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Tue Nov 29, 2022 12:08 pm

What is the best spot weld remover / drill bit in everyone's opinion.
The hardest part for me is finding factory spot welds to begin with.

Tue Nov 29, 2022 2:10 pm

I prefer these
https://ustoolhub.com/alfa-tools-i-8mm-cobalt-spot...mmEALw_wcB
They’re much easier to control than the mini hole saw cutter

Tue Nov 29, 2022 3:33 pm

I agree, I usually start with a 1/8" pilot dimple or hole too.

Tue Nov 29, 2022 7:28 pm

I prefer 3/16 inch standard drill bits. Easy to get, cuts a nice hole for plug welding when sticking it all back together, and my Clecos are 3/16”!

As for finding spot welds. I use a piece of 120 grit sandpaper to clean everything up. Most of the time the weld edge shows where the center is. But every once in a while it does not. So, in those moments I use my fingertips.

Tue Nov 29, 2022 9:51 pm

I've used several different types, including the blair drill, cheap HF hole saw drill, standard jobber bit, etc.. The very best way I found is a 1/4" carbide rotary file in a die grinder.

Thu Dec 01, 2022 1:31 pm

All good tips. My preferred method involves starting with a stubby 1/8 drill and then going thru with progressively larger COBALT drill bits. The cobalt drill bits are really the key. Sometimes I'll use a center drill too. A good rounded carbide cutter works well but I usually still like to drill a pilot hole, helps to keep the bit from wandering, better weld penetration when fitting new panel, etc.

Sometimes I don't even drill out the spot welds if I can, just slice the flange or lip up with a cutoff disk and smooth out what's left.

Look for a slight dimple that's where the spot welds are. Thick paint, sealer will hide it. Hit it with a roloc disc quickly and it will reveal those low spots/dimples.

Mon Jan 16, 2023 12:01 pm

I use these with good results. Center punch and then drill.

Mon Jan 16, 2023 8:13 pm

I buy the cheapie harbor freight ones five at a time. You can flip the cutter over so it’s like having 10. But usually just use the grinder or air chisel.