making some roof bars, 1 question

ObiHann · **Posted:** Wed Feb 25, 2009 11:21 am

I have some 1" square tube steel, and am wondering how much a PITA this will be to drill through? Do I need a hammer drill? I know I need the right bit that will drill through steel but would a standard corded drill work?

JJsTJ · **Posted:** Wed Feb 25, 2009 11:25 am

if it is hollow tube you should be able to drill right through it w/ any corded or cordless drill w/ a sharp bit. Whats the wall thickness?

ObiHann · **Posted:** Wed Feb 25, 2009 11:26 am

Don't now the wall thickness off hand. I know its 1" square tube steel, and hollow, so, perhaps 1"? Or woudl 1" be the total thickness of all 4 sides?

04jeepkj · **Posted:** Wed Feb 25, 2009 12:11 pm

Use a hammer and a punch to mark the spot, then use a smaller drill bit than needed to start and work up to the desired dia hole needed.
1" square tube is measured from one wall to the other either inside or outside diameter

ShockT63 · **Posted:** Wed Feb 25, 2009 7:12 pm

You don't want to hammer-drill that. A bit made for steel will work great on your drill's highest speed. It's not a bad idea to spray WD-40 on the bit as you drill to keep it cool, if the drilling takes longer than a few seconds.

snowsport · **Joined:** Tue Oct 18, 2005 11:52 pm **Posts:** 1211

I like cobalt bits for cutting through steel. They seem to cut quicker and cleaner than standard HSS bits. Not that much more expensive and easy to find.

ObiHann · **Posted:** Thu Feb 26, 2009 1:41 pm

Good to know. As I stand, my steel has disappeared and was driven off to get ends welded on, but, when I get them back, they will be installed. Any opinions about the size/type/strength of u-bolts, and also if I should use a plate or something to go between the 2 ends of the 2 bolt above the bar?

TAHOE · **Posted:** Thu Feb 26, 2009 7:55 pm

Hammer drills are made for concrete, they vibrate as the drill. I've found a good high quality bit works great on a lower drill speed with some lube like WD-40. High speeds make bits even hotter and cuts down on cutting ability. Wished I could slow my drill press down a bit ( on lowest speed it can go), only running @ 500 rpm, but still too fast for my tastes.

WoodysKJ · **Posted:** Fri Feb 27, 2009 1:14 pm

ObiHann wrote:

I have some 1" square tube steel, and am wondering how much a PITA this will be to drill through? Do I need a hammer drill? I know I need the right bit that will drill through steel but would a standard corded drill work?

I don't mean to be unpleasant but this does not sound like somebody who should be drilling holes or working on his kj. Like I said not trying to be a jerk. but you do need a LITLE bit of mechanical knowledge to safely work on your KJ's or any vehicle.

ObiHann · **Posted:** Fri Feb 27, 2009 1:18 pm

You have to learn somehow. And I'm not drilling ANY holes in my KJ for this installation. I've found a full guide on KJ country, and I'm pretty darn sure, a roof rack, has nothing to do with mechanical knowledge. I think your judging me a bit here, I'm learning as I go, forcing my self to. Heck, saturday I'm learning to do rear brakes, next week I'm learning oil filter and rear diffs. Its all a process, but if nobody teaches me I cant. I've asked around, done my reaserach, and this is someone elses plan, not mine. Thanks for the very positive reinforcement though. I didn't know you needed to be a mechanic to drill holes in tube steel and clamp it to your roof.... I will take all the parts back now :roll:

making some roof bars, 1 question

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