** Installing new gauges in my new dash ? **

scottsnyder

Cadet
Joined
May 3, 2005
Messages
17
I am building a new dash for my center console, and I bought new gauges to install. For the smaller gauges, I am planing on cutting the hole using a 2-1/8" hole saw - no problem. I will have 4 of these smaller gauge holes. I also bought a new Tach, and the instructions state to cut a 3-13/32" hole. How am I supposed to do that?? These are new Teleflex (Driftwood) gauges, and I would think the sizes were standardized, but I cannot find any hole saw that size. I guess I can use a 3-3/8" hold saw, and just grind it out a little larger??? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
 

rickdb1boat

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jan 23, 2002
Messages
11,195
Re: ** Installing new gauges in my new dash ? **

Holesaw or a Jigsaw with a fine-toothed blade will work, too...
 

ricksrster

Commander
Joined
Jun 19, 2005
Messages
2,022
Re: ** Installing new gauges in my new dash ? **

I used a sabre saw and carefuuly cut the circle on my dash. It was a very good fit.
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
Re: ** Installing new gauges in my new dash ? **

There are adjustable hole cutters available at virtually any store that sells tools. These are not round saws. They have two legs. One chucks in the drill. A cutter is attached to a beam. The distance between the chucked leg and cutter x2 is the hole diameter. They work well and will easily cut a six inch hole. They are about 10 bucks.
 

Reel Poor

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jan 29, 2005
Messages
5,522
Re: ** Installing new gauges in my new dash ? **

I use these alot. Get the hole close, then clean up the rest with the Drum Rasp. Works great in a high speed drill.<br /><br />Avaliable at most all home improvement stores.<br /><br />Rotary Drum Rasp
 

Realgun

Commander
Joined
Jul 31, 2003
Messages
2,484
Re: ** Installing new gauges in my new dash ? **

Try the 3 and 3/8th saw first with the guage. If it fits great if not the just sand the edge a bit. Mine was a very tight fit but a wee bit O'sand worked fine.
 

scottsnyder

Cadet
Joined
May 3, 2005
Messages
17
Re: ** Installing new gauges in my new dash ? **

Thanks for your help everyone... I ended up using a 3-3/8" hole saw, and just sanded it a bit until it fit. The new gauges look sweet - cant wait to get out on the water. Thanks again for the great tips on this board.
 
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