If these are in fact Chinese drill bits, then care should be taken to use
them in such a way that they are going right to left, and not left to right,
like Engrish bits.  ;)

Cary

----- Original Message -----
From: Stan Wilder <wilden1-1@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, May 14, 2004 4:09 PM
Subject: Re: drilling through sheet metal?

> Sounds like you got Chinese Drill bits.
> Sometimes bumpers are heat treated and require a quality sharp drill bit
and
> a little light weight oil to get started.
> Might also start with a smaller 1/8" bit as a pilot and then go to the
1/4"
> bit.
> If you think that bumper is tough you need to try some good quality
> stainless steel, saliva is the best lubricant on stainless.
>
> Stan Wilder
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Craig Oda" <craigoda@GMAIL.COM>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Friday, May 14, 2004 2:43 PM
> Subject: drilling through sheet metal?
>
>
> > Is it possible to drill through sheet metal with a hand drill?  I have
> > cobalt bits and a standard Sears drill.
> >
> > My front license plate fell off and the screw that kept it on the
> > front bumper snapped off.  I want to drill another hole into the front
> > bumper to mount the license plate properly.  I tried to drill a hole
> > into the front bumper for about 30 minutes and could not.
> >
> > I've also tried to drill a hole into the pillar where the fire
> > extinguisher is attached to.  I haven't had any luck here either.
> >
> > Are there any special techniques?  Or, do I need special tools?
> >
> > Thanks.
> >
> > BTW, I also appreciate all the feedback I got about my surf racks for
> > the Westy.  In a strange coincidence, the guy that sold me the long
> > board had a set of Yakima gutter-mount racks for sale.  Thanks to
> > people on this list, I knew about the side-mount fake gutters for
> > Yakima.  So, I bought the surf racks from the guy and mounted the
> > racks pretty easily with some parts I picked up from the local REI.
>
>