The 7 Best Hydraulic Knockout Sets
This wiki has been updated 30 times since it was first published in December of 2016. Hydraulic knockout sets allow users to punch smooth holes through steel electrical cabinets, and they get the job done considerably faster than wrench-style alternatives. Whether you're a professional electrical contractor or just a serious do-it-yourselfer who frequently needs to drill holes through plastic, aluminum or steel, you're going to enjoy having one of these kits at your side. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Greenlee 7310SB
2. L.H. Dottie HPTK2
3. Greenlee 7806-SB
Editor's Notes
September 05, 2019:
Although new battery-powered innovations from companies like Milwaukee and Greenlee (in collaboration with Makita) have begun garnering greater attention throughout construction industry, hydraulic-powered options remain the standard of excellence in knockout punches, and a logical next step for anybody who’s looking to upgrade their old ratcheting tool.
Greenlee, the company largely credited with pioneering these technologies in the 1920’s, still dominates this category, and is featured prominently throughout our rankings. The Greenlee 7310SB came out on top of the pile here – with its diehard reputation and full selection of dies, while the company’s 7806-SB wasn’t far behind – and well-noted for its portability and flexible head.
Though all the options ranked here should be up to the task of punching a hole, users shopping in this category will want to pay special heed to the rated force of each respective pump (measured in tons) – to get a sense of the tool’s power, the total weight of the kit – which has obvious implication in terms of ease of handling and transporting, and the scope of the die set included – as some kits will only include up to two-inch dies and others up to four-inch.
4. Temco TH0004
5. Greenlee 7906SB Quick Draw 90
6. Ridgid 24587 HKO1810
7. Yescom T15D10-01
After deciding that the pen was mightier than the pliers, Canadian electrical contractor William Rhoda abandoned his career and headed back to college, where he majored in marketing and advertising and won a scholarship along the way to earning a diploma in creative communications. His past career landed him a depth of knowledge in tools and hardware, while his current career schooled him in audio, video and camera equipment. During his leisure time, he’s learned lots about outdoor gear, and years of tiresome backyard maintenance have taught him all about pools and hot tubs. His recreational pursuits include rest, relaxation and revolutionary action, and his roommate’s a hairless cat.