AMZCNC Manual Knockout Hole Punch Driver Kit 1/2 to 2 inch Electrical Conduit Hole Cutter Set KO Tool Kit ((Conduit Hole Size) 1/2"~2" Knockout Punch kit)

Why I reached for this kit

A recent solar combiner build had me punching a mix of 1-inch and 1-1/4-inch conduit knockouts in wireways and enclosures—mild steel, some stainless, plus a couple of plastic boxes. I brought the AMZCNC knockout kit along as a compact alternative to my hydraulic set, mostly to keep the weight down and because access was tight. Over a few days of field use and shop testing, this manual kit proved more capable than I expected, with a few smart touches and the usual manual-punch trade-offs.

What you get and how it’s built

The kit includes six dies sized for standard conduit trade sizes: 1/2, 3/4, 1, 1-1/4, 1-1/2, and 2 inch. You also get two draw studs (one for the smaller dies and one for the larger), a long-handled ratcheting wrench, and a plastic case that keeps everything organized. The punches, studs, and ratchet are forged from 5140 steel and heat-treated to HRC48. In practice, that hardness hits a good balance: the cutting edges resist rolling and stay sharp, while the studs don’t feel brittle under load.

Published capacity is 1/8 inch for steel and 1/16 inch for stainless. Those numbers track with my results. On mild steel up to 1/8 inch, the kit cuts cleanly. On stainless at the 1/16-inch limit, you’ll work harder—especially at 1-1/4 inch and above—but the dies will do it if you stick to good technique and use lubricant.

The case is compact and light. It’s not indestructible, but the molded pockets actually hold the dies well, and the footprint is small enough to live in a job bag without being annoying.

Setup and use: the basics that matter

• Mark your center and drill a pilot hole to fit the draw stud for the die you’re using. A step bit makes this quick and leaves a tidy hole.
• Assemble the punch and die on either side of the work, thread the draw stud through, and seat the dies squarely.
• Lubricate both the draw stud threads and the die’s cutting edge. Oil or paste wax helps; cutting fluid is better on stainless.
• Use the included long-handle ratcheting wrench to tighten. The ratchet direction changes easily and the handle length provides real leverage without feeling unwieldy.

As the cut progresses you can feel a steady increase in torque, then a distinct “break” as the slug drops. That tactile feedback is one reason I like manual punches—there’s less risk of over-driving and damaging threads. Do keep a magnet or pliers handy to fish out slugs in tight boxes.

Performance and cut quality

The holes this kit produces are impressively round and consistent. On 14–16 gauge steel, the edges were smooth enough that I could leave them as-is for fittings with integral gaskets, though I still prefer a quick pass with a deburring tool. In 1/8-inch steel, the last quarter turn takes genuine effort on the larger sizes, but the result remained clean. In stainless at 1/16 inch, I needed patience and plenty of lube; cut quality was still good, with only light fuzz requiring a few turns with a countersink.

On plastics and fiberglass, the punches track cleanly without chipping. With fiberglass, I tape both sides of the cut and back it up with scrap wood. That eliminated splintering entirely in my tests.

What stood out most is how well the dies align. There’s no “walking” during the cut, and the draw studs thread smoothly enough that you don’t feel like you’re fighting friction instead of cutting. If you’ve used cheaper sets where the stud galling is the limiting factor, this will feel like a step up.

Sizing is right for electrical work

These punches are sized for conduit trade sizes, meaning the actual hole diameters match standard knockout dimensions rather than the nominal pipe size. Every hole I made accepted fittings and connectors without fuss, and the clearance felt appropriately tight for gasketed fittings.

Ergonomics and portability

The long handle on the ratcheting wrench is the unsung hero here. It gives you the leverage to make 2-inch holes in mild steel without resorting to a cheater pipe or an impact tool. The ratchet mechanism is reasonably fine, which helps in tight spaces. The whole kit is light enough to carry on a ladder and compact enough that I stopped talking myself out of bringing it.

One note: while some folks like to zip punches with a power tool, I stick to the manual ratchet for the sake of the threads and cutting edges. If you do a lot of holes, consider adding a thrust bearing washer to the stud; it reduces friction and effort noticeably.

Durability and maintenance

After a dozen holes across materials, the cutting edges still look sharp and the black finish shows only cosmetic burnishing. The studs haven’t deformed and the threads remain crisp. If you keep them lubricated and clean the chips out of the die faces after each session, I don’t see a reason this kit won’t last a long time in typical electrical and fabrication work.

A couple of care tips:
- Lubricate the draw stud threads every time. It reduces torque, protects the stud, and improves cut quality.
- Don’t exceed the listed stainless thickness. That’s the fastest way to shorten die life.
- Store the dies dry; a quick wipe with an oily rag keeps surface rust at bay.

Limitations and things to watch

• It’s manual. For production runs or heavy stainless, a hydraulic punch is still faster and easier on the arms.
• Clearance matters. You’ll need space behind the panel for the die to sit. In shallow enclosures, plan your sequence or use an offset if you have one.
• The case is purely functional. It organizes well but isn’t jobsite-proof; I wouldn’t stack heavy gear on top.
• On thick mild steel at larger sizes, you’ll work. Not a fault—just the physics of a manual rig.

Who it’s for

• Electricians and solar installers adding knockouts in enclosures, wireways, and panelboards.
• Fabricators and makers who occasionally need clean, round holes in sheet metal and plastics without setting up a chassis punch press.
• Field techs who want a reliable, compact kit for service work.

If your day job involves dozens of 2-inch holes in stainless every week, you’ll want hydraulic. For everyone else, this manual setup is a smart balance of capability, portability, and cost.

Pros

• Clean, round holes with minimal deburring
• Full set from 1/2 to 2 inch conduit sizes
• Long-handle ratcheting wrench provides real leverage
• Heat-treated 5140 components feel robust
• Two draw studs cover small and large dies
• Compact, organized case

Cons

• Manual effort adds up on large holes and stainless
• Requires backside clearance
• Case is adequate, not rugged
• Would benefit from a thrust bearing for frequent use

Verdict and recommendation

I recommend the AMZCNC knockout kit. It hits the sweet spot for field-ready punching: solid build, accurate dies, and a truly usable ratcheting handle in a compact package. Within its stated thickness limits, it produces clean holes that accept standard electrical fittings without drama. It’s not a replacement for a hydraulic punch in heavy production, but as a go-to kit for electrical, solar, and general sheet-metal work, it’s dependable, efficient, and easy to live with. If you value portability and reliable results over sheer speed, this kit earns a place in the bag.