spot weld bit size
 

Guys who've replaced rocker panels - what's the correct spot weld cutter bit size for our trucks - 5/16, 3/8 - other?

Re: spot weld bit size
 

Ive always used the 3/8's. Doesnt matter cuz your gonna miss the center anyway! Seems like I always have to pry something or drill it twice.

Re: spot weld bit size
 

Re: spot weld bit size
 

this spot weld cutter is really the best way to go. the one with the guide pin in the center is great for cutting spot welds. Cuts your time in half. just let the teeth do the cutting. dont force it cuz the teeth will break

Re: spot weld bit size
 

:agree:

This is what I have also. It works real well.

Re: spot weld bit size
 

I used a 1/4" bit.

Didnt miss too many times.

Re: spot weld bit size
 

Here is a 3/8th" for $3.99
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=95343

Re: spot weld bit size
 

You could buy several of those for what I paid for the 3/8" Blair Rotobroach kit. Might be worth a try anyway.

Re: spot weld bit size
 

what did that kit cost ya?
I have use these cheap ones, they work quite well, as stated previously, just let it cut and don't force it.....it is 2 sided so you can flip the cutter over if it gets dull....well worth $4 IMHO ;)

Re: spot weld bit size
 

@ $35 iirc :(

Shoulda went to Harbor Freight first...although, in my defense, I had searched aound the web and everyone had good things to say about the Blair cutters. Other brands were not very highly spoken of. I still would've tried the HF ones but didn't know they were so inexpensive.

Re: spot weld bit size
 

thanks for the responses - big help

Re: spot weld bit size
 

I have always ground my own out old drill bits.

Re: spot weld bit size
 

guess you should have asked here first, huh? ;)
I've heard good things about the Rotobroach, i believe it is the one that will cut nice round holes in sheet metal also, unlike drill bits and holesaws

i just picked up one from harbor freight, cost me $4.99 instead of the internet price of $3.99 :waah:
although it is nice to have a Harbor Freight in the neighborhood
i'll try it out tomorrow :metal:

can you elaborate?

Re: spot weld bit size
 

Iv'e used the ones from Harbor Freight with success..BTW it does help to drill a 1/8 inch hole first, less wandering.
Bob

Re: spot weld bit size
 

The old spot weld bits looked just like a forstner bit so I just took old drill bits and ground them to this shape and they worked great. When I wore one out I just re-ground. I am a cabinet maker/wood worker so drill bits where plentiful and grinding drill bits is a everyday task.

Re: spot weld bit size
 

cool! :thumbs:

Re: spot weld bit size
 

I actually bought them before I started using this site. Had them for a couple of years anticipating the eventual teardown of 2 or 3 vehicles. The '64 just happened to get bumped to first in line.;)


I stopped by the one in Moore last summer and bought a tow bar and magnetic towing lights that I used to bring that '64 LB home with.

Let us know how well they work for you.

Re: spot weld bit size
 

I have been drilling a small pilot hole when I use mine too. It definitely helps keep it from wandering.

That's a great idea. Too bad I am not that talented when it comes to sharpening bits.

Re: spot weld bit size
 

there isn't one in Moore......
Norman, OKC, and Tulsa

will do!:thumbs:

Re: spot weld bit size
 

It must have been in Norman then. I was south of OKC, I do know that for a fact.:lol:

Re: spot weld bit size
 

:lol:
that's my 'hood!!!

Re: spot weld bit size
 

I just did this to take out the tank mounts in the cab and just used a forstner bit. Worked perfectly... just no stop so ya gotta be careful..lol.. but I think I might check out the Harbor Freight version when I have to do it again...

Re: spot weld bit size
 

I tried this today with an old 3/8 bit I had and it worked pretty well. One small problem I had was getting the center point so that it would actually cut. I guess I need to work on that a little more.....have any siggestions?
Thanks for posting this :D

Re: spot weld bit size
 

Cap, When I ground the center point I would make it just long enough to center the bit. Also I would not make it an exact point leaving a bit of the drill bit. It just takes a bit of playing to get it right and as you well know some bits are better than others. The forstner bits are used for wood so they are ground to a point. Hope this helps. Good Luck

Re: spot weld bit size
 

Yeah I did leave a little bit of a kid of spade shape to it, but I still had to lean on it pretty good to get it to cut. Like you said, it takes a little bit of playing to get it just right. Of course my eyesight isn't the best anymore either.....really need to see about some specs.