Any of you guys drill through Bakelite electronics cover? Advice

[Onelasttime]

So my high voltage multi-meter is in fantastic shape but takes expensive often hard to find 30V batteries.


I was thinking about using a DC-DC bucking transformer to either use a conventional 9V battery or use a cheap 12V powersupply to replace the 30V battery.

While I grew up with Bakelite still in common use growing up I never had any need to drill through it.

If I use a 9 volt battery I can always use double sided tape or epoxy to put a battery holder and transformer into the case wit no need to drill any holes.

If I use an 12 volt power supply I need to be able to put a cord and at the very least a grommet through the case.

The meter is a Triplett 630-PL Type 4 Suspension I use it when I work on tube amps which is seldom. I waste more money on batteries just to have on hand that just go bad. I know when I was teenager they used to sell battery eliminator kits that came with a polycarbonate case and transformer and all the stuff to convert these.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Onelasttime]

Previously I was going to do the 3x9 volt battery mod. I had been just using the 30V batteries since they where still available from Eveready and Excell but now not so much. They have also gotten expensive! Oh how I miss the days of RadioShack pre-cell phone and Chinese toys!

I use this meter like once ever 2-3 years. It is always used on my bench or in the kitchen so portability is not an issue. It is a fantastic meter. Taking 3 9 volts in and out of it constantly would be likewise inconvenient.

Love the meter. They should have given it a battery box that was externally accessible with the need for a 30V and 1.5V battery!

 

[Captain Kilowatt]

I know the meter. In fact I have one as well. Great for anything up to 5000 volts. You can certainly drill bakelite but you should go slow. Any drill bit will work but using a drill bit meant for drilling glass is probably the best way. Less chance of it catching or breaking out around the edges.

 

[unit_399]

I want to echo what Cap'n Kilo posted. Make sure you have a sharp bit, and go
SLOW. Don't apply pressure, especially just before you break through. Let the drill do the work. Too fast or too much pressure, you’ll knock out a chunk. If possible, use a drill press.

- 399

 

[secret squirrel]

Very sharp bit. I would use an old fashion hand drill. Slow and steady like the other gentleman mentioned. Bakelite brings back memories. My uncle had a Stevens side by side 12 gauge with a Bakelite stock. Kicked like a mule.

 

[Klondike Mike]

Use masking tape around the edges
Start a pilot hole
Step up with larger bits