A lot of people ask me about the Tools and methods I use for Case Modding.
Some of the Tools are unique, I've included examples of how they're used
THINK SAFETY FIRST!
Safety Glasses
Respirator Mask with canister filters
Use when sanding, painting or using any hazardous chemicals
Rotary Cutting Tool
The most versatile tool for case modding. You can cut plastics, metals, grind and polish. Dremel brand is most popular. Black & Decker and Craftsman versions are also popular.
Dremel Techniques For Case Modding, Part 1
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Dremel Techniques For Case Modding, Part 2
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I hear a lot of complaints about cutting discs breaking when cutting metal. You need to use aluminum reinforced discs like these
Reinforced Dremel Cutting Discs
Reinforced 1.5" Dremel Cutting Discs.
Available here
Cordless Power drill
Minimum volts recommened 14.4V) with bit sizes 1/16 through ½ for cutting various mounting holes and
operating hole saw attachments.
DeWalt brand power tools.
Hole saw attachments for Drill
For cutting fan holes in acrylic and metal.
80mm = 3” hole saw
92mm = 3.5” hole saw
120mm = 4.5” hole saw
Guide To Using Hole Saw Attachments For PC Modding
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Greenlee Knock out Punches Greenlee part # 730EBB-120 Last time I inquired, they were around $450 in the states + Large 3/4" socket wrench, and 2" socket. I wouldn't use anything less than 19" long socket wrench. Estimated purchase price of $550 new.
Threaded shaft of Knock-out punch
Knock-out punch blade
Ready to cut hole.
You need leverage. Using 19" Socket wrench to draw in knock-out punch balde
Clean Cut
Video with Bill Owen using Greenlee Knock Out Punch
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Roper Whitney No. 5 Jr Hand Punch kit available here
Hand punch (estimate $60 new)
(for cutting fan mounting holes or enlarging existing fan mounting holes for
rubber silencing grommets)
Hand Punch makes clean fan screw holes. No deburring.
Jigsaw
Used for cutting panels and acrylic sheets. (minimum 18 teeth metal cutting blade) Black & Decker brand Jigsaws
available here
Hand files
Deburring jagged edges on both plastic and metal.
Mouse Sander
Sanding body filler. Prep case panels for paint.
12” and 24" Combination Square Rulers
Aligning windows, fan holes etc
Scotch #4010, Super strength adhesion clear mounting tape. Used for mounting windows in computer cases.
3M Scotch 4010 Mounting Tape Case Mod Tape of the Gods
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Pop Rivet Gun
Most chassis accept 1/8” size rivets.
Most Computer Chassis will accept
1/8” diameter Pop rivets, Gripe range .092" - .125" for Computers.
Pop Rivets For Computer Cases
Metal Nibbler
Cutting case panels
Metal Tin snips
Cutting
Modders Mesh & Sheet metal
Solder Gun or Pencil
Heat Gun
Heat shrink tubing, bending acrylics/plastics
3M Scotch 233+ Green tape
I was told about this tape at local auto parts and Automotive paint supplier, "Red Rooster" which is now AutoMate. I had to cut a window in a Lian Li full tower, and wanted a masking tape with really strong adhesion, but didn't leave glue-like residue. It's been used in majority of my own projects and modding guides since*
More Tools, but no photos yet..
Phillips Screw drivers(variety of sizes)
Wire Stripper & Cutter Butane Torch(for use with heat shrink tubing)
Tape Measure Bench Vise