Projects can often be slowed down when reaching the stage where the next stage needs to be handed off to another person. Therefore, doing a little preparation beforehand can help to speed things up. A prime example is when electrics need to be installed. Holes for box sockets will need to be prepared for an electrician to start work. One can sink a lot of time into prepping each individual socket slot, measuring, and marking. This process can be made a lot quicker. By creating a simple socket box template, multiple hour-long jobs can be turned into one 15-minute task.
A thin piece of MDF is a great piece of material for a simple template. It is a dense material and unlikely to crack or warp on a job such as this. When carving out a template such as this, you will need to measure the size of a socket box and draw it out on the material. You can mark multiple sizes on one piece of MDF, that way you will have plenty of options on this homemade template. To achieve an accurate shape, using a multi-tool to plunge cut the material is a great idea. For this, SMART recommends the Professional Series Bi-Metal Blade which will make quick work of MDF or any other similar material you may use for a purpose like this.
SMART Bi-Metal blades are highly versatile and reliable blades suitable for many materials and applications. The blade can plunge cut up to 46mm. It is ideal for a wide variety of precise cuts in wood, nails, non-ferrous metals, plastic, and more. Therefore, it will bite through MDF with ease.
The bi-metal blade comes in multiple variations. It is available as a 32mm or 44mm blade. These are available as individual, 3-packs, or 10-Packs. The blade can also be purchased as a deep-cut variant which can achieve plunge cuts of 58mm. They are available as part of the SMART Trade and Professional range, therefore can be bought with a universal open-back fitment or a Starlock fitment. A long-life variant is also available as part of the Purple Titanium Range.
1.Pre-measure and mark out the template on the material
Measure the first box template 100mm from the edge. A cut 450mm piece of MDF is ideal as it is the minimum regulatory distance for a socket to a finished floor. If you do choose to mark multiple socket boxes of different sizes, make sure to keep them parallel to one another. Precision now will mean cleaner work later.
2. Attach the Bi-Metal Blade to your multi-tool
3. Carefully plunge cut through the material, working your way along the pre-marked box.
Take care to keep the blade straight and firmly trim through, starting from the corner.
4. Ensure your cuts are straight and the box cut is even. Use the template to mark out the box on the wall if needed.
Additional tip: When marking, use a thicker marker and cut around the edge to avoid tight apertures when installing the socket box.
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