Are there any alternatives to tank cutters?
Are there any alternatives to tank cutters? |
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Nowadays, tank cutters are not the first tool of choice for plumbers and other tradesmen who need to cut circular holes.
One reason for this is that the cutting blade can sometimes have trouble cutting through material. |
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Hole saws |
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Instead, hole saws are more frequently used.
A hole saw is a cylindrical steel saw with teeth running around its circumference. |
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Compared to the tank cutter, hole saws are a lot easier to use. The pressure exerted by the hole saw during use is evenly distributed on the material being cut as a result of the teeth running around the tool.
When the tool is installed in an electrical drill, it is able to cut a much cleaner round hole than a tank cutter. |
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However, hole saws are not as versatile as tank cutters, as they can not be adjusted to cut holes of different sizes. A variety of different-sized hole saws would be needed to cut holes with different diameters.
Hole saws can be bought as sets or individually and are fairly inexpensive. |
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Flat bits |
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Although primarily intended for woodwork, flat bits can also be used to cut through thin plastic.
Flat bits are available in a range of sizes. from 8mm in diameter to 32mm. The size of the flat bit you will require will depend upon the diameter of the hole you want to cut. |
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To cut small circular holes in plastic water tanks, some plumbers use flat bits with an electric power drill.
As flat bits are inexpensive, they are very popular with tradesmen. |
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