EMT compression fitting

[smalltown]

In the past several have suggested compression connectors for EMT. I am going to order connectors, and found these are available with the bushing already built in. They are $2.50 cheaper than ordering the connectors, and bushings separate. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Halex-1-2-in-Electrical-Metallic-Tube-EMT-Compression-Connectors-with-Insulated-Throat-25-Pack-82305B/100169725

Do they pass muster ?

I also need to drill holes for these connectors. Looking for 7/8" punch or drill.
Found this drill bit https://www.homedepot.com/b/Tools/Pick-Up-Today/N-5yc1vZc1xyZ1z175a5/Ntk-all/Ntt-7%252F8%2Binch%2Bhole%2Bcutter?NCNI-5&browsestoreoption=1

The only punch I found so far is ~$265

 

[pattenp]

How about a step drill bit?

 

[smalltown]

pattenp never used one. The surface mount fixture for the led panel lamps that I need to drill are advertised as aluminum. They are flat on the outside and ribbed on the inside.
Do I just drill a pilot hole, and then change to the step drill ?

 

[jgiles101982]

In the past several have suggested compression connectors for EMT. I am going to order connectors, and found these are available with the bushing already built in. They are $2.50 cheaper than ordering the connectors, and bushings separate. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Halex-1-2-in-Electrical-Metallic-Tube-EMT-Compression-Connectors-with-Insulated-Throat-25-Pack-82305B/100169725

Do they pass muster ?

I also need to drill holes for these connectors. Looking for 7/8" punch or drill.
Found this drill bit https://www.homedepot.com/b/Tools/Pick-Up-Today/N-5yc1vZc1xyZ1z175a5/Ntk-all/Ntt-7%252F8%2Binch%2Bhole%2Bcutter?NCNI-5&browsestoreoption=1

The only punch I found so far is ~$265

Is this for a personal project? In a commercial application I would use the compression but if it was just for my shop or garage I would just use the set screw type connectors.
Also wondering what the job is that will require you to have to knock out holes?
Too bad you not closer though I have a practically new greenlee slugbuster kit I'd let go cheap lol.

 

[jgiles101982]

pattenp never used one. The surface mount fixture for the led panel lamps that I need to drill are advertised as aluminum. They are flat on the outside and ribbed on the inside.
Do I just drill a pilot hole, and then change to the step drill ?

Strange I didn't see this when I commented

Step drill bits can do it all but I always drill a pilot hole.

 

[Dagny]

Milwaukee and bosch both make a non carbide version of that hole saw. for less money.

 

[smalltown]

It's for home garage use. I need to drill led flat panel surface mount fixtures. They are ceiling fixtures. I've got the set screw connectors, but thought on the ceiling the compression would look better.

I was just searching for hole saws, and saw this one available for $10 less than Home Depot for the same item.
Requires a road trip, but traveling that way with my very sick lab in a few days.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/IDEAL-7-8-in-Carbide-tipped-Arbored-Hole-Saw/3369114

Since nobody has any negative comments about those compression connectors I guess they are ok.

 

[jgiles101982]

It's for home garage use. I need to drill led flat panel surface mount fixtures. They are ceiling fixtures. I've got the set screw connectors, but thought on the ceiling the compression would look better.

I was just searching for hole saws, and saw this one available for $10 less than Home Depot for the same item.
Requires a road trip, but traveling that way with my very sick lab in a few days.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/IDEAL-7-8-in-Carbide-tipped-Arbored-Hole-Saw/3369114

Since nobody has any negative comments about those compression connectors I guess they are ok.

Yes they are fine & they do look better. That's why I was curious where you would be using them. If looks didn't matter or they were hidden i'd use the set-screw type but the compression will give you what you looking for.

A good hole saw or step bit will normally cost you about 30 bucks but if your not needing it but for a few holes i'd buy a cheap one. If you do go the hole saw route I would definitely pre-drill or you run a bigger risk of breaking or bending your arbor bit.

I think Lenox makes decent hole saws for the money jut FYI.

 

[Bert_]

Compression are fine, a little more expensive and take slightly longer to install. Neither will be a big deal in a DIY situation. If your doing it for looks I doubt anyone will notice the difference.

Compression is nice if you are doing long runs and want to **** a pull string though it, set screw coupling aren't airtight. Otherwise there isn't much reason to use them inside a building.

 

[Tmct]

Not any experience with the compression connections, but I do have a new Klein knockout tool set that I’d like to sell for Fairly cheap, PM me if you’re interested.

 

[PhysicsDude]

The only case I'd use compression connectors in my own garage is if I were running conduit outside. They're not worth the hassle inside; I would definitely use set-screw. Compression connectors and couplings do add a fair amount of labor to any project, and they're kind of a PITA, especially if you're not used to working with them.

I also wouldn't worry about using bushings. 90% of EMT installations don't have bushings.

If you just need to drill a few dozen holes in aluminum, buy a basic bi-metal hole saw or step bit. Harbor Freight step bits are like $10 and are pretty decent. No need to buy the $40 Klein one for home use. I'd use a 1/4" or 3/16" pilot bit so you don't wear out the point of the step bit or hole saw arbor bit.

Might be worth your while to buy a hole saw kit. Hole saws are like 3X the price when you buy them separate. For $50-$80 you can get a kit with about 10 sizes. I'd recommend something like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0017WOBL4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[alfredeneuman]

I am going to order connectors, and found these are available with the bushing already built in.

Do they pass muster ?

The insulated throat fittings serve as bushings, but insulated bushings are only required on EMT sized 1-1/4" or larger that contain conductors #4 or larger.

The smaller fittings can be used without anything as they have the proper rounded edge.

 

[rkevins]

I have never used that brand hole cutter but have used one and they work great it was carbide tipped and cut many holes

 

[PoorOwner]

I would say there is benefit for a DIY to use set screw. You just put the set screw connector onto the knock out, insert the EMT onto the connector, tighten the lock nut, then finally tighten set screw. They allow a little bit of misalignment.

With the compression your bends need to be perfect, length needs to be perfect, at least with the outside versions they have a gasket so it has a little more "give" if it's SLIGHTLY off. The one you listed are not rated for outside though.

 

[BFBOB]

Klein 7/8 carbide hole saw. $35 a at home Depot. Works great lasts long, but you have to be a little gentle with it. No hammer drilling!

 

[dogdog]

Klein 7/8 carbide hole saw. $35 a at home Depot. Works great lasts long, but you have to be a little gentle with it. No hammer drilling!

I have that one too, great carbide hole drill... the handful of time I used it , it cuts a very clean hole....

if you are to buy a punch set, Greenlee ones are very good, I think you can just get the 7.8 alone for about the same price as the carbide hole saw... don't go for the HF set unless you are doing one offs.

 

[tonyprovo723]

You mention the fixtures are ribbed on the inside, how thick are they? Most connectors set screw or compression are only going to have a thread depth for maybe an 1/8th inch.

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

 

[smalltown]

Tony I won't know about the thickness until the test fixtures arrive next week.

 

[DieselNut88]

Those connectors are good. I have used them. Why not regular compression fittings? Those are overkill for your application. I have the greenlee carbide hole saws and they are the best. They will only drill through about 3/8” of material though.

 

[matt_i]

Bridgeport Fittings makes beautiful EMT fittings machined from tube rather than squashed in a press. More money but the look is much nicer. Also made in USA.

https://www.bptfittings.com/store/connector-set-screw-made-in-the-usa-steel-size-3-4-inch.html

I believe they also offer a raintight EMT compression fitting when I was looking in the catalog.