Boulder bars install/where to find 'F' bit

hoss75 · **Posted:** Sat Oct 22, 2005 1:12 am

Ok, I was working on my boulder Bars tonight on my '05 and ran into a problem that caused another problem. On the right bar, front mount, the bottom rear hole lined up with the horizontal part of the framerail and ruined the 'F' bit I had from ALLJ. So now I can't get that third bolt in on the front bracket and I need to find an 'F' bit somewhere. Are they generally available wherever you get drill bits? Or are they only at special stores?

winkelhawk · **Posted:** Sat Oct 22, 2005 7:04 am

That is a common drill bit size, you might have to get it at a tool store instead of Sears or Home Depot. Bigger place usually just carry fractional sizes.

camper · **Posted:** Sat Oct 22, 2005 7:33 am

"F" size drill bits are for thread taps...I can't remember which size....5/16-18 maybe....anyway they're in the tap and die section of the tool dept. at lowes or home depot or sears....they're usually separate from the other fractional sizes....

the reason you are given one from all-j is because the bolts he provides are self-tapping (thread cutting) bolts...the bolts create their own bite into the jeep frame rail so you don't have to use a nut and washer...

Guest · **Posted:** Sat Oct 22, 2005 10:03 am

Eddo · **Joined:** Thu Jul 07, 2005 7:01 pm **Posts:** 1214

F is just a tad bit bigger than a 1/4" A 1/4 will work in a pinch, but it is best to get the right bit.

skrracing · **Posted:** Sat Oct 22, 2005 12:33 pm

The size is a .257 that might help you out. later...Clint

camper · **Posted:** Sat Oct 22, 2005 1:59 pm

yes, what I meant was they're sized for a 5/16-18 thread tap...so the drill bit is a diameter less than the thread cut...

frequently the bit is sold in a blister pack with the thread tap....

hoss75 · **Posted:** Sat Oct 22, 2005 2:22 pm

Well, went to Sears, Home Depot, NAPA, 2 local hardware stores and Lowes.. Only found one person who even knew what I was talking about! But none of them had one.. Now, I said before the bit broke, but it actually just dulled to near uselessness, however I was able to use a bit that was just a TAD bit smaller and then use the dull F bit to finish it off.

LostRenegade · **Posted:** Sun Oct 23, 2005 8:10 pm

I looked all over also for the dreaded F bit. All the big places didn't have it. I ended up finding it at an old local hardware store that has just about everything.

AdamIsAdam · **Posted:** Sun Oct 23, 2005 8:32 pm

I couldn't even find anyone who knew what it was! (went to all the usual spots).

In fact, I found the space for it at Home Depot near tap&die area, but that guy swore they don't carry it. Sure, not now that he didn't even know he had it let along reorder it because he's out!

Anyway, Quinn told me to use a 1/4" and give it JUST a little extra time to spin once the hole was drilled to try and shave off that extra .007"

That said, mine are in but I broke off one bolt doing the job. Good thing they gave us so many holes on each arm!

corwyyn · **Posted:** Mon Oct 24, 2005 12:46 am

Went to Sears Hardware store in NE Albuquerque - there was one 'F'bit left on the hook in the tap&die area. $3.99 plus tax and I walked out the door ready to install my B-Bars Hope to get them on this next weekend if the weather is good.

Boulder bars install/where to find 'F' bit

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