Hi all,
I am trying to drill 7/32 holes for pop rivets in 20 ball cap tops for
fence post for our new wrought iron fence. Thye posts are 2"x2" 14
guage steel, the ball caps have a box bottom that fit over these post
tops.
The fencing came from fence-depot dot com and I assume all the parts
came from China. I was originally was going to buy a cheap stick welder
to attach the ball caps to the posts but realized I would probably make
a mess out of the paint trying to get a good electrical connection for
the welder, the extra heat would also screw up some of the paint.
I decide I can drill and pop rivet these onto the fence posts much
easier.
SO, I go and buy a set of Dewalt bits with the titanium coating. I was
able, with much effort, to drill a few holes before dulling out the
bit. I had to apply excessive force with my drill press to get through
the first millimeter or 2 then it went through relatively easily. I
tried smaller pilot bits which also acted like i was trying to drill
throug a lock or some other very hard (case hardened?)steel. I went
back to Home depot and spent like $30 on a set of Rigid cobalt bits.
They were no any more effective in getting through the harder outer
layer of the cheap ball cap post tops.
I always used oil when I drill to preserve sharpness of my bits ... I
am at a loss here... I have drilled though quite a few different
material in my life.... i reminds me of trying to drill though hardened
lock bodies. These post caps were only about $2 each, I am wondering if
the sides of the box part of these ball caps I am trying to drill
through came from tool steel scrap or ????? I have never had a problem
like this before.
any suggestions?
I am thinking of going back to the welder idea...I am sure that welding
will have it's own set of problems!
- posted 15 years ago