Trailer Coupler Safety Pin Mod - drill out from 5/16" to 3'8" to fit a padlock???
Maybe I'm missing something...I have always used a 5/16" safety pin to lock the coupler on my 6x16 landscape trailer but was looking for something a bit more secure and I am NOT a fan of the 1/4" coupler locks that are readily available. I would like to replace the pin with a padlock but the current hole (for the pin/lock) is too small. Primarily to keep honest people honest (don't want this to turn into a debate about the BEST coupler lock/protection).
No worries, I thought as I grabbed the drill and a selection of 3/8' drill bits. I tried all the drill bits I had (including some Cobalt types) and made virtually no progress. I drilled at slow speed and used cutting oil but still had no luck. Some questions for the group:
1. Is it a bad idea to drill out (assuming I can get a bit that will cut) the safety pin hole on the trailer coupler from 5/16" to 3/8"?
2. Is there a reason that you don't see padlocks installed as the safety 'pin' on the trailer coupler?
3. Is the coupler material typically a hardened steel? If so, please provide recommendations on drilling in a hardened material.
As always, thanks for your thoughts and welcome to alternative ideas. And yes, the drill bits are sharp!
Maybe I'm missing something...I have always used a 5/16" safety pin to lock the coupler on my 6x16 landscape trailer but was looking for something a bit more secure and I am NOT a fan of the 1/4" coupler locks that are readily available. I would like to replace the pin with a padlock but the current hole (for the pin/lock) is too small. Primarily to keep honest people honest (don't want this to turn into a debate about the BEST coupler lock/protection).
No worries, I thought as I grabbed the drill and a selection of 3/8' drill bits. I tried all the drill bits I had (including some Cobalt types) and made virtually no progress. I drilled at slow speed and used cutting oil but still had no luck. Some questions for the group:
1. Is it a bad idea to drill out (assuming I can get a bit that will cut) the safety pin hole on the trailer coupler from 5/16" to 3/8"?
2. Is there a reason that you don't see padlocks installed as the safety 'pin' on the trailer coupler?
3. Is the coupler material typically a hardened steel? If so, please provide recommendations on drilling in a hardened material.
As always, thanks for your thoughts and welcome to alternative ideas. And yes, the drill bits are sharp!
