Step 1 — Use the center punch
When it comes to metalworking, the first step is to make sure you have the right tools. The one tool that every DIY’er needs is a center punch.
Use the center punch to make a dent in the piece of metal. If you want to use a hole punch to produce a hole on a rod, ensure the hole is large enough.
Step 2 — Make a hole
To punch your metal exactly where you need it, all you have to do is decide where you want it. Then, with a sturdy hammer, start hitting the center punch until it creates a hole.
Be sure to have something sturdy below to avoid damaging the metal further. In this way, you will prevent the metal from bending. Make sure you don’t neglect to hold it tightly.
Step 3 — The finishing touch
Unfortunately, the edge of the hole that the Punch Plier punched will have burrs close to the edge. To prevent those pesky burrs from sticking, use a twisting motion to scrape out the hole with a round needle or curved file to make a clean hole.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Punch pliers or hacksaws & jeweler’s saw can be used to make holes in the metal.
In my personal experience, it’s not uncommon for a drill to refuse to go into a wall at all for a variety of reasons. It could be a bit that is a little dull or a battery that’s running low.
You can use painter’s tape on the drill bits to measure the depth.
Final word
Getting a hole in a metal can be difficult and time-consuming. Metal cans are sturdy and not easy to puncture. Hopefully, the number of ways we have shown will give your an answer on how to make a hole in metal without a drill.
