But these are 5/16 bolts and I'm worried about drill power, plus the drill bit "walking" before it bites. I saw on a YouTube that a guy used a punch to minimize that. So off to harbor freight for that. And maybe some sacrificial drill bits b/c I don't want to ruin my good ones.
Grabbed the punch, and found some step drill bits that look pretty sweet. Never had a need, but have been eyeing them. Love the concept, and this should help with my cordless drill power concerns.
Also b/c I'm assigning the repair work to the kiddo I got some stop collars so he doesn't go crazy and overbore the hole.
Oh and harbor freight guy talked me into some cutting oil. Which makes sense.
It's in plumbing, BTW. Totally would have expected in metalwork or drilling. But plumbers use it too, for threading metal pipe, I guess? (Don't they mostly use PVC, ABX, and PEX at this point?)
@User47@vmst.io Cutting oil can't hurt. I'm sure you're drilling thicker metal than I ever do. Make sure the drill bits are capable of drilling metal.
So anyway. Here’s the repair package. All in, under $75 (vs $190+) and I really enjoyed solutioning it.
I’m looking forward to this small project with my kiddo. I didn’t have a dad growing up and was lucky to work a few years at a hardware store to learn about a lot of the handy stuff. Plus YouTube university.
Can’t say I’m glad this happened because the timing is terrible. But yay learning opportunities for us both, making memories, and hard work.
PS: Grandpa’s vice grips 🥰
Super proud dad moment. 🥰 All fixed! And this hitch plate is way stronger than the original piece of metal. Nevermind the color mismatch. I’m for function over aesthetic, all day long. #Dad #ProudDad
Super proud dad moment. 🥰 All fixed! And this hitch plate is way stronger than the original piece of metal. Nevermind the color mismatch. I’m for function over aesthetic, all day long. #Dad #ProudDad
JL Johnson :veri_mast:
