8 replies to this topic

[clubby_77]

Just trying to drill out the studs on my hinges to weld new studs in. Ive found plenty of post's on what to do but I must be doing something wrong!!!!

Been drilling for a good hour or so and haven't even got through one stud yet. Done a few drill bits though and Ive been drilling with a small bit to start off with so once through I'll have to go at it again with the correct size.

It cant have been this hard for everyone else so what am I doing wrong??

cheers..

[Skavinski]

Sounds like poor quality or blunt drill bits, can you sharpen them or know someone who can?
Are you using a 'cutting compound'? That helps, or try a slower drill speed if you've got variable control.

[syholl]

As above, you need good drill bits, not the sort you buy in B&Q. Keep the speed of the drill down to avoid overheating, and use a cutting paste to lubricate the metal.

It should be easy to get through in a few minutes. I did the ones on our estate very quickly.

[clubby_77]

Cheers for the reply's Im motivated again. The drill bits are new but Im gonna go and buy some top quality ones. Not heard of this cutting paste but I'll have a look for some of that too.

I've got all day to do this but If I fail again the whole mini is going in the bin...

cheers..

[nordicmini]

HI had the same prob took mine to local engineniers .They have been hardened thats why you cant drill them

[clubby_77]

HI had the same prob took mine to local engineniers .They have been hardened thats why you cant drill them

Hi there, so did you take the whole door? Ive tried taking the hinges off but thats a no go as well.

cheers..

[Ethel]

The hinges usually come off the door easier than off the car but the door does sometimes split around the hinge if it needs a lot of hammering - use an impact driver.

Drilling steel usually needs a much lower speed than most hand held leccy drills manage.

[Jammy]

As above, I imagine you have the drill speed to high. It really does need to be quite slow. When you have the speed right you'll see the metal being cut, and you can get some rather big (relatively) metal shavings come off the drill bit. If your not gettng any shavings, then your going to fast.

[clubby_77]

Thanks for all the help. I gave up drilling the studs out because one of the hinges needs replacing anyways so ended up drilling out the screws that hold the hinge to the door. So now Im on the look out for some cheap hinges or even a cheap door as mine not in the best shape anyways.

cheers...