Features
- Cuts up to 10 gauge mild steel and 12 gauge stainless steel
- Laser-etched markings for size identification
- Threads onto a draw stud for punch and die setup (draw stud sold separately)
Specifications
| Diameter | 2-1/2 in. |
| Part Number | DCE600212P |
| Material Compatibility | Up to 10 gauge mild steel; up to 12 gauge stainless steel |
| Tool Compatibility | Requires a compatible hydraulic knockout tool (e.g., 20V MAX Hydraulic Knockout Tool DCE600) (sold separately) |
| Markings | Laser-etched size markings |
| Draw Stud | Threads onto draw stud (sold separately) |
| Manufacturer | DEWALT |
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A 2-1/2 inch knockout punch for creating conduit holes in sheet metal. Intended for use with a compatible hydraulic knockout tool (sold separately). Capable of cutting specified gauges of mild steel and stainless steel; it threads onto a draw stud for setup and includes laser-etched size markings for identification.
Project Ideas
Business
Mobile Knockout Service for Trades
Offer on-site punching of conduit entries in electrical enclosures, stainless panels, and junction boxes. Target electricians, facility maintenance, and commercial kitchen installers who need clean 2-1/2 in entries without hauling panels back to a shop. Bill per hole plus travel/setup.
Pre-Punched Enclosure Entry Kits
Sell standardized mild-steel and stainless gland plates pre-punched with 2-1/2 in openings and optional grommets or conduit hubs. Stock common patterns (left, right, top, bottom entries) and custom layouts with quick turnaround. Market to panel shops and OEMs needing repeatable, professional finishes.
Hydroponic/Grower Channel Lids
Fabricate galvanized or stainless channel lids pre-punched at 2-1/2 in to accept 2 in net pots with collars. Bundle with grommets and spacing templates for hobbyists and small farms. Sell direct online and to hydro stores as a premium, ready-to-plant solution.
Tool Rental + Micro-Training
Rent a compatible hydraulic knockout tool with a 2-1/2 in punch set, including a quick-start guide and 15-minute video consult. Offer weekend/overnight rates, damage waivers, and optional delivery/pickup. Upsell consumables (grommets, bushings) and charge per additional die size.
Workshops and DIY Kit Sales
Host short classes where participants build an industrial lantern or cable pass-through panel using pre-cut blanks and supervised punching. Sell take-home kits with pre-drilled pilot holes, hardware, and finishing instructions. Partner with maker spaces and hardware stores to fill seats.
Creative
Industrial Porthole Lanterns
Punch 2-1/2 in circular windows in mild-steel tubing or sheet to create lantern bodies. Back each opening with amber glass or mica, then rivet or TIG tack tabs for a candle/LED holder. The crisp, repeatable holes give a clean, shipyard aesthetic and double as ventilation.
Smoker/BBQ Intake Vent Plates
Cut 2-1/2 in air inlets in 10-gauge mild steel plates for offset smokers or drum smokers. Add a rotating cover plate with matching holes and a carriage bolt pivot to create an adjustable damper. The size supports robust airflow while the punch leaves burr-free edges that won’t snag gloves.
Vertical Herb Planter with Net Pots
Punch 2-1/2 in openings along galvanized sheet channels to accept 2 in net pots with grommets. Build a vertical hydro/kraty setup: line the channel, drop in net pots, and add a simple wicking system. The precise holes ensure consistent spacing and leak-resistant grommet seating.
Cable Pass-Through Grommet Panel
Make a wall or bench panel with 2-1/2 in openings sized for large rubber grommets to route power cords, air hoses, and dust-collection lines. Label each pass-through and add brush inserts where needed. The knockout yields clean, professional feed-throughs without filing.
Upcycled Drum Cabinet with Vent Portholes
Convert a small steel drum or ammo can into a lit display cabinet by punching 2-1/2 in side portholes. Edge with trim rings and install diffused LED strips inside. The repeated hole motif provides both ventilation and a bold industrial look.