ECN Forum Forums Photo Discussion Forums Photos for General Discussion Repair of a Damaged Knock-Out

We've all had it happen. We're quite happily making just the right hole in just the right place, when one of those pre-punched KO's breaks free. We're left with a big hole to fix.

It often looks something like this:



There are a number of reasons we don't want to leave that hole open. If nothing else, we don't want a colony of wasps to set up housekeeping in the panel.

How do you fix such problems?

Bolt a galvanized blank cover over the hole and punch the new hole where you need it.

[quote=renosteinke]



How do you fix such problems?

Reno,

Try one of these:




Bill

Ha! I love it Bill.

Our trade has all manner of special parts: batwings, battleship clips, azholes ..... what we need is more 'Mickey Mouse' stuff!

BTW, I'm honored ... I don't think I've ever seen Bill respond to a picture thread!

Yes, It's been awhile...

I couldn't resist this one

If it's not that bad, I use reducer washers.

I was surprised to learn that the parts house actually had reducing washers for 2-1/2" pipe. I was also pleased when I was able to trim the washers with my aviation snips. Here's the result:



Now, this is not the first time I've had to deal with this issue. I was hoping for a better solution - or, perhaps, some trick to prevent it from happening in the first place.

The longer I'm in the trade, the less I like those pre-punched KO's!

Reno,
Prepunched k.o.'s probably cost more labor time over the years than any other annoying thing. Most electricians would agree with you that they offer little benefit especially when using strut to support conduits.

The handiest method to blank off k.o.'s I have found is to use a 4" square blank or other piece of code gage metal bolted over the knockout. Good idea on the reducing washer too!

Yes, the 'donuts' (reducing washers) sure help. I even had 3" to 1/2" floating in the shop.

Here, we call the reducing washers chinese money.

BTW.. your fix is the same way I would do it.

~Matt