Drilling chrome bumper
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,153
Likes: 4,751
From: Burbank, WA
If it were me, I'd start with covering the area with masking tape, use a center punch to create a starting point, use a small, very sharp pilot bit to begin drilling, slowly with lots of oil to prevent overheating, and make progressively larger holes. If doing anything bigger than 1/4", I would probably consider using a step drill.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,153
Likes: 4,751
From: Burbank, WA
It's probably safe to say it would be better if the hole was drilled before plating. My 2c, fwiw, as long as the chrome job was done correctly, the hole was drilled in a manner keeping it as cool as possible, as outlined above, and the edge after drilling was sealed with paint or clear fingernail polish, or something similar, it would probably outlast us. 
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,153
Likes: 4,751
From: Burbank, WA
Hey, you're welcome. LOL
I just had a birthday a couple weeks ago, so I know I'm catching up.
I just had a birthday a couple weeks ago, so I know I'm catching up.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2018
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Likes: 532
You could also have a machine shop do it as they have all the tools to keep it cool and well oiled as well as not having to worry about the bit wandering.
If you have a drill press and can magyver something up to get it held securely in place that is the best at home option. you can keep oil flowing over it with one hand while very slowly and gently lowering the bit with the other hand. You can really control the speed and temperature that way as well as control how the bit breaks through the opposite side.
T’wer me, I would avoid doing it with a hand drill if at all possible.
also if you tape off the bolt hole so you don’t get overspray some cold galvanized paint should do a nice job protecting the bare edges. In fact I would put a piece of tape over the hole on the front of the bumper and spray it on from the back. That should cover all the bare metal and you will have no overspray on the front.
If you have a drill press and can magyver something up to get it held securely in place that is the best at home option. you can keep oil flowing over it with one hand while very slowly and gently lowering the bit with the other hand. You can really control the speed and temperature that way as well as control how the bit breaks through the opposite side.
T’wer me, I would avoid doing it with a hand drill if at all possible.
also if you tape off the bolt hole so you don’t get overspray some cold galvanized paint should do a nice job protecting the bare edges. In fact I would put a piece of tape over the hole on the front of the bumper and spray it on from the back. That should cover all the bare metal and you will have no overspray on the front.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,871
Likes: 294
From: Central Michigan
I am interested in this also, I think a step drill would be a mistake, I think the chrome would be much to hard for it, but just my 2 c as they say... Let us know how it goes. I don't think I have ever drilled a hole in chrome.
FTE Legend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 283,479
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From: northwestern Ontario
The welding would likely pop the chrome though..I did that to my rear bumper I made before having it chromed..
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 332
Likes: 9
From: Oregon
I've drilled through lots of chromed stuff when I used to build custom motorcycles. This is what I've learned about it. Drilling will usually leave a slight raised ridge around the hole that's difficult to remove without possible damage to the chrome directly around the outside edge. If this ridge isn't fully removed, rust will quickly form on it and eventually work it's way under the chrome outside the hole . I drill the hole slightly undersize, then ream or file it to final size to avoid this. This will also help keep from compromising the chrome around the hole and eliminate the ridge. To help keep the drilled hole from developing rust, that will eventually work it's way into good chrome, I would sometimes paint it to seal it, depending on the application. I more often would use some anti-seize on the hole. I've found it does a great job of staying in place and preventing rust.
Good luck!
Good luck!
