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Drilling a bigger hole in 3/16" steel

Discussion in 'Technical Chat' started by tomtom, Jun 8, 2013.

  1. Jun 8, 2013 at 7:38 PM
    #1
    tomtom

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    tomtom [OP] Well-Known Member

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    The skidplate holes on my Elite bumper aren't big enough:

    IMG_5056_zps07977c2a_f1d54f8bc010f3f9a7fbf7f85276315de62f86d1.jpg

    Is there a best or good way to drill them out bigger? Is there a special bit for this type of job? Is there a good technique?

    I have a hand drill and some experience and drilling steel. Since it is attached to the bumper, not going to be able to stick it in a press.
     
    tomtom, Jun 8, 2013
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  2. Jun 8, 2013 at 7:44 PM
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    Supra TT

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    Supra TT Supercharged Lifter

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    The hole looks elongated... Not sure if there is any good way to drill that out. But if you just needed it drilled out for a hole you can use the correct size metal bit to drill it out. Just be careful since it'll want to grab and twist your wrist. Use some lube too, never hurts to use lube in the bit :D
     
    Supra TT, Jun 8, 2013
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  3. Jun 8, 2013 at 7:48 PM
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    OZ-T

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    OZ-T I hate my neighbour

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    Hole at each end and file
     
    OZ-T, Jun 8, 2013
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  4. Jun 8, 2013 at 7:51 PM
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    Supra TT

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    Supra TT Supercharged Lifter

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    Never thought of that. :thumbsup:
     
    Supra TT, Jun 8, 2013
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  5. Jun 8, 2013 at 7:53 PM
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    majorhavok

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    majorhavok Rabid Conservative

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    +1, although a dremel would be faster and my first choice to enlarge the slot.
     
    majorhavok, Jun 8, 2013
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  6. Jun 8, 2013 at 7:54 PM
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    OZ-T

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    OZ-T I hate my neighbour

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    I hate Dremels
     
    OZ-T, Jun 8, 2013
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  7. Jun 8, 2013 at 7:58 PM
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    Deercantseeme

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    Deercantseeme Well-Known Member

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    Start drilling the hole in reverse. That way it won't grab and twist around or chip the edges of the drill bit off.
     
    Deercantseeme, Jun 8, 2013
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  8. Jun 8, 2013 at 7:59 PM
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    tomtom

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    tomtom [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I'm installing a Budbuilt skidplate and it has elongated holes on it. I should just be able to drill a hole on the bumper tab and the skidplate will give me the play to line everything up.

    Unsure of the details but was thinking of clamping some wood or sheet metal on it to start the bit and keep it from jumping. Figured I'd ping you guys that have done more extensive fab activities.
     
    tomtom, Jun 8, 2013
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  9. Jun 8, 2013 at 8:06 PM
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    majorhavok

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    majorhavok Rabid Conservative

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    majorhavok, Jun 8, 2013
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  10. Jun 8, 2013 at 8:12 PM
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    OZ-T

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    OZ-T I hate my neighbour

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    OZ-T, Jun 8, 2013
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  11. Jun 8, 2013 at 8:21 PM
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    llibrm

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    llibrm OH NOOOOOO!

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    your need a grinder. A dremel will work the same way. I don't recommend a drill though. It will want to catch every 90*
     
    llibrm, Jun 8, 2013
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  12. Jun 8, 2013 at 8:36 PM
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    OH-MAN

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    OH-MAN Well-Known Member

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    I agree completely Dremels are for arts and crafts projects not manley steel and iron!! :D

    I do have one that my wife uses for her card making class!
     
    OH-MAN, Jun 8, 2013
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  13. Jun 8, 2013 at 8:44 PM
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    majorhavok

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    majorhavok Rabid Conservative

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    majorhavok, Jun 8, 2013
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  14. Jun 8, 2013 at 8:48 PM
    #14
    OZ-T

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    OZ-T I hate my neighbour

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    OZ-T, Jun 8, 2013
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  15. Jun 8, 2013 at 9:22 PM
    #15
    majorhavok

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    majorhavok Rabid Conservative

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    Sorry, my link didn't have P/N. Not the dremel brand, the torqueshaft ones with foot pedal:

    grinder.jpg
     
    majorhavok, Jun 8, 2013
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