Punches & Dies
Punches and dies give clean, accurate holes in sheet metal, trunking or conduit. Built for trade work like electrical, HVAC and enclosure fabrication, these kits save time and give a pro finish on steel, aluminium or plastic panels.
What Are Punches & Dies Used For?
They’re paired tools — a die supports the back of the material while the punch drives through to create the cutout:
- Knockout Punches – Used for making holes in electrical panels and junction boxes.
- Hydraulic or Ratchet Kits – Provide mechanical advantage for cleaner, low-effort cuts.
- Die Sets – Matched to specific hole sizes (e.g. 20mm, 25mm, 32mm) for MCBs or trunking entries.
- Sheet Metal Punches – Create round, square or slot holes in thin gauge metal or composite boards.
Ideal For:
- Electricians fitting sockets, switches or conduit
- HVAC engineers creating access holes
- Fabricators working with enclosures or casing panels
- Installers cutting knockout holes for pipe or cable routing
Choosing the Right Punch & Die Kit
Accuracy, material thickness and punch style are key when selecting tools:
1. Hole Size
Choose a set with the correct die diameters for common cutouts — 20-32mm for conduit, or up to 63mm for larger entries.
2. Operation Type
Manual sets are compact and reliable. Hydraulic kits reduce fatigue and allow smoother punching through thicker materials.
3. Tool Compatibility
Some kits are designed for use with press tools or battery punchers — ideal for site work and volume installs.
Punches & Dies FAQs
What’s the difference between a punch and a knockout punch?
Knockout punches are a type of punch designed to remove round discs from metal enclosures — ideal for electrical work. Standard punches may vary in shape or size.
Can I use a punch set on stainless steel?
Yes — if it’s a heavy-duty set or hydraulic system. Lighter kits may struggle or wear quickly. Always check max thickness ratings.
Do punches need power tools?
Not always — manual ratchet kits are self-contained. Some can also be adapted for use with battery-powered hydraulic tools.
Are replacement dies available separately?
Yes — most brands sell replacement punches or dies by size, which is ideal for refilling worn parts or expanding your kit.
What size holes do I need for conduit?
Common sizes are 20mm, 25mm, and 32mm for electrical conduit. Always match the fitting spec to your punch set.
