cutting holes in steel gate post for hinge bolts

[GaryM]

Drill hols through the post with a 1/4" bit, no twisting danger with that size. Then enlarge the hole as required with a UniBit.Unibit Step Drills - Drill Bits - Tools - IRWIN TOOLS

These self center in the existing hole and cut very well. You'll have to work from both sides but that's not a problem. These cut nice clean holes. The smaller sizes are self starting as well.

 

[Gary Fowler]

With a good sharp set of bits, you could have had these done in less time than it took to write this question on TBN. I rarely use anything other than battery powered drill drivers unless I am drilling something too large to fit in my 3/8 battery drills.
I doubt that you need more than a 5/8" final hole so a 1/4" and 5/8" bit is all you need. It shouldn't take more than a minute to drill 1/4" hole thru one side of a 2" nominal sized pipe (2 7/8" OD). Careful measuring and centering should make the holes line up when drilled from the other side for the 1/4" pilot hole. Your standard 5/8" bit should be long enough to drill thru both sides.

 

[dickfoster]

What is the easiest way to make holes in a steel gate post to install hinge bolts (that go all the way through the post)? I don't have a cutting torch. Is it possible to drill the holes? The gate post is made of 2 7/8" steel tubing. Thanks.

Bob

Why not just weld them on?

 

[k0ua]

Why not just weld them on?

That would sure work, provided he has a portable welder and the skill to use it. And a commercial fencing person would probably do it that way.

 

[dickfoster]

That would sure work, provided he has a portable welder and the skill to use it. And a commercial fencing person would probably do it that way.

Well I think he mentioned a cutting torch so I assumed he has at least a gas rig which would do the job. Heck you can even MIG weld with a coupla car batteries and a spool gun. I do it a lot.

 

[Redlands Okie]

Welding supply stores carry a economical wrap that goes around pipe, it has measuring ruler on the edge. It's usually a couple feet long. Some are longer.
Wrap it around your pipe a couple of times. Keeping the edges aligned. Then draw a line around the top of it. You now have a line the same height around the post. Now unwrap all but one layer of the wrap and use the ruler printed on it to get the front and back location exactly opposite of each other on the line you have drawn.

Welding supply shops also have pre made metal patterns you wrap around the pipe. These pre made patterns are made to fit each pipe size so you have to buy what fits your pipe. They look like tin cans cut in half length wise with a hinge on one side. They have notches and lines cut out of them to allow marking angles etc.

Then out comes your low rpm heavy drill (preferably with a side handle), several bits to work up to the hole size you need.

http://bigronline.cachefly.net/getDynamicImage.aspx?w=274&h=270&path=950955.jpg

https://img4.fastenal.com/productimages/0818107.jpg

 

[D2Cat]

Take some of your favorite welding rod and turn up the amperage and burn a hole through one side. Stick a piece of rod in the hold to estimate it being level and estimate the spot on the other side. Burn again. Put a flat washer next to each hole then a nut.

 

[bigdeano]

Line up your .375 H&H magnum rifle, pull trigger. Use 3/8 bolts. Be sure and wear safety goggles.

 

[4570Man]

Line up your .375 H&H magnum rifle, pull trigger. Use 3/8 bolts. Be sure and wear safety goggles.

In all honesty it would probably work and 357 magnum would probably get the job done.

 

[k0ua]

In all honesty it would probably work and 357 magnum would probably get the job done.

.357 armor pierce would sure do it.. but that is pretty hard to find nowadays.