Drill bits for drilling out spot welds
- Thread starter tom999w
- Start date
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...So is 5/16" diameter the go-to size for these HF or Blair type cutters? I'll be doing outer rockers on my 69 Charger and haven't done these types of repairs. Thx!
I have no idea what brand tool I bought, but I bought my spot weld cutters off the Snap On truck and bought maybe 10 extra cutters.
Several have mentioned using cutting fluid, and while that may help with the tool life it also pollutes the area you're going to be welding in. I would never use it.
Others have mentioned about saving the first layer. If you are discarding the first layer don't waste your time drilling it's to time consuming. Just use a belt sander, you'll be glad you did.
Center punching is absolutely necessary if you intend to use a spot weld cutter. My problem with using one is I alway ended up cutting the 2nd layers as well.
As with most projects of this nature there are several ways to do it, but trust me the sanding belt can save you hours and a lot of frustration.
I use a cheap variable speed electric unit I bought off Amazon for $36 and now they are $29 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072Q2FTLY?tag=fabo03-20
Just make sure to buy 3M Cubitron belts, as the cheap ones do not, and will not last long.
Tom
Several have mentioned using cutting fluid, and while that may help with the tool life it also pollutes the area you're going to be welding in. I would never use it.
Others have mentioned about saving the first layer. If you are discarding the first layer don't waste your time drilling it's to time consuming. Just use a belt sander, you'll be glad you did.
Center punching is absolutely necessary if you intend to use a spot weld cutter. My problem with using one is I alway ended up cutting the 2nd layers as well.
As with most projects of this nature there are several ways to do it, but trust me the sanding belt can save you hours and a lot of frustration.
I use a cheap variable speed electric unit I bought off Amazon for $36 and now they are $29 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072Q2FTLY?tag=fabo03-20
Just make sure to buy 3M Cubitron belts, as the cheap ones do not, and will not last long.
Tom
The one with the two sided bit it the one I have used the most
Must center punch or drill a little pilot dent
If you put a little tension on the top piece it will pop as you cut threw and it cuts pretty quickly
Must center punch or drill a little pilot dent
If you put a little tension on the top piece it will pop as you cut threw and it cuts pretty quickly
HF ones suck. Way to brittle. Once catch and they snap. I have drilled out a LOT of welds with Blair cutters..... Use a little oil and drill a pilot hole so they don't skate around and you can move fast.
https://www.amazon.com/Blair-11096-Cutter-Set/dp/B002XML5HK/?tag=fabo03-20
https://www.amazon.com/Blair-11096-Cutter-Set/dp/B002XML5HK/?tag=fabo03-20
Woody500
Well-Known Member
To brittle means over hardened. I have Blair & I've broken them too. If HF ones are cheap enough, I'd waste a few to figure out how to anneal them.
Woody500
Well-Known Member
Sometimes a 3/8" can make it easier to make a good looking weld. 5/16 can be too small, depends on welder, and weldor. If you have spotweld timer, 5/16 probably good, you just pull trigger. 3/8 you may need to make small circle, hence more technique. Penetration to lower panel easier w/3/8".
So is 5/16" diameter the go-to size for these HF or Blair type cutters? I'll be doing outer rockers on my 69 Charger and haven't done these types of repairs. Thx!
Woody500
Well-Known Member
A pilot hole & the proper speed is the key to not burning up spot weld cutters. The "lube" needs to help keep it cool, so is technically a coolant. You're right tho, those machine shop lubes get gummy & leave residue. I've used many & some off label chems.
What ever you try, use good ventilation.
A friend used bacon grease with his blair cutters. Worked pretty good!
Made me hungry.
Made me hungry.
Last edited:
Yummy.....
Wd40 washes away
Wd40 washes away
Thank you! I'll likely start w/ 3/8" and if those don't work, I'll try a 5/16". Appreciate your response!
Woody500
Well-Known Member
As I wrote previous I wondered if Door Ease Stick Lubricant would work, & it would pack into cutter void like the Bacon Grease might, so no spraying. But it leaves melted grease behind to clean up.A friend used bacon grease with his blair cutters. Worked pretty good!
Made me hungry.
Woody500
Well-Known Member
Leave a few scattered welds to hold panel while removing the rest first.
Also the 1/8 pilot holes are also perfect for locating new panels with Clecos, for fitting & finalizing .
Also the 1/8 pilot holes are also perfect for locating new panels with Clecos, for fitting & finalizing .
gzig5
Well-Known Member
I use bacon grease when turning certain metals on the lathe. Works well and smells loverly.A friend used bacon grease with his blair cutters. Worked pretty good!
Made me hungry.
and as a bonus you get bacon as your making the grease
matthon
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I used 2 Blair 3 packs to cut a gazillion spot welds and abused the eff out of them.
Very pleased.
Blair BL11082 Blair Equipment Spot Weld Cutter Kits | Summit Racing
Very pleased.
Blair BL11082 Blair Equipment Spot Weld Cutter Kits | Summit Racing
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