PopSci 5-Minute Project: Gadget Charging Station

Wow, that was crude. I would think that a wood bit is a pretty poor choice for drilling holes in metal. Didn't look as if it worked too well. I would think that even a hole saw would do a better job. Obviously, a hole punch would be the best choice.

In any event, the power cord hole could be a real hazard. You should actually do a lot of deburring, and then cover the edges with electrical tape folded over both sides. -- you don't want the sharp edges cutting through into the 120 volts now do you. Better yet would be a large grommet or some of that plastic edging.

One other thing is that I've never seen the plumbing 'gaskets' mentioned in the video. Electrical suppliers have a good selection of grommets to cover sheet metal edges.

I don't think this is very good advice for the following reasons:

1. This is not fireproof, and PopSci could be libel for damages - I don't see any disclaimers.

2. It is not a good idea to put a bunch of transformers in a sealed box - it at least needs vents or really an active fan.

3. Putting transformers in an enclosed box is likely to shorten the life of the transformers and possibly cause them to catch on fire.

4. Electrical fires can burn without much air.

5. That hole is likely to cut through the cord.

Good idea, but poor implementation...

might want to wear safety glasses too, for cutting through metal O.o

How is this less clutter than three small devices. Most people would pu the strip plug behind their desk so the only thing showing would be the the 3 little plug ends. I also agree with the choice of the drill bit. Maybe the guys from Popular Science should call the guys over at Popular Mechanics next time they need to use some tools.

You guys are right - the spade bit isn't the ideal choice, but it's what we had in the office and for metal that thin, it worked just fine. Sometimes the best tool is the one you have.
@3DTOPO - All valid safety concerns, but we never claimed that the box is fire proof, just that stainless steel is less likely to burn than cardboard or plastic. Also, I mention specifically that it's a good idea to drill more holes as vents (in addition to the venting you get from the cord holes), and if you build one of these boxes and put a temperature gauge inside, even with five powerbricks plugged in, you'll see that it never gets anywhere near hot enough to combust or to shorten their life. (Could a freak accident happen? Sure. But that's no less true if they're plugged in behind your couch.) Finally, you'll see in the video that I lined all the holes with tape or rubber specifically so they wouldn't cut the cord.
@dontbother - very good point - skipping the safety goggles is never a good idea.