I am used to working with thin sheet metal unibody platform vehicles and currently use the holesaw style spot weld cutters. Does anyone have experience with the "drill bit" style cutters? Any opinions on what works best with the heavier guage metal on these trucks?
Any input is appreciated.
w

 

sorry, not quite clear on the definition here.
I use this (Blair Equipment 11090N Rotabroach Kit - SAE 5/16-3/4In - 10-Pc#)
is this the hole saw?

is this the drill bit style?
S & H Industries Cobalt Spot Weld Cutter – 5/16in., Model# 77423 | Spot Weld Cutters | Northern Tool + Equipment

if so, then.. I had miserable luck with the latter and good luck with the former. (I think most of it was due to few drill bit sizes and many cutter sizes)..

Sam

 

I bought the holesaw type from Snap-on tools, much like your example......yes the other example is what i'm wondering about.
w

 

I have been using the drill type for many years and they work very well. I usually use a little sandpaper to find where the spotwelds are then mark them with a centre punch before drilling. John

 

I have used the Drill bit type cutter but Like Lexcoe says about finding and ,marking the welds would be key.

I replaced the front drivers side panel on my 51 cab and once I found the pattern (distance between) spot welds on the inside of the front door jam it was ok. I only drilled one where I didn't have a weld

that's my only experience with them, removing the donor part and and removing the one to be replaced but they seemed to be just fine.


the bits I purchased are double ended too, can't rememeber the sizes I got off the top of my head, oh and oil the bits as you use them to help them last longer. (not sure if you do that with the other type?)

later

Josh

 

I use Blair Rotabroach and HolCutters exclusively. Well made, long lasting tools that get the job done. I've worn out several Snap-Off and other brand name "spot weld bits/spot weld cutters" just replacing 1 panel, where the Blair tools have been in my toolbox for years and have cut atleast 1000 spot welds and holes.

 

Count me in for the Blairs as well. And a pilot hole to help for alignment, too.

 

I've had this carbide bur for years and have used it a lot. I had some spot welds to drill out the other day and I tried this. It worked great. Just make sure and use a punch or regular drill bit to start so the bur won't move around.

 

The Black and Decker "Bullet" brand drills work very well as spot weld cutters.

 

I bought Eastwood's drill-type cutters and was very disappointed. Their pilots wear out quickly, and are too deep. I was using them on an 85 TBird's front structure, very hard steel.

 

Thanks guys, as Astrofab says, I too have been disappointed with the Snap tools (I think they are Blue Point) version. I will try the Blair Rotabroach and HolCutters to see how they work for me. I have used the B&D bits, but didn't too well with them.
w

 

I recommend the cobalt type drill type cutters - they work the best, but you have to run them really slow in the drill (max 1000rpm) and use as much force as you can muster, once they start to bite they work brilliantly...