Need ideas for drilling a big hole

[dscowell]

I got a Tire Mount Bed Mount Series spare tire mount for my truck and it requires drilling a 15/16" diameter hole for the Y-bar. That is a big hole and the only place I could find that has a 15/16" drill bit is Jax in Lafayette and it cost $38. That is way more then I am going to spend on any drill bit and I think that shank would be too large for the chuck in the drill I have. What I was thinking was using a 7/8" bit and just boring the hole out a little extra.

Does anyone have any other ideas? Or a 15/16" drill bit you don't use that I can have?

[CS79bronco]

You could use a hole saw. Much cheaper than large drill bits. I know they come in 1", don't remember seeing one 15/16ths. Home Depot & Lowes have them, get a bi-metal one. Not the cheapest but will last for lots of holes if you can run it slow. I have an arbor with pilot bit I have had for years, using different size saws on it.

[The StRanger]

Or the large "Step bit"
Be a little pricey but can be used for more that just once ..

[Tom]

I do but they are wood boring bits in that size and would be useless to you. Sorry.

[Brucker]

You could buy the bit from Jax for $38, or buy a whole set for a couple dollars cheaper http://www.harborfreight.com/8-piece-silver-and-deming-drill-bit-set-527.html

I don't really recommend HF for anything as I am becoming more and more a tool snob the older I get, but a set of large bits does come it handy. And you can't beat the price.

[The StRanger]

Tool, Snob...
Thats Phuunie right there..

[dscowell]

You could use a hole saw
Good idea I did not think of that!


buy a whole set for a couple dollars cheaper http://www.harborfreight.com/8-piece...t-set-527.html
I could buy 1 bit for $38 and never use it again or I could buy a set for $30 that I could get more use out of... Kind of a no brainer. I'll look into this as well. The only concern is would the 1/2" shank fit into a normal power drill?

[Brucker]

The only concern is would the 1/2" shank fit into a normal power drill?

Depends on the drill. Normal chuck sizes are 3/8" and 1/2". So you need to check your drill.

[Hypoid]

I got a Tire Mount Bed Mount Series spare tire mount for my truck and it requires drilling a 15/16" diameter hole for the Y-bar.Ummmm, drill through what, how thick?

If the answer is sheet metal, you want a hole saw.

[dscowell]

It's going through the metal in the bed.

[Brucker]

Ummmm, drill through what, how thick?

If the answer is sheet metal, you want a hole saw.

If it's the sheet metal bed, then yes, use a hole saw. Sorry didn't read it well enough the first time through. Good catch and good call on posting up!

[xaza]

When using the hole saw you want to keep drill speed down and plenty of cutting oil.

[RidgeRunner]

A hole saw like they said or I also like a uni-bit (or stepped bit). I have a pair, 1/4"-3/4" & 1/2"-1" that I have used the crap out of. Mine are Blue Point, yes, I'm also a tool snob and I'm not even in the industry any more.

[Myrtle Turtle]

If you are going to HF for the hole saw, you can pick up a 1/2 inch drive drill there for about $30-40 too.

[Cr33p3r]

Let me look thru my large bits I probably have the size your looking for and they are for use in a1/2" drill. If I have it I'll let you barrow it, but if you break it you buy it.

[dscowell]

Sounds fair enough to me!

[Cr33p3r]

I'll double check for you tomorrow and PM you.

[flashboiler]

1 hole in sheetmetal? I'd probably drill a 1/2" hole then hit it with a die grinder.