Tools to mod case

mjallan123 · 7 Apr 2015 at 15:48

I'm looking for some tools to remove rivets and to create holes in my case.

Can anyone with experience tell me the tools they use for these jobs?

I ideally don't want to spend a tonne of money on these but I don't want to buy any cheap rubbish. Just some good quality tools that will get the job done well and no more.

Deathjester · 7 Apr 2015 at 16:08

I think for most basic mods you need:

General Mods
Drill
Hacksaw / Jigsaw
Sandpaper
Masking Tape (helps to be able to draw lines etc on your case to cut around)
Appropriate Bits / Blades#
Goggles (protect your eyes!!!)
Something to measure distances with.
Screw Drivers (obviously)
Alan keys

In addition personally I use a dremel for a lot of my work; but you don't NEED one.

acrylic tubing:
Heat gun
heat proof gloves

Sleeving
Lighter
Sharp Scissors

Wiring
Wire cutters
Soldering iron
Solder
Heat shrink

I've probably missed some stuff.

ttaskmaster · 7 Apr 2015 at 16:23

If you just want to drill out rivets and make small holes (say, up to 13mm) then a decent drill and metal bits will do fine.
If you're buying a cordless drill, I'd not suggest getting anything under 18V as you'll likely find other uses for it later.

Otherwise...
Dremel.
Dremel.
Dremel.
Dremel.
Dremel.
Maybe a Dremel, but I think you're safer getting a Dremel!!

Seriously though, I got the Dremel Rotary Tool 3000 just for a little light case modding. It was about £35 from B&Q.
Since getting it, it's come in handy for so much more around the house and seen far more use than I ever expected. One recommendation - Always buy the official Dremel end bits. Cheaper ones just don't seem to last any.

Other tools, depending on what you want to do:

Safety Glasses - Always.
Ruler, set square, tape measure
Tweezers
Set of Allen keys
Set of screwdrivers
Set of small hand files
Nibbler
Tin snips
Pliers (needle-nose and snub-nose)
Hole saw set including 120mm and 140mm - Essential if you're cutting holes for fans!

mjallan123 · 7 Apr 2015 at 16:24

Thanks, could you suggest any specific drills and drill bits please?

ttaskmaster · 7 Apr 2015 at 16:41

I bought a Black & Decker 18V Cordless one from B&Q. That's about all I can tell you for that. Their cheapy Ryko brand are pretty naff, while the Bosch is OK and the DeWalt is insanely expensive industrial grade stuff.
Most of them will be OK, TBH.

Drill bits - You generally get what you pay for. The own brand ones are made of cheese, so go for a set of at least reasonable price...

Deathjester · 8 Apr 2015 at 10:19

It's not going to help, but I use a Panasonic EY-7450-LS2S31; only issue is I think it's like £250.

Drill bits... buy Bosch / Makita or better; I agree with the above the own brand drill bits for metal are made of tinfoil (or cheese).
I have a pretty good set of Makita bits with included a screw driver / hex bits. It also had Metal / Wood and masonry drill bits and came to a total of about £20...
While I'm not going to link it something like this "Bosch X-Line Mixed Drill Bit Accessory Set, 50 Piece" is about £15 and should give you most of the bits etc you need (and a few extra for doing odd DIY jobs).

canuseemygrapes · 13 Apr 2015 at 00:03

step drill bits are a must for modding I think, 4-32mm. Get 3 in a box, mine are Bergen and cheep
sometimes an angle grinder/cutter will be needed. 4.5" or smaller

Sayso · 14 Apr 2015 at 06:49

Jigsaw for the bigger cuts, unless you want to spend a couple of hours with the drummer.
Rivet gun to put it back together might also help.