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Author:
nicholas123 (FL)
I can't find it anywhere. Every step bit I look at skips over this size although it is the standard hole size in a metal stud for a snap-on bushing. I really don't want to buy a $300 punch for the 30 or so holes I need to make. Not only that, the Greenlee 710 punch says it can only handle metal studs 2-1/2" and wider. My studs are only 1-5/8" wide.
I bought a step drill bit which includes the nearby 1-1/4" and 1-3/8" hole sizes, like most step bits. With the 1-3/8" hole I can snap-in a two-piece plastic bushing for electrical wires, but the bushing's hole is much too large to hold a 3/4" cpvc pipe steady. I'm concerned the loose fit will allow any water hammer to move the pipes around and eventually fatigue and damage some of the fittings...elbows, cpvc-to-copper transition fittings, etc.
Someone suggested that I stuff pipe foam insulation between the pipes and the inside of these large electrical bushings. I think that would work for awhile, but I think the foam would eventually wear away with all the pipe movement. Foam is very soft and much less durable than the hard plastic bushings.
I like the two-piece bushings because they don't need a precisely made hole in your stud like the one-piece bushings. The two pieces snap to each other, so the hole can be a little big. But, I can't find two-piece plumbing bushings.
I called a local rental place and they don't carry the Greenlee 710 punch or any other punch apparently.
I could buy an expensive 1-11/32" twist drill bit, but they don't do well in thin sheet metal. As soon as the bit penetrates the sheet metal it grabs and leaves a funny shaped hole.
I couldn't find a 1-11/32" hole saw either.
I am about to head to the plumbing supply store to see if they have any solutions, although I hate going there because they overcharge DIYers and hold back any advice. The big box stores are the opposite; cheap prices and plenty of dubious advice. Someone mentioned plumbing bushings held on with screws. More work, but maybe they'll have them.
I am not a plumber, so I don't have the experience to know when something is important. So, at my level I worry about everything. Your advice is really appreciated.
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Author:
Plumberpalmer (MA)
I always use Mickey Mouse clips and attach them with self tapping screws
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Author:
hj (AZ)
I have two Greenlee hole punches and they make hoes that fit all the inserts I have used for plumbing water lines.
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Author:
nicholas123 (FL)
Thank you, Palmer. That must be what HJ was talking about a long time ago. Your suggestion gave me an idea. The mickey mouse clips I saw were attached to the side of the stud like "Kilroy was here" looking over a wall. Instead, I can drop them into the hole like a regular snap-on bushing and use the screws to hold them in place. Hallelujah!
Edited 2 times.
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Author:
nicholas123 (FL)
Yes! I found a work-around for buying an expensive punch! Granted it's a little more work, but is perfect for low volume work.
Just buy a relatively inexpensive step drill bit and some screws.
[i93.photobucket.com]
The screw heads hold the bushing in place and there is plenty of metal just outside the hole for the screws to grip. Remember, I had to do this because I couldn't find a step bit with a 1-11/32" diameter. The one-piece snap-on bushings seem to need a precise hole. So I drilled a hole slightly bigger, 1-3/8", which was the largest size on my inexpensive step bit.
[i93.photobucket.com]
Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best!
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Author:
nicholas123 (FL)
Just to be fair, the plumbing supply guy was more helpful and friendly today. Maybe he had a bad day, or is more patient with me since I know a lot more than I did a year ago.
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