55forder
Drillin sheetmetal
Thread Starter
|
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
Likes: 124
From: Iowa
Drillin sheetmetal
Now here's a task I've never mastered. Clean large holes in lightweight sheetmetal. I'm not talking about a 1/4 hole. I was punching a 3/4 hole in the glovebox sheetmetal radio mount, for a rocker switch. You know, the one I put the matching fabric on and was so proud of. Bit bound up as it was going through and just mangled it today. I can't afford 15 quality drill bits from 1/2 to 3/4. Know any tricks?
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 165
Likes: 13
From: Tucson Az
do they make any hole saw sheetmetal bits that size?
I used one to put gauges on my 74 thing, but those were 2 + inches.
*zillionth edit* (took me forever to find a working link)
qmax punch
I used one to put gauges on my 74 thing, but those were 2 + inches.
*zillionth edit* (took me forever to find a working link)
qmax punch
Last edited by Stapler123; Feb 29, 2004 at 12:35 AM.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 2,484
Likes: 7
From: New Egypt, New Jersey
Have you seen those Multi-bits?
Its one of those "cone" shaped drill bits that step up to different diameters. Each diameter drills the pilot hole for the next.
They are kind of pricey though.
Another trick is to sandwich the sheetmetal between two pieces of wood, clamp it together, and then drill through all 3.
Thread Starter
|
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
Likes: 124
From: Iowa
Holesaw bits work pretty well if you are starting fresh so the center bit can be precisely located.
I can see how the wood sandwich should work if the metal is flat and you can get C- clamps in there, though I'm not sure how to precisely locate the hole center with a bunch of wood in the way.
I have been looking at those multi-bits. Never used one but it would be worth the high price as long as I don't stuff it in a frame hole and wear it out in a day.
I can see how the wood sandwich should work if the metal is flat and you can get C- clamps in there, though I'm not sure how to precisely locate the hole center with a bunch of wood in the way.
I have been looking at those multi-bits. Never used one but it would be worth the high price as long as I don't stuff it in a frame hole and wear it out in a day.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
'fenders,
The milti-bits work well and they hold up pretty good too. Another thing you can look into is a Greenlee Punch (I think I spelled Greenlee right). They are available in different sizes and do a great job of punching holes in sheetmetal...
The milti-bits work well and they hold up pretty good too. Another thing you can look into is a Greenlee Punch (I think I spelled Greenlee right). They are available in different sizes and do a great job of punching holes in sheetmetal...
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,310
Likes: 3
From: Illinois
Dewayne, look for the "Uni-bit". They start at about $24 each but are a good investment. I bought my first one to install blue-dots in plastic taillights. It works equally as well on sheetmetal. You will wonder how you got along without one.
For you, I might be able to loan you mine. Just pay shipping both ways. Or take the 2 hour drive to the Truck Farm!
For you, I might be able to loan you mine. Just pay shipping both ways. Or take the 2 hour drive to the Truck Farm!
Trending Topics
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 2,484
Likes: 7
From: New Egypt, New Jersey
Hehe, looks like I had the wrong name, Uni -vs- Multi. Sorry about that.
I just noticed on all the bike building shows, they all seem to use them for drilling gas tanks, fenders, etc.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Thread Starter
|
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
Likes: 124
From: Iowa
Thanks guys. I will pick up a uni-bit.
Greg,
Thanks for the offer. I'll buy one since they are good as you guys say. I'll try to arrange a visit to the Truck Farm this spring/summer. I really want to see that panel.
Greg,
Thanks for the offer. I'll buy one since they are good as you guys say. I'll try to arrange a visit to the Truck Farm this spring/summer. I really want to see that panel.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 433
Likes: 4
From: Breckenridge, Minn.
truckfarmer has the answer. The uni-bit has saved me more that once. They make one that starts at one eighth inch and goes up to one half inch at one thirtysecond increments. They also have one that starts at around one forth and goes to almost an inch at eighth inch increments. Good luck.
Gear Up
Gear Up
Thread Starter
|
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
Likes: 124
From: Iowa
Originally posted by Gear Up
fenders, there isn't any upholstery on this sheetmetal is there? Could catch on the bit as well. I've had that happen as well.
Gear Up
fenders, there isn't any upholstery on this sheetmetal is there? Could catch on the bit as well. I've had that happen as well.
Gear Up
Well of course it'ds upholstered. It may be trashed before I am done, if it isn't already. The fabric is not a big deal. The hours I spent bending a perfectly fitting false glovebox bottom kinda stinks, but at least I have a pattern this time.
Looking forward to posting some PICs. I got the last details of the interior, wiring, seat belts and audio coming to a conclusion finally.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 370
Likes: 0
From: Auburndale, Florida
Uni-bits are great but a bit pricey unless you use them all the time then I think they pay for themselves in reduced aggravation.
Check out your local electric supply house...sometimes you can borrow the greenlee punch sets for a deposit - like the auto parts stores loan gear pullers and such. These things were made for punching holes in sheet metal and you can get dies to punch square holes as well - sometimes very handy and much easier than drilling and getting the files out.
OilLeaks
Check out your local electric supply house...sometimes you can borrow the greenlee punch sets for a deposit - like the auto parts stores loan gear pullers and such. These things were made for punching holes in sheet metal and you can get dies to punch square holes as well - sometimes very handy and much easier than drilling and getting the files out.
OilLeaks