What would be the best type, brand, etc. of drill bits and drill to use to drill the pilot holes through the sheet metal in the front of my pickup truck bed?

I want to run either some bolts, or sheet metal screws through to attach a tool box (wood) and a piece of rubber cut from leftover bedliner.

Just wondering what tips anyone might have.

Thanks,

rlp

 

I found just the type of bit you need a couple years ago at my local Ace Hardware store. I don't remember the namebrand. The only markings on the bit are "Germany HSS 808". It is a half in bit with 3/8" shank. They came in different sizes and the tips are what makes the difference. The very center protrudes out from the tip face of the bit and then the sides taper to the edges of the tip face and each end of the tip face edge protrudes just a tiny bit. It's designed so that the center portion of the tip face keeps the bit from walking(so you won't need pilot holes) and as you get the tip started the outside edges start removing the material before the normal tip face punches all the way through. It is not a craftsman bit, but it has held up well to the abuse that I've put it through.

 

Hey rip and welcome to the Forum! I'm a Craftsman guy! I use the 18.0Volt cordless drill, and the 10 piece drill bit set. It's Craftsman... I've dulled 2 bits and broke 2. Sears gave me another set, instead of putting each bit into the computer. It was cheaper that way. No RECEIPT REQUIRED!

Just a suggestion... Whenever I mount something to the exterior of my rig now, I head to my local plumbing supply and pick up those one-way anti tamper screws and bolts. I only get what I need at the time, because they are fairly expensive. They're stainless steel and last forever. AND, nobody can take my stuff, unless they work for it! HEE HEE! Good luck and we'll talk with you guys later....

 

Thanks for your ideas on the drilling... I sense another project for the weekend.

-rlp

 

I use a bit set made by Hougan. They're designed somewhat like a hole saw, but are very high quality. (Read- cost a bit, but you get what you pay for). Made for sheet metal, but I've done lots of 1/4" plate and 3/8" in a pinch. I think the bit set goes 5/16 through 3/4.
The nice thing about them is you don't need pilot holes, they're fast and make a clean hole. Basically, ***** punch where you want the hole, set a centering point in the dimple and drill away. Takes about 10 sec, maybe, to drill a 3/4" hole in 1/4" plate. You can use a cordless drill. Set costs about 80 bucks at the better tool stores. If you do a lot of sheet metal-they are the way to go. We've always just called them Hougan bits.

 

well i am a tinknocker and i use a unibit which looks sorta like

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l l edit the picture messed up it looks like a xmas tree

 

Hey austynn2001! It's nice to know there's more Tin Men/Women out there. I know what you're refering to, but most of the guys won't. I find it difficult to pay more than $15.00 for a set of bit's, let alone $55.00 for a vari-bit. It is nice for using one bit for one job though.

Guys, it starts as a pilot and has increment's to 1". Great for those quick holes for firewall, extra lighting in your tail-lamps, starter holes for cutting sheetmetal, and an assortment of other metal uases. One other good thing.... It's only about 1 1/4" in length and it's made for a 3/8" drill. They do make other styles and length's, but this one is the most commonly used.

Talk with you guys later....