mounting maglite, can't get though floor
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mounting maglite, can't get though floor
tried to mount my maglite in the truck last weekend. in my ranger i put it next to the driver's seat. having more room in the 250, i wanted to put it up on the center hump, just under the dash.
in my ranger i went through the floor with some screws no problem. i'm trying to mount this C clamp charging deal that cradles it. problem is i can't get through the floor. am i using the wrong bits?
flashlight link: http://maglite.com/product.asp?psc=RECHARGE
tried it next the the driver's seat too and same issue. made it through where i put it on the door, but the light kept falling out of the holder when i shut the door.
in my ranger i went through the floor with some screws no problem. i'm trying to mount this C clamp charging deal that cradles it. problem is i can't get through the floor. am i using the wrong bits?
flashlight link: http://maglite.com/product.asp?psc=RECHARGE
tried it next the the driver's seat too and same issue. made it through where i put it on the door, but the light kept falling out of the holder when i shut the door.
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Orange County, CA
Well, it could be you are using the wrong type of bit, or the bit is dull. Now don't take this the wrong way but is the drill motor in the forward position? I'm sure you checked that, and it may seem like a stupid question, but I've done it myself a few times.
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Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Davis & Newcastle, CA
I assume you are drilling pilot holes before trying to tap the screws right? If not, that would make your life a whole lot easier...
I've drilled through the sheet metal in the door panels to mount speakers and also did it this weekend on the inside fender of the engine compartment to mount my relays, it does take some muscle and a bit of patience... It will feel like the bit is not moving but it is, you just gotta keep at it.
I've drilled through the sheet metal in the door panels to mount speakers and also did it this weekend on the inside fender of the engine compartment to mount my relays, it does take some muscle and a bit of patience... It will feel like the bit is not moving but it is, you just gotta keep at it.
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yea, holding up the plate it mounts on (with holes for screws in it) and putting the drill bit through there. i'll try again tonight because just thinking about it i'm getting more frustrated.
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Posting Guru
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From: covington wa.
Well maybe you have already drilled thru the floor and your now attempting to
go thru the tranny.
go thru the tranny.
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Originally Posted by i1dery
Well maybe you have already drilled thru the floor and your now attempting to
go thru the tranny.
go thru the tranny.
if the bit comes out red i'll let you guys konw
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From: Quad Cities, IA
Sits and spins... Sorry, I just had to laugh at that.
Try starting your hole with a much smaller bit, then re-drilling it with a larger one. I just got finished with drilling holes in my bed for mounting some "tailgate latches" (please don't ask, it's a very long story), and found it much easier if I did it this way.
The only other thing I can suggest is, cut a tiny bit of your carpet away. Just large enough to see what you're doing against the metal, but not enough to show when you mount your maglite. This will allow you to see how far into the metal you're working, and show if you have something odd in the way. Some of these trucks came with an odd "insulation" between the carpet and the floor, and it's possible that's screwing things up for you.
Plus, some parts of these trucks have thicker sheetmetal than you'd ever think possible...
Try starting your hole with a much smaller bit, then re-drilling it with a larger one. I just got finished with drilling holes in my bed for mounting some "tailgate latches" (please don't ask, it's a very long story), and found it much easier if I did it this way.
The only other thing I can suggest is, cut a tiny bit of your carpet away. Just large enough to see what you're doing against the metal, but not enough to show when you mount your maglite. This will allow you to see how far into the metal you're working, and show if you have something odd in the way. Some of these trucks came with an odd "insulation" between the carpet and the floor, and it's possible that's screwing things up for you.
Plus, some parts of these trucks have thicker sheetmetal than you'd ever think possible...
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: West Mansfield, Ohio
Haha I'm glad I wasn't the only one who caught that! And I doubt he's hitting the tranny... because he would be inside that quicker than he got through the carpet! Aluminum is soft! I know you were joking about that... but before someone read that and freaked out, I figured I'd point that out.
Tom, I think what you're experiencing here is a battle of drill bit versus heavy metal! If this was a... Toyota, for instance... you probably could have gone through that with a 5/8 paddle bit in 3 seconds. I'm honestly suprised that the bit hasn't grabbed the carpet and sent it twisting up into the drill yet!
Tom, I think what you're experiencing here is a battle of drill bit versus heavy metal! If this was a... Toyota, for instance... you probably could have gone through that with a 5/8 paddle bit in 3 seconds. I'm honestly suprised that the bit hasn't grabbed the carpet and sent it twisting up into the drill yet!
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got it worked out thanks guys. not really sure what wasn't doing the trick before but cursing and sweating more seemed to get it done this time.
carpet was coming up the bit, but nothing too bad. i had to really dig out the insulation crap below b/c i was having a hard time finding it with the screw once i took the bit out.
pic:
next step: wiring it up to a switch to control when it charges.
EDIT: it's level, just looks funny from the angle i guess
carpet was coming up the bit, but nothing too bad. i had to really dig out the insulation crap below b/c i was having a hard time finding it with the screw once i took the bit out.
pic:
next step: wiring it up to a switch to control when it charges.
EDIT: it's level, just looks funny from the angle i guess
