Any chance anyone knows where I can find a 4 5/8 hole saw? I need it for a guage I'm installing. I have a 5" and have found plenty of 4 1/2 but I can't seem to locate a 4 5/8 anywhere. Oddly enough a 3 5/8 is very common.

 

ivanribic...I looked in both Grainger and McMaster-Carr catalogs, and their hole saws go 4 1/2, 4 3/4, and 5. The 4 3/4 would give you a bit of slop, but the least amount.

There's a Grainger in Spokane Valley (if that's near you), number is 509-457-1518. Look at 4 3/4 p/n 4XJ12 $36.25 (w/o arbor) or 4XJ80 $57.95 (w/ arbor).

McMaster-Carr's number is 732-329-3200. They're in NJ and give excellent service, but a little pricier than Grainger's. They'll ship it within a few days.

Another option is Aircraft Tool Supply (do a web search, or call 800-248-0638) . They have an adjustable hole cutter that goes from 2" to 12" and good for up to 16 ga metal. P/N is HC1 at $52.95.

Good luck!!!

 

Thanks for the heads up Don! I'll give Grainger a call tomorrow. I'm thinking I may go to 4 1/2 and then use my mini drum sander attachment to open the hole up a bit. I'd rather have it snug then loose. Still trying to figure out why Autometer has decided to use this size.

 

Some alternatives you've probably already ruled out for one reason or another, but anyway:
saber saw
Dremel with cutoff wheel
Drill lots of holes, knock out center, then file to size.

 

Hole saws usually cut oversize. Try the 4.5" saw.

 

i was gonna say the 4 1/2" too, and if its small, sand it down a little bit

 

I would use the 4 1/2" then a 1/2 round file would clean it up in no time.

 

All,
If your cutting sheet metal, there is a common tool for cutting round holes any diameter up to 12" diameter. They are around $20 and you can get them at a heating/air conditioning distribution warehouse. I'll see if i can fing one and get you a path.
KingFisher

 

All,
Try this path and look on the third page.
http://gallery.bcentral.com/Gallery/...=181845&Page=3
It's $24.95 cuts up to a 6 1/2" hole.
Consider it,
KingFisher
http://www.malcotools.com/products/metalduct/hc1.htm

 

I have one of those. It works OK if you have a real slow drill press. You can't use one in a hand drill. Of course a 4.5" hole saw would be rather tough to use in a hand drill also.

 

Try your local plumbing supply house. Thats the standard size for a 4" drain/waste vent pipe opening. Most plumbers would use a selfeed or auger type bit since they're cutting wood but some do use hole saws and it shouldn't be too hard to find.

 

I'm cutting 1/4 polycarbonate. I'm not thinking that universal bit would cut it well which is why I want a good hole saw. I think I'll try the 4.5" and then use a little drum sanding bit on the Dremel to open the hole up a bit if need be. I'm going to wait for the speedometer to arrive so I can test fit as I go but the instructions specifically call for 4 5/8 and I know on my tach there's not much room for making too big a hole. Thanks for the help guys.

 

I have cut a lot of holes in polycarbonate and plexi with holesaws.