Thread: what type of drill bits do I need to drill through frame

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I replaced a crossmember on my 65 chevy truck ,and went through all my bits (factory rivets). I broke 2 and chipped the tip of the other 1.Which bits are strong enough to get through the frame?

titanium bits, well oiled and you will get through. don't snap a bit in the frame or you will need a diamond bit to drill that out.

You can grind off both sides of the factory rivet with a hard wheel like on a 4-1/2" makita.
Take a large drift pin,
A large hammer,
Pop them out.
No drill needed.

I just got done relocating the rear crossmember on my 53 F350. I found that it was much easier to use an 80 grit flap wheel to take the head of the rivit down flush with the frame and then just drill the 1/8 worth of rivit that was in the frame. Just using normal hi-speed drill bits - kept sharp with a drill doctor and using some oil.

Any drill bit should work, the rivets are fairly soft. Just keep the speed slow.

What GMC1500 said.....Hi speed drill motors kill more bits then anything else!!!! Low RPM and hi-grade cutting oil is best for drilling out rivets. I use my plasma arc to cut off the rivet head, then knock out the body of the rivet with a punch while the rivet is still hot.

Stay away from the cheap chinese drill bits. Titanium nitride coated bits are supposed to last a bit longer, and they look real pretty.

In the case of hardware store bits, I believe the TiN drill bits are just an excuse to not use the correct alloy steel or give it the proper heat treatment. If you can find High Speed Steel bits from a specialtly manufacturer like the Triumph Twist Drill Company or Greenfield Tap and Die company, they will last much longer than any coated hardware store bits. The coated specialty bits are even better still, but way out of anybody's price range. Cobalt drill bits are the hardest and most expensive and because it's not just a coating, the hardware store cobalt bits are usually of good quality. Cobalt bits will typically be a more of a tan color than the gold of TiN.

Best thing i have found for removing rivits is either a Grinder as mentioned above or a cut-off tool.Just cut the head clean off and you can usually tap it with a punch and 1 hit O the hammer.