How to drill a shallow hole in sheet metal?

[N80]

I need to drill a hole in some sheet metal...not on a tractor...but we'll pretend that it is. I have no way to tell what is behind the sheet metal on this particular machine. Probably nothing but I don't want to go shooting a drill bit through there where I don't know if there is a wire or a fuel line. Is there a better way of making a depth stop than just wrapping a big gob of tape around the bit? I'd Google it but I don't even know what to call such a device. Thanks.

 

[N80]

Ooops. Never mind. As it turns out they are called depth stop drill bits. Who knew?

 

[Xfaxman]

I knew.

And would have told you.

 

[N80]

Thanks. Its the thought that counts.

 

[JRobyn]

What size hole? A small hole saw might do it. Or for sheet metal, maybe just grind a hole through with a Dremel carbide bit and then enlarge as needed.

 

[Big Barn]

OR.

Use a step drill. No center punch mark needed. Just drill to the first step. Check for obstructions then use the same bit to enlarge to desired size.





Terry

 

[CalG]

masking tape wound around the drill bit is all it takes. ;-)

 

[airbiscuit]

Drill through a piece of dowel and leave just enough sticking out.

 

[square1]

You must first convince the sheetmetal it wants to be drilled

 

[LD1]

I have used 2-pc locking collars before.

I dont trust tape. Sometimes if the drill bit grabs as its punching through, the tape dont stop it