14 Piece Hydraulic Punch Driver Kit

[bczygan]

I know Greenlee is the standard for these. But at approx. $1,500.00, they are out of my reach.

I have a chance to get the Harbor Freight version NIB for $50. Price at HF is $95 less 20% coupon.

Anyone use that one? Comments?

Bill

https://www.harborfreight.com/hydraulic-punch-driver-kit-96718.html

Bill

 

[bczygan]

Anyone?

 

[pi_guy]

Junk

 

[ttpete]

If that uses the same thread sizes as the Greenlee punches, it would come in handy for me because I have a complete set of punches from 1/2" to 3-1/8"

 

[Bottlecapdigger]

I haven't used anything other than the greenlee. But looking at the pic you posted it looks pretty decent. For the cost I might get one myself. BCD.

 

[bczygan]

Got it home an punched some holes in aluminum.

The Greenlee set has 1/2" and this one doesn't.

Ended up costing $52 because he didn't have a $10 to change a $20.

Still good in my book.

Bill

 

[pi_guy]

If that uses the same thread sizes as the Greenlee punches, it would come in handy for me because I have a complete set of punches from 1/2" to 3-1/8"

It does not. I wished it did.
The HF one cuts one hole then next cut starts to distort the material your cutting.

 

[machine_punk]

Yes, I use that set frequently and I like it.

I do have an air-over-hydraulic pump for it, though. I've never used the hand pump.

Kev

 

[ADSR]

I have that one, but I haven't used it. I can't remember the members name, but the dude in the dimple die thread has that one and it looks like it works very well.

 

[bczygan]

It does not. I wished it did.
The HF one cuts one hole then next cut starts to distort the material your cutting.

???

I just cut 4 holes next to each other, in all the sizes. No distortion.

Bill

 

[Com_VC]

Yes, I use that set frequently and I like it.

I do have an air-over-hydraulic pump for it, though. I've never used the hand pump.

Kev

What pump and what pressure you running the ram at?

 

[bczygan]

Nice holes!

 

[awdblazer]

what sizes of punches are there?

 

[bczygan]

what sizes of punches are there?

Here:

 

[ADSR]

looks good. When I get around to using mine, I think i'll be more than pleased.

 

[bczygan]

Here's a look alike set that also includes the punch for 1/2"

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002A94UI2/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thfafo-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B002A94UI2&linkId=b4353b92b0eb3e3770f2808d1de4ebc2

I'm going to find if the Greenlee punches will work with mine.

 

[BDAZSVT]

I have one and also use it for the dimple dies. I have no problems with it.

 

[ADSR]

You can also add the exhaust pipe expander from HF

 

[rlitman]

You can also add the exhaust pipe expander from HF
...

Genius! Suddenly I want one of these.

Now that I think of it, this would work great with a hub tamer for pulling wheel bearings.

 

[Lelandwelds]

I have never seen that. I still use a ratchet style greenlee. I dont need knockouts much though.

 

[Strouty]

You can also add the exhaust pipe expander from HF

I would be amazed if that held together to actually expand exhaust pipe. Those tools are designed to make a pipe that has been distorted, round again, not to stretch the pipe. Lisle makes a nice set that actually will do that, then the hydraulic tool is great.

 

[ADSR]

I would be amazed if that held together to actually expand exhaust pipe. Those tools are designed to make a pipe that has been distorted, round again, not to stretch the pipe. Lisle makes a nice set that actually will do that, then the hydraulic tool is great.

Lots of youtube vids on it, it looks like it works well. I have the lisle set and the punch set, but haven't used it yet. I do have a job coming up tho.

 

[ADSR]

 

[dv8customs]

I have the punch set, don't use it a lot but never had an issue. The hand pump works great with my dimple dies though.

 

[bczygan]

Here's some additional information.

The HF kit does not include a punch and die for the 1/2" conduit.

And the Greenlee punch and die for that takes a 3/8" draw bolt or draw stud.

I'm looking at a 7235BB Slug-Buster set from Greenlee which has, of course, draw bolts, not draw studs like the HF hydraulic unit uses. The Slug-Buster set has the 3/8" and 3/4" draw bolts. The 1/2" one is the one that takes the 3/8" bolt. I can use that as is, with a wrench, or get a 3/8 draw stud for it and use it with my hydraulic set. The other 3 sizes use a 3/4-16 thread in the punch and draw bolt. Luckily that is the size my set uses for the draw stud, so I'm good to go there.

So, except for the 1/2", the HF and Greenlee items are compatible.

Everyone follow?

I'll be testing this tonight.

Bill

 

[machine_punk]

What pump and what pressure you running the ram at?

I use the HF pipe-sized punches. My main use for them is to create the holes for the SWAG Offroad pipe-sized dimple dies.

The pump is readily available online for about $225 USD. Says it is rated for 10,000 PSI. If you have a hose made for the pump, make sure you ask for the 'jack rated' hose, which will go up to 10,000 PSI.

I haven't had any trouble with this set and I've punched dozens of holes in aluminum and steel sheet.

This is a bracket I made for my garage-door opener. Then, a wine rack in the style I usually build (aluminum sheet and rivets, using the same techniques for building aeroplanes).

Kev

 

[bczygan]

Harbor Freight 60575 is the manual/screw driven set I also bought, $24.99. It has the 1/2" die.
Bill

I checked that set out yesterday as well.

The 1/2" punch and die takes a 7/16" draw bolt or 7/16 draw stud if you want to use it with the hydraulic unit.

So you can either get a 7/16 draw stud and 1/2" punch and die or buy the manual set and use the 1/2" punch and die with the hydraulic sets 7/16 draw stud.

Note that the punches in the HF sets produce a "wrinkled" one piece slug. The Greenlee ones split the slug for easier removal. But I had no trouble removing the full slugs.

Other look-alike hydraulic sets, similar to the HF may include the 1/2" punch and die.

The 1/2" will be used the most because it can be used to make the starter hole for the larger sizes, and it is the most used size for electrical.

Billl

 

[machine_punk]

For the starter hole, which is 3/4" (19mm), I use the new "impact-ready hole saws." They have finer teeth, which makes them great for sheet metal. They have a spring on the pilot bit, which spits out the slug as you punch through the material. Not too expensive (about $11 USD). They've lasted a long time for me. Available from most major brands, such as DeWalt or Bosch. I haven't seen a significant difference in quality by brand...they are all good.

Available on Amazon. Search D180012IR for the DeWalt version, HTW34 for the Bosch version.

Kev

 

[Rtw5150]

For the starter hole (3/4"), I use the new "impact-ready hole saws." They have finer teeth, which makes them great for sheet metal. They have a spring on the pilot bit, which spits out the slug as you punch through the material. Not too expensive (about $11 USD). They've lasted a long time for me. Available from most major brands, such as DeWalt or Bosch. I haven't seen a significant difference in quality by brand...they are all good.

Available on Amazon. Search D180012IR for the DeWalt version, HTW34 for the Bosch version.

Kev

I use an actual 3/4" hole saw, not 3/4 trade size (1-1/8") that way there is no slop for the draw stud so you don't have to waste time lining it up. Just make sure you lay your holes out right

I also have the HF punch that I picked up one day when the seal on my Greenlee tool a ****. I never used the dies since I just used the Greenlee slug busters but the punch worked out great.