The 7 Best Knockout Punches
This wiki has been updated 23 times since it was first published in July of 2019. Powered by hydraulic pumps, lithium-ion batteries or just good-old-fashioned elbow grease and determination, knockout punches drill smooth holes into steel electrical cabinets, allowing the boxes to accommodate new conduits. Our rankings in this category cover a range of options suitable for various budgets – from ratcheting manual options all the way up to modern electric models. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Greenlee LS50
2. Greenlee 7310SB
3. Milwaukee Force Logic 6T
Editor's Notes
August 30, 2019:
Although some options are rated to cut through aluminum, fiberglass and plastics, the primary purpose of a knockout punch is to cut smooth holes into steel electrical cabinets, allowing the box to accept new raceways. While they all operate on the same working principle, there are three basic styles of tool in this category. Note that when it comes to these tools, cost and convenience factor are directly proportional.
Ratcheting Style options are the most basic tools in this category, depending on sheer tricep muscle and elbow grease to wrench dies through steel. While there are still veterans in the electrical world who will swear by longevity and dependability of these units, their operation is undeniably time consuming and arduous.
Examples: Greenlee 7238SB, Klein Tools 53732SEN
Hydraulic Pump options are a major step up from their manual alternatives. Some manufacturers claim that their hydraulic models can get the job done 10 times faster than wrench-based options. The downside to these models is how heavy they are, and the messy maintenance that inevitably comes with changing gaskets and hydraulic fluid.
Examples: Greenlee 7310SB, Temco TH0037
Battery-Powered options are still a relatively new novelty available to contractors. Pricey as they may be, it’s tough to beat their compact, lightweight design and speedy operation.
Examples: Greenlee LS50, Milwaukee Force Logic 6T
4. Klein Tools 53732SEN
5. Greenlee 7238SB
6. Temco TH0037
7. Yescom Driver Kit
Building PCs, remodeling, and cooking since he was young, quasi-renowned trumpeter Christopher Thomas traveled the USA performing at and organizing shows from an early age. His work experiences led him to open a catering company, eventually becoming a sous chef in several fine LA restaurants. He enjoys all sorts of barely necessary gadgets, specialty computing, cutting-edge video games, and modern social policy. He has given talks on debunking pseudoscience, the Dunning-Kruger effect, culinary technique, and traveling. After two decades of product and market research, Chris has a keen sense of what people want to know and how to explain it clearly. He delights in parsing complex subjects for anyone who will listen -- because teaching is the best way to ensure that you understand things yourself.