Drill Bits

[RichZ]

I need to put some teeth in the bucket of one of my tractors so it'll be easier to move manure with. It's a real PIA to pick up manure from piles without teeth on the loader. What kind of drill bits do I need to drill thru the steel of a loader? I have seven teeth to put in with 2 bolts each. How many drill bits will I need to drill those 14 holes? I imagine I'll dull the bits pretty good cutting thru that steel. Will titanium bits do the job?

Thanks!!!

 

[Egon]

It depends on where on the loader you drill.

 

[RobS]

Yeah, what Egon said. If you're drilling through the "sheet metal" of the bucket, anything will work. Start small and go progressively bigger. Use oil! The cutting edge may be hardened, but not necessarily, try it. Do whatever you can to avoid drilling through welds. They will be extremely hard.

 

[J_J]

I need to put some teeth in the bucket of one of my tractors so it'll be easier to move manure with. It's a real PIA to pick up manure from piles without teeth on the loader. What kind of drill bits do I need to drill thru the steel of a loader? I have seven teeth to put in with 2 bolts each. How many drill bits will I need to drill those 14 holes? I imagine I'll dull the bits pretty good cutting thru that steel. Will titanium bits do the job?

Thanks!!!

Those drill bits cut pretty good, They are very brittle, and takes a steady hand. If used in a drill press, they last a long time. A good indication to whether you can drill any metal is to take a punch and see if you can dent the metal. If so, then you should be able to drill. Some times a pilot hole is required.

 

[Inspector507]

I use Dewalt Pilot Bits (or brad point bits) and plenty of oil. No sweat. Just don't force them. If it takes that much force to drill, you're probably going to ruin the bits.

 

[EddieWalker]

I'd buy one good bit the size you need it and drill the holes as slow as possible. Don't let the bit get too hot and it will last you for all 14 holes easily.

Eddie

 

[Jimbrown]

Do not try to drill the cutting edge. Move back away from he cutting edge and you will be drilling mild steel. If you gotta drill the cutting edge lots of luck a cutting torchwould be better.

 

[RichZ]

Thanks guys!!! I don't need to drill the cutting edge, so, happily I shouldn't have any kind of problem...I hope. Do I need any special kind of oil to keep it cool. Can I just use whatever kind of old oil I have sitting around. I think I might have a few open partially filled containers of 5W-40. Can I use them?

 

[jake98]

wouldn't a toothbar be the way to go?
jake

 

[RobS]

Thanks guys!!! I don't need to drill the cutting edge, so, happily I shouldn't have any kind of problem...I hope. Do I need any special kind of oil to keep it cool. Can I just use whatever kind of old oil I have sitting around. I think I might have a few open partially filled containers of 5W-40. Can I use them?

You can buy special cutting oil, but any light oil will work including your 5W-40.