"DIY" Carto Punch

[kwcharlie]

i've been using THIS Robinair 40288 Line Piercing Valve for 3/16", 1/4", 5/16", 3/8" OD Tubing for a few weeks, works great, needle doesn't bend like the water-maker saddle valves.
don't mean to hijack this thread, the DYI discussed here is so KISS and a lot cheaper than this $16+ [=$20] AC valve, thanks to everyone posting here

 

[markfm]

Your posts are always good There's more than one way to DIY, I just wanted something alternate to the dremel and had come to dislike saddle valves after trying several. (my tries were short-lived with SV -- I quickly found both of the ones I ordered to be a PITA, immediately went back to the dremel until I came up with the hub)

 

[kwcharlie]

ya, me too and the LAST thing i wanted to admit was i couldn't follow Bovinia's instructions for using the hardware store saddle valve for ice makers, bent that sucker on the 2'ent hole i tried to punch, went back to the dremel tool myself till i remembered these from my former life as an AC repairman, it's actually used to access refrigerator lines that don't have service valves. they alwase leaked out for me if used on the high side

 

[zapped]

Youre looking for a 1/4 20 hanger bolt.Do a web search and you should be able to find them for fairly cheap.One side has a hardened machine screw and the other has a plain threaded end that you can attach a washer and a wing nut too.Fastenal carries part number 32709 and should be available locally.

 

[markfm]

We need the 1/4-20 on the pointed end, since the set screw hole is tapped 1/4-20. A classic 1/4-20 hanger bolt is 1/4-20 on the part that is flat face, but the screw portion is a different size.

(I poked around a lot before finding those auto mirror mounting screws My goal was to find a "buy" item, ready to use as-is.)

 

[Karla Lyle]

I just have to say this DIY punch is great!! I have never bought a $30 cato punch from an ecig vendor to compare it to but after using this I don't plan to. I love this thing and for $5. I really like how you can make the holes whatever size you need them too depending how far you screw it in. EXCELLENT idea mark!! Thanks so much. LOVE IT!

 

[Bovinia]

I'm still lovin mine too

 

[markfm]

Still using the first screw -- cartos are pretty thin wall.

 

[sidetrack]

Might want to check out this DIY carto punch as well.
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...ost-carto-hole-punch-best-punch-ive-used.html

 

[markfm]

Yes, the Deezdrama writeup, simple drilled block of wood and deck screw, sounds good, too Probably a 5/16" for the carto hole.

(I'll stick with mine, since I have it and I'm really spoiled by the two turns of the wrench, but DD's also looks nice, simple, cheap -- good DIY.)

 

[Bovinia]

I'm still using the first screw too Mark.

 

[KeysBum]

I'm still using the first screw too Mark.

I'm still using my first screw too. But, I sharpened it with my bench grinder and it works better than it ever did before sharpening.

 

[KeysBum]

Bovina gave me a like. I like Bovina!

 

[Bovinia]

Awww, well in that case I'll give ya another one

 

[markfm]

A vendor is carrying the little punch: Cartomizer Punch

$6 with two screws, basically at cost, very fair price. I have no relationship to them, but am glad to see someone carry this good, affordable, punch.

 

[Bovinia]

Very cool!

 

[r77r7r]

A vendor is carrying the little punch: Cartomizer Punch

$6 with two screws, basically at cost, very fair price. I have no relationship to them, but am glad to see someone carry this good, affordable, punch.

Cartomizer Punch

new link.

 

[markfm]

Thanks for posting the new link

 

[arkador]

Still using my first screw, it is still quite sharp, and no where near needing to be replaced (about 60 cartos have been punched)

the guys at work use my punch rather than their saddle valves. Friday at lunch is carto Punch day. the tank ecig guys meet in the lunch room and pass my carto punch around.

Not sure if i posted this, but no tool is needed, fingers can easily turn the screw to complete the punch.

 

[zerominusone]

Here's one I made a few weeks ago. Cost = free 'cuz I already had all the stuff. Works better/easier than the one I bought for $6 :

EDIT: I made the carto punch, not the Provari (hehehe)