Cross Drilling Bolts

[OctaneMotorsports]

I need to drill some of my bolts for safety wire on the kart. This is something I've never done before so I'm looking for some advice. I would assume I just put the bolt in a vice and drill from the side, but do I need to do anything else really?

 

[Tim240Z]

You really need a drill press for this type of stuff

 

[astroracer]

Here you go...
http://store.summitracing.com/default.asp?target=egnsearch.asp&N=115+400069+310087&autoview=sku
I think you'll find using this a whole lot less stressful.
Mark

 

[kartracer55]

Head over to www.Ekartingnews.com there is a thread in the tech section on this, a Member from Here, named Ken, is a machinest and made a post on the best way to do this.

I agree, its a B8tch and a half. If its on the threads, use a needle file and get it flat before starting to drill, otherwise it will walk all over the place. Likewise if its on the head. The problem is that most of my key fasteners are high quality Holo-krome stuff, so they are harder to drill than cheapo lowes or home depot hardware.

Jim

 

[89vert]

I would recommend:

1. Using a cobalt drill , available from any machine shop supply house.

If you can get a 135 degree split point , all the better

2. Some coolant to keep the bit from getting too hot.


3. A die nut to chase the thread , if you're drillling on the threaded portion.

4. A drill press will enable you to make a much straighter hole with out the risk of bit breakage.

5. A needle file is a great idea to get a flat spot before you drill , if you're drilling the threaded portion . You can also use a Die Grinder with a carbide bur, it'd be a lot quicker , especially if you drilling a socket head capscrew , which is 180,00 psi tensile.

Hope this helps ...

 

[Spencer Was Here]

You really need a drill press for this type of stuff

In addition to a drill press, I would recomend a center drill to prevent the bit from wandering.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Follow the link below and go to page 96. This is a fairly large PDF file, don't do this with a phone modem.

http://www.ustool.com/catalog.pdf

Charles

 

[davs2601]

could you just get bolts with holes in them already. its really a pain to drill them out

 

[OctaneMotorsports]

^I'm sure I could somewhere. Never really seen any before though other than SOME that come drilled on the kart. There are others that need to be done, though.

 

[davs2601]

the reason I asked is because im an aircraft mechanic and that is mostly what we deal with on our jets. I wasnt sure if they are easy to come by on the local market.

 

[homer]

aircraft spruce and pegasus racing carry an grade bolts in hundreds of sizes in undrilled, head drilled and thread drilled or both.

 

[G1K]

Make sure to torque the bolts in place on the kart mark them where you want the safety wire to go, and label the bolts when you take them out. This will ensure you get the wire to hold the bolt properly. See the attached pic.


Also, use a dremmel to grind the surface down. This will help the bit get through the hardness of the bolt.

Here's another link

http://www.whizwheels.com/Tips/safetywiring.html

R

 

[SPECV]

If you are drilling through the threads I would drill a hole through a nut, then put the nut on the bolt and use the nut as a guide. Its a lot easier to drill a nut than a thread.

 

[OctaneMotorsports]

^Sounds like a plan.

What's there to lose? A $0.25 nut and maby a drill bit. Might as well try.

Thanks.

 

[ken deutsch]

OCTANE? IS THAT YOUR FIRST NAME OR LAST? Jim suggested my post on ekartingnews so go there and check it out. Someone put up a picture of centerdrills; these make starting the hole MUCH easier, but it can be done without a centerdrill as well. You can buy predrilled grade 8 bolts from the aircraft suppliers, an excellent idea. good luck.... Ken deutsch

 

[OctaneMotorsports]

^No, I wish...LOL.

My name is Brendan Wales.

I frequent EKN quite a bit, and that thread was very informative. Someone I know suggested taking all the bolts I need to be drilled to a machine shop and they will probably do it cheaply. Anyone ever done this?