Easy way to enlarge a cut out hole?

[wipe_out]

I have bought some new LED courtesy lights but they need a slightly larger cut out hole than the original lights.. Is there an easy way to enlarge a cut out hole that doesn't involve hours of work with a file?

Thanks

 

[Talulah]

If it is only a small increase in size then a flap wheel.
http://www.toolstation.com/shop/p91...=25046320463&gclid=CM_C76yLzr4CFennwgodBW0AiA

 

[philip_stevens]

I have bought some new LED courtesy lights but they need a slightly larger cut out hole than the original lights.. Is there an easy way to enlarge a cut out hole that doesn't involve hours of work with a file?

Thanks

I had to enlarge a drain hole in the aft storage locker. I used two hole cutters - one inside the other on the same mandrel. The smaller cutter was the same size as the original hole, and the bigger outside cutter was the size of the new hole required.

Worked perfectly, as the smaller cutter kept the bigger cutter centred.

I have also done it at home when replacing ceiling lights with bigger fittings.

 

[Don107]

If it is a round hole and you can clamp a piece of timber across the back of the existing hole you can centre your holesaw on the timber and cut the hole out with the correct size holesaw

If it is not round a die grinder is a quick way to remove material

Regards Don

 

[VicS]

I have bought some new LED courtesy lights but they need a slightly larger cut out hole than the original lights.. Is there an easy way to enlarge a cut out hole that doesn't involve hours of work with a file?

Thanks

It rather depends on the size and shape of the hole and the amount it has to be enlarged

 

[doug748]

I had to enlarge a drain hole in the aft storage locker. I used two hole cutters - one inside the other on the same mandrel. The smaller cutter was the same size as the original hole, and the bigger outside cutter was the size of the new hole required.

Worked perfectly, as the smaller cutter kept the bigger cutter centred.

I have also done it at home when replacing ceiling lights with bigger fittings.

Genius tip.

 

[Martin_J]

Although you might not be able to fit two hole saws on a standard mandrel. (You might on the cheaper mandrels that hold all the split cutters at the same time.. but they're not great for nice holes).

If you're into buying tools then check out the Oops arbor... http://www.starrett.co.uk/shop/hs_accessories/oopsarbor/ (Also sold on Amazon)...

Or how's about getting a larger piece of wood, cutting the new large size hole in it, then with that new holed piece of wood clamped firmly over the existing smaller hole, use it to align the cutter for the new hole.

(Assuming you are using the correct/good hole cutters - If you've not used the solid good ones before then I would seriously suggest getting some instead of the flimsy wobbly cutters).

 

[cygnusv]

Genius tip.

+1

 

[wipe_out]

Thanks for all the tips..

I'll see if my hole cutters can have two saws at the same time, this seems like the easiest option.. Failing that probably a few flapper wheels and wear it down.. The locations won't make it easy to clamp anything..

 

[Vara]

I had to enlarge a drain hole in the aft storage locker. I used two hole cutters - one inside the other on the same mandrel. The smaller cutter was the same size as the original hole, and the bigger outside cutter was the size of the new hole required.

Worked perfectly, as the smaller cutter kept the bigger cutter centred.

I have also done it at home when replacing ceiling lights with bigger fittings.

ridiculous, far too simple a solution.

Just been up to the shed to experiment...and blow me it works perfectly!!

 

[CreakyDecks]

Thanks for all the tips..

I'll see if my hole cutters can have two saws at the same time, this seems like the easiest option.. Failing that probably a few flapper wheels and wear it down.. The locations won't make it easy to clamp anything..

Remember all you need is to somehow get some wood into the middle of the hole to position the centre drill on the cutter. It doesn't actually have to fill the original circular hole. Any old off-cut that can be jammed in fairly tightly across the middle will do.

 

[BlueChip]

Glue or screw a small batten behind the hole across the centre line, then use your hole saw as normal

 

[Quay Breeze]

I wish this post had been here a week ago!! brilliant.

 

[KellysEye]

There are lots of types of hole cutters here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb...aps&field-keywords=hole cutters using a drill

As you will find one type can slowly increase the size of the hole, others are fixed size.