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Tue Jul 10, 2012 6:27 pm

Looking for opinions

Reflecting back on the sheet metal work, I would like to know what tools folks prefer for flang and punching the body panels. I borrowed a flange tool and drilled the holes. Has to be something out there that does the job better - either one tool or two (seperate flange and punch). I've seen the Neiko stuff but have no experience with them.

What are the opinions for an occasional user (don't need a million dollar tool that I'd only use a few times a year)

Appreciate your time and opinions

Tue Jul 10, 2012 6:34 pm

this

http://www.harborfreight.com/air-punch-flange-tool-1110.html

borrow my brothers the other day, worked well enough

says goes up to 16 gauge, but the panel I used was only 20 gauge, so no clue as to how well it will work with thicker metal

Wed Jul 11, 2012 12:27 am

^^^^^Exactly what i was going to recommend. Harbor Freight is NOT known for quality, but this tool is inexpensive & does the job it was actually designed/expected to do.

Wed Jul 11, 2012 12:39 am

From my experience, Harbor Freight's air tools are really good. I've used their impact drivers without a problem, and have had buddies using other things like cut offs, needlers, dual actions, etc. without any problems.
Their electric tools, on the other hand...

Wed Jul 11, 2012 6:18 am

That one will do the job for you. Any air tool requires "some" maintenance. Good dry air and occasional oiling and it should last you quite a while.

Wed Jul 11, 2012 10:16 am

Thanks for the replies.

I don't have an air setup - been thinking of getting one. So I guess that opens the can of worms.

What is the minimum psi acceptable for running air tools? Guess there needs to be a minimum size tank also to keep up with the flow...Just don't know.

I've looked some up and looks like 220v runs most of the larger sizes but installing a circuit for that just isn't going to happen.

What would you do if you were limited to a 110v setup?

Wed Jul 11, 2012 10:53 am

I use an antique version of one of these. It'll punch a hole through a nickel, quarter and half-dollar without strain. It doesn't dimple the metal either. Kinda like a paper punch on steroids.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-Ton-Power-Punch-Kit-7-Si...1c2727428a

Wed Jul 11, 2012 2:42 pm

Like zozo I also use the antique version only from Northern Tool. Add some wd40 or pb blast to the punch and it will last.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_16698_16698

Wed Jul 11, 2012 3:31 pm

Quote: I don't have an air setup - been thinking of getting one. So I guess that opens the can of worms.

What is the minimum psi acceptable for running air tools? Guess there needs to be a minimum size tank also to keep up with the flow...Just don't know.

I've looked some up and looks like 220v runs most of the larger sizes but installing a circuit for that just isn't going to happen.

What would you do if you were limited to a 110v setup?
Most air tools are rated at (x) cfm @ 90 psi, pretty much any compresser will make enough pressure but don't overlook flow. Buy the biggest compresser you can afford and don't look back. As far as 220 volt goes, do you have a dryer outlet nearby you can borrow on occasion to plug your compresser in? I had no more room in my electrical panel to add a circuit so thats what I did. If you absolutely have to have 110 volt, do not buy an oilless compressor, they do not perform well in my opinion and are loud and obnoxious. As for the flange tool, I have the harbor freight one and it has worked great for me.

Wed Jul 11, 2012 5:01 pm

fugaz - great idea! Never thought of using the dryer plug. If I make a cord long enough that just might work.

I'll do some homework on compressors now!

Thanks to all for the replies :P

Fri Jul 13, 2012 12:17 pm

I have a harbor freight flange/punch, love it, stole it from work haha,
I agree with the above advice on a compressor, the flange/punch tool uses very little air, but DA's and drills and even spraying uses alot, and there is nothing more annoying than constantly starting and stopping to let the tank fill back up,
I dont know how it is over in america, but here large compressors can be bought second hand for cheap... and it is a worthwhile investment.

Mon Jul 16, 2012 5:46 pm

I have the HF flange/punch as well.

The hole punch is great, no problems.

The flanger , however, does not make a deep enough flange for older cars using 18-20 gauge sheetmetal, it is too shallow to make the metal flush. It seems designed for the newer cars with 22 gauge and thinner metal. This makes sense because all body work requiring patch panels on newer cars is done with a flange and panel adhesive. The newer cars' sheet metal cannot be welded.

Fred

Tue Jul 17, 2012 12:04 pm

This hand tool does both I have used one for 10 years and the puch is still sharp after much abuse, dont know where you can get one in the usa though :?
http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/...le%20punch

I've when in the usa used the harbour fright air one, broke in in a week, be the replacement they handed over is doing fine. :D