IP 55 Enclosure from screwfix! code 33991

[HappyHippyDad]

I have just used 11 of these boxes with SWA terminations

They are awful and I dont want someone else to have the same problems I did.

They seem ok, quite sturdy and the price attracts you, however one or two of the screws snapped when doing up the front cover and then MANY more snapped when undoing to test. This leaves a snapped screw in the box which you either have to remove and rebore or provide a new box (both options being a right pain). This happened to 5 of the 11 boxes.

The reason I am writing is because screwfix is the biggest seller to electricians on this site (according to the poll). Screwfix themselves are great, but I would strongly recommend against this product.

IP55 Enclosure Grey 85 x 75 x 65mm | Weatherproof Enclosures | Screwfix.com

 

[shanky887614]

Or a hand deburrer for sheet metal you can pick up cheap ones for a quid or 2 or spend a tenner and have one which will last, "Swiss" are pretty good

half round file every time for me.

i use mine on everything, unistrut,conduit (hiding scuff marks),tray,trunking,basket etc

 

[Corbs]

? use a knife to get rid of the swarf.

pilot drill it first though

lol when i tried it the box ended up in 4 pieces lol

 

[edexlab]

I used it previously in engineering job so took it along in industrial jobs I mostly use it when I use holesaws , which to be honest is usually on plastic as I'll use punches for any glands I put in a metal enclosure as the hole is always perfect with virtually no burrs

 

[shanky887614]

lol when i tried it the box ended up in 4 pieces lol

lol what were you doing lol?

be gentle and you wont smash it, drill at a low speed and light pressure

 

[edexlab]

Have to say I've never seen anyone use a drill bit intended for wood on a plastic box

 

[shanky887614]

I used it previously in engineering job so took it along in industrial jobs I mostly use it when I use holesaws , which to be honest is usually on plastic as I'll use punches for any glands I put in a metal enclosure as the hole is always perfect with virtually no burrs

what punches are you talking about? do they work in stainless?

 

[edexlab]

"Q max sheet metal punches" is one make can't put up a link or pic sorry but they're on ebay 20mm approx £6
I've got a set 20-22.5-25-30-40-50 mm
I think you could use them on stainless but only thin gauge like on a db otherwise you'd ruin the cutting edges

 

[Corbs]

lol what were you doing lol?

be gentle and you wont smash it, drill at a low speed and light pressure

think my cone cutter is a bit nasty eats through anything lol might have to get a cheap on for plastics will get a pic for you

 

[shanky887614]

think my cone cutter is a bit nasty eats through anything lol might have to get a cheap on for plastics

on the brittle boxes ill always use a clean holesaw, there too easy to shatter otherwise

 

[edexlab]

If you've not seen them before you drill a pilot hole then run a 10mm/13mm drill ,the punches are in two halves, separate them one end has a screw which goes thru the hole screw on the other side and tighten with a hex key/ratchet with hex socket, until it cuts thru and drops out
Its a bit slower but you get a perfect hole and they last for years!
Ps don't forget to remove the slug as my old apprentice did, he complained it was jammed .......never removed the slugs 5 of them
I just said "where did you think the metal from the holes had gone to?"

 

[davesparks]

Q max punches are the dogs danglies!

 

[shanky887614]

If you've not seen them before you drill a pilot hole then run a 10mm/13mm drill ,the punches are in two halves, separate them one end has a screw which goes thru the hole screw on the other side and tighten with a hex key/ratchet with hex socket, until it cuts thru and drops out
Its a bit slower but you get a perfect hole and they last for years!
Ps don't forget to remove the slug as my old apprentice did, he complained it was jammed .......never removed the slugs 5 of them
I just said "where did you think the metal from the hole had gone to?"

ill have a look, we tend to put at least 4 2" bushes between our headers and the panel

 

[Corbs]

on the brittle boxes ill always use a clean holesaw, there too easy to shatter otherwise

 

[edexlab]

I love them they are slower to use but you get a perfect hole everytime, also if the pilot hole is slightly off you can run a bigger drill thru and move the punch where you want it

 

[shanky887614]

I love them they are slower to use but you get a perfect hole everytime, also if the pilot hole is slightly off you can run a bigger drill thru and move the punch where you want it

have you tried it with an impact driver? i would use some cutting spray though