Drilling your enclosure can be the most nerve wracking part of your on guitar effect pedal project. In a lot of cases, the enclosure itself may well be the single most expensive component so you want to spend the time and use the correct tools to make sure you get it right.
“Measure twice, drill once.”
A pedal builders proverb.
For the first couple of pedals I put together I used standard drill bits. They were fine, and generally did the job, but one of the best bits of advice I got early was to invest in a step drill bit. It made the job so much easier and neater.
The other investment would be a centre hole punch.
Guitar effects pedal enclosure drill guide
Potentiometers: 8mm
If you look on the Tayda site they list a 7mm mounting hole, but I find 8mm is the safer bet and gives you a little wiggle room.
Input and output jacks: 10mm
3PDT foot switch: 12mm
DC jack: 12mm
12mm is suitable for the enclosed frame type jacks however if you’re using the round panel mount or Lumberg type you’ll only need a 10-11mm hole.
LEDS and bezels: ‘it depends’
Depending on the size of the LED and whether or not you want to mount it in a bezel, the drill size for the LED can vary quite a bit. on the model you chose. Generally speaking, bezels for a 3mm LED will need a mounting hole of 6mm while the 5mm LED bezels will need a 8mm mounting hole.
SPDT mini toggle switches: 6mm
For the most part I’ve found 6mm is fairly standard for the small toggle switches, but like bezels, they can vary a little.