On May 25, 7:57*pm, (Doug Miller) wrote:
I need to put a 3/4" diameter hole in the front of my kitchen range hood.
Never mind why -- that's kind of involved. It's stainless steel, about 20ga,
and it would be a real PITA to dismount it and take it anywhere. I really need
to make the hole with the unit in place.

What's the best tool to use for that job?

Picture hehttp://www.maytag.com/catalog/produc...at=7&prod=1478

If you have access to the back side, a chassis punch is the tool,
otherwise you'll have to use something like a step drill. If you can
back the metal up with a block of wood, a hole saw might do it. Or a
nibbler, if you don't mind doing some filing for cleanup. I'd put
tape down over a wide area before trying anything, though. Saves
having oopsies that will haunt you as long as the thing is installed.
If you drill, use a slow-speed drill. Just thought of another
alternative, 1/4" air die grinder with a carbide rasp bit, used one on
an electrical box where I didn't have punch or much of anything else.
Would take a steady hand. Was fast. Mark out the diameter on the
tape, punch a 1/4" hole in the center and have at it.

Stan