Procedure for drilling into bars?

jamesr242 · #1 27th May 2008

I am going to be receiving some drag pretty soon and I think I am going to attempt to drill and internally wire them. I think that the hole by the controls wont be too hard to do because the bars are dimpled (so the drill bit won't walk). However, the hole in the center of the bars seems like it would be pretty impossible to hold the drill steady on the curved and slippery chrome surface of the bar. What's the proper technique to keep the bit from walking and messing up my new bars?

Specialk250 · #2 27th May 2008

use a drill press and clamp your bars securely when doing so

Gojira · #3 27th May 2008

center punch the spot to be drilled it will help keep from walking and start with a small bit then use a big bit,even with a drill press this will help

jamesr242 · #4 27th May 2008

is there an option #2 when you don't have drill press?

jamesr242 · #5 27th May 2008

Whoops, responded at the same time, Gojira. I think that will be my best bet. Does anybody know the name of the tool I need? The long metal thing that tapers and is used to help hammer in small nails? I think that would be perfect, but I forget what it is called.

toddjsn · #6 27th May 2008

I used a small bit then worked up. Used a C clamp to hold it in place.

shameless · #7 27th May 2008

It's called a center punch or a nail set, and yes that will work fine. One with a slight point will be best but it isn't an absolute must-have.

Blaze · #8 29th May 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by shameless

It's called a center punch or a nail set

Two different animals, each with their own purposes. While a nail set will work in a pinch (yes, I've used 'em too) if ya gotta go buy one, might as well get the proper one...ask for a center punch.
Could prolly pick one up at Lowes or Home Depot.

Ol Rip · #9 29th May 2008

After you center punch, then start the hole with a "center drill bit". Don't know what that is? Ask the guy at the hardware store. Or, yes you can start with a small drill bit and work up as someone has already said. Center drill bits come in different sizes. I recomend a # 3 for your bar. Without a drill press, and drilling by hand drill, the #3 center drill isn't as likly to break as the smaller sizes. Good luck no matter how you do it.

Ol Rip, retired machinest, tool & die, jig & fixture, mold maker