Best tool for cutting speaker holes?

[Rhino2013]

Hey there,

I'm planning to install a stereo and speakers in my 97 Challenger, what's the best tool to cut the holes for the deck and speakers?

Thanks,

Ryan

 

[LouDoo]

Depending on how much access you have I would either use a roto-zip or a dremel.

Lou

 

[camelpak]

I used a spiral (dewalt version of the rotor-zip)saw for the deck.
I used a hole saw for the speakers - perfect round hole everytime & you can get a cheap set at harbor freight for under $20.

 

[bigJake]

I have the cheap set of hole saws from HF and they don't cut well at all. I've tried using them a couple times in a drill press, they just generate a lot of smoke and burn their way thru wood. might do better on fiberglass?? I have a 3" and a 4" from Milwaukee and they are great. A bit expensive but really nice. I got mine about 15 years ago for about $10 each, twice that price now,

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-4-in-Bi-Metal-Hole-Saw-49-56-9645/202327761

 

[Rhino2013]

Thanks for all the relies guys, really appreciate it. I have a Dremel tool, will go and get some bits and use that as suggested for the hole for the deck. I also hadn't thought of using a whole saw for the speakers, a have a set and will use them for sure.

Thanks again!

 

[RFoster130]

For speaker holes the harbor freight hole saw cuts like butter. The 5" is perfect for most 6.5 speakers. For bigger holes, i start with the hole saw and then open them up with a dremel or roto zip. For even bigger holes the size for 10" subs, i use the hole saw to get started then use a jig saw to make em bigger. With the hole saw, make sure to use a regular corded drill. Cordless doesnt cut it.

 

[camelpak]

For speaker holes the harbor freight hole saw cuts like butter. The 5" is perfect for most 6.5 speakers. For bigger holes, i start with the hole saw and then open them up with a dremel or roto zip. For even bigger holes the size for 10" subs, i use the hole saw to get started then use a jig saw to make em bigger. With the hole saw, make sure to use a regular corded drill. Cordless doesnt cut it.

100% agree on the corded drill part - I use a 1/2" dewalt for the hole saw. For the larger speakers - my dewalt spiral saw has a circle attachment - you drill a pilot hole in the center, set the radius on the attachment & then it's almost as simple as scribing a cirlce with a compass. Been using this tools for years on fiberglass & wood to build sub enclosures. Perfect round hole everytime. Only drawback - if you apply too much pressure when cutting the circle - you"ll break some bits, so buy extras. I can get impatient, so it ussually takes me a couple bits per sub hole.

Another good large hole tool is a router: you can buy a circle jig for them & a cutting blade. I have found this works great for working on a sub enclosure in the shop, but when cutting directly on the boat - the set up is a little large & you may not have the clearance needed.

 

[camelpak]

For speaker holes the harbor freight hole saw cuts like butter. The 5" is perfect for most 6.5 speakers. For bigger holes, i start with the hole saw and then open them up with a dremel or roto zip. For even bigger holes the size for 10" subs, i use the hole saw to get started then use a jig saw to make em bigger. With the hole saw, make sure to use a regular corded drill. Cordless doesnt cut it.

100% agree on the corded drill part - I use a 1/2" dewalt for the hole saw. For the larger speakers - my dewalt spiral saw has a circle attachment - you drill a pilot hole in the center, set the radius on the attachment & then it's almost as simple as scribing a circle with a compass. Been using this tools for years on fiberglass & wood to build sub enclosures. Perfect round hole everytime. Only drawback - if you apply too much pressure when cutting the circle - you"ll break some bits, so buy extras. I can get impatient, so it ussually takes me a couple bits per sub hole.

Another good large hole tool is a router: you can buy a circle jig for them & a cutting blade. I have found this works great for working on a sub enclosure in the shop, but when cutting directly on the boat - the set up is a little large & you may not have the clearance needed.