I’m having trouble finding the hole!

[Rubberdown]

So I have a saddle built a beam is sitting in. 4 inches wide plus 3/8 plate on either side. 1/2 inch holes opposite each other on either side of the saddle. I’m having trouble hitting the hole on the side opposite I’m drilling. I know one of y’all know a secret to doing it perfect! What do I do?!?

 

[58Yeoman]

Long tapered bar from one side to the other? I use an awl for smaller holes that I'm trying to line up.

 

[DAustin]

Roll them in flour.

 

[Rubberdown]

Ha! The issue is I’m drilling the hole wrong. Going through 3 2x12s it’s getting cockeyed. I had to waller the first 4 holes way more than I like to do to get the bolts through.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

Drilling from each side can cut your alignment error in half.
If you start with smaller "pilot" holes you can wallow out to improve alignment then follow with the 1/2" hole.

 

[roc_on_the_rocks]

Nothing to add here, I was mislead by the thread title...

 

[BillK]

Extra long drill bit and a small level.

 

[Shiftless]

When I do jobs like that, before drilling the big hole for the bolts, I drill through from each side using a 1/4 inch LOOONG bit..maybe 10-12 inches long. With the extra length, it is easier to eyeball what is level and straight. After the long bit is all the way through, it’s super easy to switch bits and drill your bigger hole and get the alignment right.
You're not drilling half inch holes to accept half inch bolts are you? Always oversize a bit. If you’ve got the alignment right with The above technique, 9/16 will be fine.

 

[shakenfake]

Extra long drill bit and a small level.

Are you saying size matters?

 

[Rubberdown]

Ok. So what I did was put each beam up individually. Drill the holes in each one. Then marry them up to make the beam. Margin of error was smaller. Barely had any issues on that one. It’s looking good! Thank you for all the advising folks. This is a lot of work.

 

[Shadowdog500]

If the plates are parallel and the holes are inline you could probably use a drill guide to keep the drill orthagional to the plate

 

[Hobby_Man22]

Are you saying size matters?

He's lucky, some of us don't have any holes to find.

 

[Shadowdog500]

He's lucky, some of us don't have any holes to find.

Go out and find one, but choose wisely!

 

[Hobby_Man22]

Go out and find one, but choose wisely!

Easier said than done

 

[Chaznsc]

IBTL LOL

 

[nadogail]

Drill your holes in line with your target.

 

[dchawk81]

@PelicanPines