Projects hole saw

What is the standard size hole saws to use for Speedometer,Tachometer & oil pressure,Fuel,amp, and temp gauges? I don't want to screw up the dash.

 

Why not measure your gauges? That would be most accurate.

 

I have, and bought two, but two friends say I need the sizes just smaller than the ones I bought. So I need more info from some one who's done it, Have You?

 

Yes,I'd get one about 1/8 smaller and work your way up to a snug fit on a gauge. If you have a 2 1/2" gauge chances are your 2 1/2" hole saw will walk a little and give you a bigger hole making the gauge lose.

I guess it really depends how much you care?

 

Run a test hole with the saws you have on a s**** piece of metal or wood, and see how the gauges fit.

 

Ive never been good at using a hole saw with then having to try and make that hole bigger with the next size hole saw, it don't work unless you weld a backer in place to guide the pilot bit.

 

if the hole ends up too small use a half round file

 

The standard of the aftermarket gauge industry is 3 1/8 for the speedo and tach, and 2 1/16 for the others. But some race gauges are larger. I have both the 3 1/8 and 2 1/16 holesaws and they work fine. Drill a 1/4 inch center hole first then put a 1/4 inch piece of drill stock (or even a long 1/4 grade 8 bolt with the head and threads cut off) into the holesaw in place of the drill that comes with the arbor. That way it runs smoothly in the hole and gives you a more accurate cut.

Don

 

Thanks Don.
That's the type of info needed. I appreciate all the help.

Merry Christmas to everyone.

 

General tool sells a circle cutter that is adjustable to any size hole. I have used it in a drill press to make accurate holes. No experience with just a drill motor.
Good luck

 

I've used the drill blank method too, or with some hole saws you can turn the drill around and use the shank as the pilot.

Bob

 

For standard gauge size holes I order a 3 3/8" hole saw and either a 2 1/16" or 2 1/8" hole saw from McMaster Carr. I spot the center holes very carefully and drill them 1/4". On the hole saws I replace the pilot drill with a length of 1/4" drill rod that I also get from McMaster Carr. I have never had much luck finding the right sized hole saws in the local bid box stores. Anymore, if I need a hole saw for a project I get what I need from MacMaster Carr.

 

I'm lucky I suppose, I can get either Lennox or Starrett hole saws in local stores in any size I've needed... so far.

McMaster Carr usually has anything you need, I buy from them almost every week at work and have it within 2 days.

Bob

 

I stand corrected on the 3 1/8 size being the only standard tach/speedo size. Bib Overalls post reminded me that some are actually 3 3/8. I just looked in the Speedway catalog and they sell some in both sizes. I guess the only safe way is to measure your gauges before you buy the holesaw.

Don

 

i just finished making a four guage panel for my 50' with 2" guages. i used a 2" hole saw and it fit perfectly..

 

Great info !!!!