|
Both a step drill bit and a knockout punch seem to be very similar, in that they both make holes in a metal box. The step drill seems to have an advantage, since it can make several size holes using a single bit. What are the major differences between the two? |
||||
|
|
|
A knockout punch is typically capable of going through thicker metal - at the very least, it will do it faster. A quick search easily finds knock-out punches that can do 10 gauge steel, where most step bits don't seem like they'd do well beyond 16 gauge (though I can't find anything that really says the limit). For thin metal though, the step drill bit is probably faster, if for no other reason than the setup/tear-down time of the punch (eg, after you punch the hole, you still have to unscrew the punch). Knockout punch:
Step drill:
|
||||
|
