using a patress

[ultimatehandyman]

What is the best way to cut/ drill a patress?

I have had varied sucess with doing this and on some occassions I have cracked the bloomin thing, is there an easier way to cut or drill them?

Thanks

[tim'll fix it]

i'd love to know, I have tried stanley knives, knocking the bits out, snips, pliers, hacksaw. But I always end up smashing the damn things, my tip is if you need one buy two

[markysparky]

There are 2 types. PVC and plastic. Plastic ones are normally used with trunking and PVC ones are for surface mounted pvc conduit which normally have knockout holes on them.

I assume UHM that you've been trying to drill plastic patresses? Best way is to use a hacksaw to cut straight down on each side of the area you want to remove. Then use a pair of snips or pliers to do so.

PVC patresses you can drill out with no problems

Hope this helps!

[ultimatehandyman]

I have not used one for years to be honest but on occassions I have cut down two sides with a hacksaw and then used pliers to remove the piece in between, but every now and again the damn thing breaks a huge hole in the patress.

Luckily the trunking has always covered the hole, but just wondered what the experts did.

I only ever tried drilling one once and it made a right mess

Thanks Markysparky

[markysparky]

Just like to add.... when cutting down each side of the area you want to remove. Make sure you cut down at least an inch down the back of the box (the part that goes against the wall) It makes it easier to get the cables in.

You can get pvc boxes with special inserts on them for trunking with a triangular insert which goes into the box at the end. Very neat job and much quicker too.

[ultimatehandyman]

Cheers for that, I'll have a look next time I am in the electrical shop!

Thanks

chez