Front accessory socket

[Deleted account W]

I used a hole cutter - not the type like a saw blade bent into a cirlce, but a conical shaped rotating blade type thing.

I always called them cone cutters, used them when I was on the tools as an electrician. Just bought a stepped one, very useful bit of kit

 

[ianm00]

Mouse,

Thanks for that. Did you mean a cutter something like this:

http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro.jspts=52147&id=15976

When fitted is the plastic beak section strong enough to withstand pulling in/out the socket? I know with cig socket the fitting can be tight and the plastic beak section doesn't feel as though it is well supported in that area.

Thanks again

Ian

 

[ianm00]

Whatton,

You answered my question before I had chance to answer!

Thanks

Ian

 

[Fanum]

Ian......use a conical hole cutter.

Files can be messy and irregular, and cylindrical hole cutters can leave a ragged edge, but a conical will make a nice neat round hole.

I use them a lot for fitting control buttons in stainless and plastic and they're the kiddie for the job.

put a marker pen dot where you want the centre, put an inch of masking tape over it (to stop the drill skating off across the plastic) then drill a 2 mil pilot hole (even if you get one of the conicals shown below, drilling with a 2 mil bit first will be better).

Then go ahead with the conical cutter.

I've used conical ones before but unless you're at exactly 90 degrees you can get a few tenths of a mil bihgger than the step, and TBH you want the hole a fraction smaller for a tight fit anyway, so maybe stck to an unstepped cutter.

PS check behind first.......DAMHIK

 

[ianm00]

Thanks for the advice guys. I need to buy the BMW wiring kit first & also a cone cutter.

Ian

 

[zxrcy]

Outlet

Buy Touratechs front instrument panel it has an outlet built into it and you can add another. Saves cutting holes in the bodywork.