Cutting holes in plastic trim

[bootsam]

What do people recommend? Do those cone drills work on trim? I'm installing some USB points in each B-Pillar plastic trim. I went to my hole cutting set and found exactly the one in need is fubar. I cannot even recall doing it, plus its the only one thats ever been used. Cheap set in plastic box. Prob £5.99. Bought so long ago, I can't remember. Anyway, since I have to purchase another to cut an 29-30mm (ish) hole I thought I'd enquire. May as well buy a half decent one.

 

[Niknak]

I use a hole cutter which is like a punch hard to explain drill pilot hole put cup onside and punch other and pull through with a bolt back in the day they were referred to as Ariel cutters for body work

 

[Niknak]

Like this

 

[Niknak]

Different sizes obviously

 

[Jay]

I used a cheap step drill on my gloss trims. Worked really well. Set of three from tool station.

 

[Niknak]

Each to their own I prefer the type I showed no mess and extremely clean cut

 

[Paynewright]

Another vote for cone cutters. I’ve used them in all materials. I have the taper variety rather than stepped so with thicker materials to finish off, I run the cutter from the back so the hole isnt tapered.

Last time I used them was fitting USB sockets in the plastic kick boards of the front seats.

Ian

 

[bootsam]

I opted for niknaks suggestion. I need a 28.5mm hole and a cutter comes in 28.3mm, which along with my dremel is close enough. But nice to know those cones work on trim.

 

[Niknak]

Cones do work but I find them messy and being pedantic with engineering background if I want a hole I don’t want it tapered unless it’s meant to be

 

[Paynewright]

If you’re cutting the same size hole over and over then the proper cutter is best.

The cone cutter is infinitely variable and the ones I have cut holes up to 32mm. You do have to be careful with them as they cut fast and can wander so not without risk. As an enthusiast, I couldnt afford to have £22 of cutter for every hole size I might need to cut, sat in the tool box.

I have a cheap hole saw kit but would only use these on plastic as a last resort. Wood and plasterboard only!

Ian