? re trailer cover builds, convert to campers etc...

[nao57]

Is it hard to drill thru metal when you drill through like trailer frames to secure boards to it? I hoped to hear more on this. I've drilled lumber a lot, but not metal. Do you burn out your drill or ruin parts easier doing metal? And how to avoid? I came across this idea in videos of how people secured enclosing utility trailers with sides and walls. But it all hinges on .. that you are basically bolting wood posts to a metal frame.

I hoped for advise on this.

And I want to do this to secure an enclosure around a cheap utility trailer to make it into a small camper.

Thanks.

 

[Debbie292d]

Is it hard to drill thru metal when you drill through like trailer frames to secure boards to it? I hoped to hear more on this. I've drilled lumber a lot, but not metal. Do you burn out your drill or ruin parts easier doing metal? And how to avoid? I came across this idea in videos of how people secured enclosing utility trailers with sides and walls. But it all hinges on .. that you are basically bolting wood posts to a metal frame.

I hoped for advise on this.

And I want to do this to secure an enclosure around a cheap utility trailer to make it into a small camper.

Thanks.

You need a drill bit that is meant for going through metal. They, of course, are pricier than the regular bits.

Here's an article that describes the different types you can buy, and also some tips for drilling through metal.

https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/tips-for-drilling-holes-in-metal/

 

[21hens-incharge]

In addition dipping the bit in a lubricant helps. At work I use WD40.

 

[Shadrach]

Drilling metal is a lot easier with the right tools and methods.
Mark the holes you want to drill.
Position the centre punch on the mark and hit punch with hammer. You now have a small indent in the steel which will help prevent the drill bit skating when you touch on the metal.

https://www.cromwell.co.uk/shop/hand-tools/punches/steel-centre-punch-point-4mm-100mm/p/KEN5182060K

Use an engineering centre drill to drill a pilot hole. For small holes you may find a centre drill of the required diameter.

https://www.nestools.com/ProductGrp/dormer-a225-centre-drills

Open the hole up to size with a high speed steel metal drill.

 

[nao57]

Wow. Thank you very much for the insight. This will help a lot.