punching a hole in metal

[smat]

hi

Can anyone tell me the best and easiest way to punch a hole through sheet metal, or flattened wire without using a drill.
Where is the best plce to buy a tool for that job?

Thank you

[Neesey]

the old fashion way is to use an awls. Its also used to punch holds in leather etc. I have used a nail the size I need the hole to be and then take a hammer and flatten out the reverce side.
Hope that helps

[sarahlou]

I bought a 2 hole punch from the US, at stores.ebay.com/findingking (sorry, can't post links yet!!). They also sell them an ornamentea.com, also a US site, this is where I first discovered them. Works an absolute treat through metal and thin plastic. I honestly don't know how I ever lived without it!

[benchaddict]

Hi,
Rio Grande sell hole punching pliers, in 2 different sizes. I have used them for a few years and they are worth having.

I think Suttons tools and Cookson in Birmingham sell the two hole screw type. These are more time consuming if you have quite a few holes to do, but as Sarahlou said, they do work.

Cheers, Ruth

[Bren]

Another tool that may be OK is a Crop-o-dile. That punches through tin, so it should punch through any thin sheet metal. They only punch round holes but do have 2 size options. They are available through lots of papercrafting outlets. They cost around £20-£29 and come with a set of eyelets, which you could always use on something else.

Bren