Drilling in 12ga Steel Bumper

[Combatgrunt]

Hey Folks,
I'm looking for the best way to drill 2x Holes 1 1/8 inch diameter holes in my Fab Fours Elite Steel Front bumper for the front center 2 parking sensors.

The winch plate from the factory does not have holes for the center 2 parking sensors I have space to make it work with my winch.

I have an Dewalt Electric Drill and a Cordless and Impact Drill that I can use and don't see the need to take the whole bumper off the truck.

I was thinking a whole saw would work just need it for 2x holes but I have never done metal stuff so not sure what type would be the best. I was also considering finding a welding shop to do it real quick as well.

Here is pic (White Spots) of where I want to mount them the holes on the top leave no space the winch is on them in the back side.

 

[Combatgrunt]

I was thinking about 2x of these 1 for each hole just in case.

Diablo Steel Demon Carbide Teeth Hole Cutter, 1 DHS1125CF | Zoro

Order Diablo Steel Demon Carbide Teeth Hole Cutter, 1, DHS1125CF at Zoro.com. Great prices & free shipping on orders over $50 when you sign in or sign up for an account.

www.zoro.com

 

[Ionicbrick]

I’ve not drilled into a bumper, but have had good luck in ⅛” steel using carbide hole saws by Milwaukee. Just the basic ones you find at Home Depot. Do it all the time for my construction business. To get clean holes go slow with light pressure and put some motor oil or cutting oil on the teeth of the saw to keep things from heating up too much. Heat is the enemy and will ruin the saw or burnish the bumper which will just make it harder to drill.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[44Dan44]

I was thinking about 2x of these 1 for each hole just in case.

Diablo Steel Demon Carbide Teeth Hole Cutter, 1 DHS1125CF | Zoro

Order Diablo Steel Demon Carbide Teeth Hole Cutter, 1, DHS1125CF at Zoro.com. Great prices & free shipping on orders over $50 when you sign in or sign up for an account.

www.zoro.com

Looks like you've enough clearance, I'd go with this step bit, (top marks from Project Farm) Unlike the hole saws you can use this for a variety of other drilling sizes afterwards.

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

Step bit is much better for the avg user than a hole saw in steel go slow and center punch the hole center location so the drill does not wander when you start. Use some penatrating oil for best results and after drilling have a small round file on hand to debur the hole

 

[Crusty old shellback]

Be sure and check behind where you want to drill and make sure there is no wiring or mounts back there.

I think others have covered the rest. Go slow and use plenty of oil. Otherwise it will heat up the steel and harden it, making it harder to drill.

 

[Hardtop]

I used that exact Diablo bit on the drill press just a few days ago to drill through some 1/4" plate. They cut great, much better than the standard hole cutters. Be advised, they do not make *exact* holes like you get with a twist bit. There is a a slight tendency for the cutting teeth to wobble even though the pilot bit stays centered. Especially if you are using a hand drill. How thick is the material to be drilled? The step bit might not cut deep enough through the material before hitting the next larger size. (duh, re-read your title... 12 guage. {Face palm} )

I'd drill a test hole through some scrap metal to see how well the hole drilled fits your needs. Might need to use a 1" bit if the 1-1/8" bit gives you too much slop.

 

[Kauffmj1]

Step bit is much better for the avg user than a hole saw in steel go slow and center punch the hole center location so the drill does not wander when you start. Use some penatrating oil for best results and after drilling have a small round file on hand to debur the hole

Agreed. Stepper bits are great for thick metal like that. Less chance of burnout or the bit snapping off.

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

Agreed. Stepper bits are great for thick metal like that. Less chance of burnout or the bit snapping off.

thats not thick metal but the step bit is a lot better for hand drilling and cheaper than a prentice bit thats 1-1/8

 

[Combatgrunt]

I was able to knock this out today thanks yonJimmy07 for the harness extensions and I used this bit with some cutting gel and it was perfect fit and cut.