Is there a clever way to mark holes?

[8ob]

I got a set of them after a recommendation on here (might have been @Brad93 ?). Just been using them this weekend. I found that a 6mm transfer punch won’t go inside a m6 tapped hole though ….

That would need to be 5mm or smaller.


Got a couple of sets of these hole transfer punches many moons ago, metric and imperial. They were on special from one of the suppliers catalogues at the time for about £10. They get a lot of use.

 

[chrismac]

That would need to be 5mm or smaller.


Got a couple of sets of these hole transfer punches many moons ago, metric and imperial. They were on special from one of the suppliers catalogues at the time for about £10. They get a lot of use.

View attachment 433889

I have just come across these and am considering if I should click buy in now, they have to be handy. you got them for a good price

 

[Gragson]

I've got the same set with the sturdy metal holder as pictured, arceurotrade are doing them for 20, think I paid about the same. Really handy.
The ones to the right are a different variation that slides into the cup of the hole - not as accurate IMHO.



Good tip from Bob is to use them to mark a witness, then get a good mark with a normal punch to save the transfers.

 

[Trevorleach]

Would something like this be of help, maybe I have miss interpreted your set up though.

Pardon our interruption...

Never knew they existed.

 

[julianf]

Can someone explain how the transfer punch set works, please?

 

[sako243]

Think of it as a self-aligning centre punch. Doesn't do what you're asking I don't think but they're used for reasonably accurately finding the centre of an existing hole.

 

[julianf]

Ball bearings. place in current holes, place new sheet over top, tap with hammer.
if you dont want to hit hard use some engineers blue on areas where you know holes are roughly.
Should get a nice little imprint of where hole is, but depends on how thick old part and new part is and how accurate you need locations?

This is a great answer (for me) -

Can place bearings (can even grease them so they stick if need be) and then give the job a tap.

Thank you. That's the sort of "trick" I was hoping someone would present!

 

[julianf]

Think of it as a self-aligning centre punch. Doesn't do what you're asking I don't think but they're used for reasonably accurately finding the centre of an existing hole.

Ok, right, I can understand that. I got confused as I thought someone might be answering my question...

: )

 

[Kram]

I have never found a need for long transfer punches, so never bought any. The transfer screws and blind points work for me.

Arceuro sell what appears to be a neat set of screw points with a hex on them for insertion/removal.

https://www.arceurotrade.co.uk/Catalogue/Measurement/Punches-Scribes/Transfer-Screws

The also do a set of blind shouldered points for untapped holes, like the ones my previous photo but the set only has one if each size and too many sizes. Really you need 4 of each to mark something out efficiently, and I havent had any need for them above 12mm.

An alternative, the same thing is used by woodists for marking dowels

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Center-Liwein-Woodwork-Woodworking-Alignment/dp/B08KZXN3Y8/

 

[500e]

@Beanwood View attachment 433883
Aircraft tool，hole transfer tool about 16£ for sheet metal work

Another name is strap duplicator, there are 2 versions and different lengths, pin diameters.

 

[chrismac]

This is a great answer (for me) -

Can place bearings (can even grease them so they stick if need be) and then give the job a tap.

Thank you. That's the sort of "trick" I was hoping someone would present!

would the ball bearing give you the accuracy your needing? I can only imagine its going to be a pretty dull point, although a good idea, there is every possibility the transfer punches will give a more accurate dab location to start drilling from, or have I wandered form the objective.

 

[julianf]

would the ball bearing give you the accuracy your needing? I can only imagine its going to be a pretty dull point, although a good idea, there is every possibility the transfer punches will give a more accurate dab location to start drilling from, or have I wandered form the objective.

The transfer punches are not a solution for the problem outlined in my initial post.

 

[Chippie]

I got a set of them after a recommendation on here (might have been @Brad93 ?). Just been using them this weekend. I found that a 6mm transfer punch won’t go inside a m6 tapped hole though ….

You need an Imperial set then……

 

[chrismac]

The transfer punches are not a solution for the problem outlined in my initial post.

certainly not promoting them even if it sounds like it, I dont own a set yet.......

 

[julianf]

if there's not good access to the other side?

Just a reminder of the critical information in my initial post.

The ball bearings, the odd looking sterilization device, the the wood workers things off Amazon would all work. Thank you.

 

[Beanwood]

I like the ball bearing approach- as long as the holes are on the flat. Cheap and cheerful.

 

[Keithmac]

So I have a sheet of metal, about 350mm x 500mm that's to be bolted down to pre existing holes.

The hole spacing isn't sensible. And some are m8 and some are spire clips (#6 or #8 I think).

Is there any special engineers trick that I don't know of to mark out the holes, if there's not good access to the other side?

At present I'm thinking of turning some m8 studding into points and doing it that way. I've not got a plan for the spire clips yet.

Thank you.

I had a piece that required M6 holes transferring. The kit came with the same thing you have suggested (threaded fasteners with a pointed tip).

It worked a treat!.

I have seen stumpy Transfer Punches that would do the same job.

 

[Gragson]

Just a reminder of the critical information in my initial post.

Yes but the mig forum unstoppable trend to diverge, more often than not, will throw up "other" interesting solutions - which will have f/a to do with the OP long may it continue, and can always be pulled straight or ignored.

 

[8ob]

How about a bit of cardboard and ballpein hammer and take a rubbing. Like gasket making, then transpose that onto the new sheet

Bob