Getting Started with the Weidmüller 9918700000 DIN Rail Cutter and Punch Tool

[Aaron_11657]

The Weidmüller 9918700000 (DigiKey Part Number: 281‑6203‑ND) is a combined DIN rail cutter and slot or hole punch designed to support accurate and repeatable DIN rail preparation for control panel and industrial automation applications. This guide shows what comes in the package, how to assemble and mount the tool, and how to set it up for cutting and punching. You can add your photos afterward.

Package Contents

When ordering from DigiKey, the item arrives in two separate packages.

Large Box Includes:

• Cutting tool assembly
• Slider block
• Hardware for attaching the longitudinal stop rail
• User manual
• Possible sample DIN rail from factory testing

Long Cardboard Tube Includes:

• Longitudinal stop rail
• Cutting lever

Confirm that both packages have arrived before beginning assembly.

Assembly

Installing the Longitudinal Stop Rail

1. Locate the pre‑installed screw and washer on the bottom of the cutter base.

   

2. Insert the black aluminum spacer into the inside end of the stop rail, far enough for the center holes to align.

   

3. With the text on the rail facing upward, place the rail over the screw location.

   

4. Pass the screw up through the aligned holes and fasten the rail to the cutter base.

   

5. Now slide the slider block onto the rail with the punch pin oriented toward the cutter.

   

6. Install the aluminum stop pin on the opposite end of the rail from the bottom side.

   • This pin keeps the far end of the rail level with the base.

     

Installing the Cutting Lever

1. Take the cutting lever from the long cardboard tube.

2. Thread it into the top of the cutter arm.

3. Turn it until it fully bottoms out.

   

Mounting the Tool

1. Place the unit on a heavy workbench or rigid fixture
2. Use the mounting holes on the underside of the base to bolt the tool down.
3. Tighten securely. A rigid mounting surface is required because of the lever force needed to shear DIN rail.
4. 

Understanding the Measuring Block

The measuring block uses different reference sides depending on the operation.

For cutting

• Use the right side of the measurement block.

  

For punching

• Use the left side of the measurement block.

  

Adjusting the Measuring Block Lever Orientation

If the tightening lever interferes with longer lengths of DIN rail or your workbench, it can be repositioned.

1. Remove the center screw that secures the lever.

2. Rotate the lever to the desired angle.

3. Reinstall and tighten the center screw.

   

Punching Slots in Unslotted DIN Rail

The tool can punch both horizontal (lengthwise) and vertical (crosswise) slots. The alignment process is the same for both.

Setting the Alignment Tabs

1. Loosen the alignment tab screws on both sides of the cutter.

   

2. Place the DIN rail in the punch area.

3. Slide the tabs inward until they lightly contact both sides of the rail.

   

4. Tighten the screws to keep the rail centered.

   • The center alignment screw sets the second axis. It centers the rail vertically when making horizontal slots, and centers it horizontally when making vertical slots.

     

Horizontal Slots (Lengthwise)

1. Set your punch spacing using the left‑side scale of the slider.

2. Insert the DIN rail and push it against the stop.

   

3. Pull the punch lever to create the slot.

4. Slide the rail forward and repeat as needed.

   • In my setup, I spaced the slots 20 mm apart. You can see the first 3 are before I centered the alignment tabs.

     

Vertical Slots (Crosswise)

1. Insert the DIN rail into the punch station until it bottoms out.
2. Pull the lever to make the vertical slot.

   • Slot depth is preset.

     

Punch‑Out Behavior

Punch‑outs fall through the bottom of the tool. They accumulate between the cutter base and the table, so periodic cleanup is recommended to keep the tool sitting flat and operating smoothly.

Cutting DIN Rail

1. Set the slider using the right‑side scale.

   

2. Slide the DIN rail in until it contacts the stop plate.

   

3. Pull the cutting lever downward with steady pressure.

   

4. Remove the cut piece and verify the length.

Accuracy Test at 10 Inches

To verify cutter accuracy, I performed a quick test.

1. Set the slider to 10 inches on the right‑side scale.

2. Inserted the DIN rail until it contacted the stop.

3. Made the cut using normal downward force.

4. Measured the result with a DigiKey ruler.

   

The finished piece measured exactly 10 inches, confirming that the cutter, stop rail, and measurement block are correctly aligned and that the right‑side scale is accurate.

Summary

Once assembled and mounted, the Weidmüller 9918700000 provides clean, consistent DIN rail cutting and punching. Using the correct measurement reference sides and ensuring proper alignment, produces accurate and repeatable results for panel building and automation work.