Cutting tool for dash mounted gauge

noserider · 03-30-2017, 01:00 AM

Guys

I'm waiting on my battery monitor gauge to arrive by mail. I need some advice on what tool to use to cut the dash. I have a Harbor Freight nearby but not sure if the dremel will give me the cutting blade I need. I watched a video where a guy outlined the gauge, drilled a pilot hole and then used what looked like a very small flat blade on a dremel to cut the hole. Any advise on what tool I need?

Kashmir · 03-30-2017, 04:42 AM

You can use a Dremel on the long sides, just start in the middle and get the wheel through. After that, you can use a utility knife, it takes a bit, but it will work. Cut small and "trim" your way up until the gauge fits nice and tight.

mrgolf · 03-30-2017, 06:23 AM

Multi tool.

meimk · 03-30-2017, 06:46 AM

I use a Dremel for all kinds of things. With a spiral saw bit (looks kind of like a drill bit) you can cut anything you could draw with a pencil. I found these looking a Home Depot, but they're available everywhere.

Kashmir · 03-30-2017, 06:48 AM

^ Those are cool, but you have to be careful. They can get out of control very quickly and mess up everything.

Go ahead.....ask me how I know...

Sergio · 03-30-2017, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kashmir

^ Those are cool, but you have to be careful. They can get out of control very quickly and mess up everything.

Go ahead.....ask me how I know...

I agree, cutting on a counter clockwise direction helps with the control.

I think the multitool with the flat blade works well for plastic.

55BigBlock · 03-30-2017, 07:13 AM

When I installed mine I made a template out of an index card and used it to mark the dash. I then carefully scored it with a sharp utility knife. I then continued to score it until it cut through. I thought I would have to use my dremel but the material was soft enough the knife worked fine. Patience, my friend, patience. The flange is not very big so there is not much room for error.

Kashmir · 03-30-2017, 07:17 AM

^ what he said.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

dundeebarnbuggy · 03-30-2017, 07:20 AM

I drilled the corners of the hole and just used a cut off wheel in a dremel. Easy to control and cuts straight. 5 minutes tops.

caokgafamily · 03-30-2017, 07:20 AM

You can chain drill it with a small drill bit then break it out. I used a small flat file and a pocket knife to clean it up.

03-30-2017, 01:00 AM	#1
noserider Gone Wild Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Houston Posts: 391	Cutting tool for dash mounted gauge Guys I'm waiting on my battery monitor gauge to arrive by mail. I need some advice on what tool to use to cut the dash. I have a Harbor Freight nearby but not sure if the dremel will give me the cutting blade I need. I watched a video where a guy outlined the gauge, drilled a pilot hole and then used what looked like a very small flat blade on a dremel to cut the hole. Any advise on what tool I need?

03-30-2017, 04:42 AM	#2
Kashmir Gone Wild Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 1,354	Re: Cutting tool for dash mounted gauge You can use a Dremel on the long sides, just start in the middle and get the wheel through. After that, you can use a utility knife, it takes a bit, but it will work. Cut small and "trim" your way up until the gauge fits nice and tight.

03-30-2017, 06:23 AM	#3
mrgolf Old Sky Soldier Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,881	Re: Cutting tool for dash mounted gauge Multi tool.

03-30-2017, 06:46 AM	#4
meimk Gone Wild Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Northern Indiana Posts: 2,827	Re: Cutting tool for dash mounted gauge I use a Dremel for all kinds of things. With a spiral saw bit (looks kind of like a drill bit) you can cut anything you could draw with a pencil. I found these looking a Home Depot, but they're available everywhere.

03-30-2017, 06:48 AM	#5
Kashmir Gone Wild Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 1,354	Re: Cutting tool for dash mounted gauge ^ Those are cool, but you have to be careful. They can get out of control very quickly and mess up everything. Go ahead.....ask me how I know...

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03-30-2017, 07:13 AM	#7
55BigBlock Gone Wild Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: NC/SC Posts: 1,012	Re: Cutting tool for dash mounted gauge When I installed mine I made a template out of an index card and used it to mark the dash. I then carefully scored it with a sharp utility knife. I then continued to score it until it cut through. I thought I would have to use my dremel but the material was soft enough the knife worked fine. Patience, my friend, patience. The flange is not very big so there is not much room for error.

03-30-2017, 07:17 AM	#8
Kashmir Gone Wild Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 1,354	Re: Cutting tool for dash mounted gauge ^ what he said. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

03-30-2017, 07:20 AM	#9
dundeebarnbuggy Gone Wild Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Dundee quebec Posts: 3,190	Re: Cutting tool for dash mounted gauge I drilled the corners of the hole and just used a cut off wheel in a dremel. Easy to control and cuts straight. 5 minutes tops.

03-30-2017, 07:20 AM	#10
caokgafamily Gone Wild Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Ga Posts: 740	Re: Cutting tool for dash mounted gauge You can chain drill it with a small drill bit then break it out. I used a small flat file and a pocket knife to clean it up.

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