Punching Holes in Frame

[BIGNASTY]

I'm going to need to drill a few fairly large holes in the frame rails. I have done this before by drilling a pilot hole and then using a high dollar Step-bit anyone else have a better idea?

 

[mwilson]

Borrowing a magnetic based drill is the best way, but it won't kill you to do a few by hand. We tend to use reams instead of step bits but either one works fine. Both hard on the wrists when using hand drills.
The ream works better if you are going through an existing bracket into the frame, self centers the hole.

 

[BigPapa]

If you can get a mag drill in there it's definitely the way to go.

 

[mwilson]

You can rig up a short chain and bar to help push on the rear drill handle, we used to do that when drilling a lot of holes in a frame.

 

[BIGNASTY]

Only need 2 per side and 1 per side to be made bigger. I have a drill vice/clamp that holds a 1/2 drill in place but I have to provide the pressure to the drill. Just wondering about the drill bit mainly step or annular before I go buy one or two or three or as many as the store has. I drilled some holes in the frame rails of an International truck when I shortened the wheelbase and went from 3 axle to 2 axle the step bits didn't last that long.

 

[mwilson]

One trick with normal drill bits is to drill each hole but don't punch through. The bits dull up when you break through.

Then go back and finish the holes, who cares if the bit dulls up at that point.

 

[jhenderson]

How big are the holes. I find anular cutters to be faster than drills over 5/8 or so. As Mike said a pilot then reamer works very well also.

 

[fest3er]

How big are the holes. I find anular cutters to be faster than drills over 5/8 or so. As Mike said a pilot then reamer works very well also.

Another alternative: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct...jm7PrC9XT8vycau9A&sig2=aSlzAgBNoQyuG908WOSCxA

These work on mild steel up to 14 gauge; dunno what the frame is made of or if other mfrs make anything, mmm, stouter.

 

[jhenderson]

Those won't work on a frame.