Self Centering Drill Bits

[jigs_n_fixtures]

I’m building a tote for my three point hitch, and want to install e-track to secure things with. I need to drill a bunch of holes which line up with the holes in the track to mount them. And, I am having a hard time trying to keep all the holes I’m drilling into the tote lined up with the holes in the track. Does anyone know a source for a self centering/indexing drill bit in 5/16-inch or 8-mm?

 

[SPYDERLK]

I’m building a tote for my three point hitch, and want to install e-track to secure things with. I need to drill a bunch of holes which line up with the holes in the track to mount them. And, I am having a hard time trying to keep all the holes I’m drilling into the tote lined up with the holes in the track. Does anyone know a source for a self centering/indexing drill bit in 5/16-inch or 8-mm?

Can you clamp and use the e track as a guide pattern?

 

[WranglerX]

Didn't know that there was a self centering drill bit ... BUT if you lay down "E" track and use a "transfer center punch" through holes in track and use small bit for pilot hole so it does not drift off punch mark then go to desired size hole , you will probably have a better success rate.....

Maybe some thing like in link below may help...

XtremepowerUS Center Punch Set Steel Transfer Punch Machinist Thread Tool Kit Set (28-Piece) 13130-XPH1 - The Home Depot

Offer the best and essential addition to your tool box by selecting this XtremepowerUS Center Punch Set Steel Transfer Punch Machinist Thread Tool Kit Set.

www.homedepot.com

Alos drilling one hole in base at each end of track will stabilize/hold it in place as you center punch or drill all the rest of the holes to mount it....

 

[jigs_n_fixtures]

I’ve tried that, but the holes are 3/8 diameter, and I don’t want to spend the money or time finding flathead 3/8 bolts that are affordable. The only 3/8 flatheads local are the grade ten or twelve, in the little drawers, which cost over $2/each, and no one in town has more than four or five in stock. I even looked on Amazon and eBay, and the industrial supply sites trying to find 3/8 flatheads for a reasonable price in quantities. Seems no one is making flathead bolts that aren’t high strength and expensive. They have forgotten that sometimes you just need a flush fastener, that isn’t holding the world.

Other than a guided/indexed bit, the only solution I can think of is go between the factory counter sunk holes, and drill, then countersink new holes as I mount the tracks. That way the holes in the track match exactly to the holes in the tote frame.

Another justification to buy a good 3D printer so I can make my own custom parts, jigs, and fixtures.

 

[bigtiller]

Sometimes called Vix bits.

Milescraft Hinge Installation Self-Centering Steel Drill Bit Set (3-Piece) 2317 - The Home Depot

Milescraft Hinge Bit Set is an ideal drill accessory for hinge or hardware installation. Pre-drill perfectly centered holes for proper alignment.

www.homedepot.com

 

[bcp]

If these aren't large enough for your bolt size, one of them may work to get a centered pilot hole.

Amazon.com : self centering drill bit

Bruce

 

[newbury]

Did you try Mcmaster-carr?
McMaster-Carr

 

[SPYDERLK]

I’ve tried that, but the holes are 3/8 diameter, and I don’t want to spend the money or time finding flathead 3/8 bolts that are affordable. The only 3/8 flatheads local are the grade ten or twelve, in the little drawers, which cost over $2/each, and no one in town has more than four or five in stock. I even looked on Amazon and eBay, and the industrial supply sites trying to find 3/8 flatheads for a reasonable price in quantities. Seems no one is making flathead bolts that aren’t high strength and expensive. They have forgotten that sometimes you just need a flush fastener, that isn’t holding the world.

Other than a guided/indexed bit, the only solution I can think of is go between the factory counter sunk holes, and drill, then countersink new holes as I mount the tracks. That way the holes in the track match exactly to the holes in the tote frame.

Another justification to buy a good 3D printer so I can make my own custom parts, jigs, and fixtures.

Could you just make a collared bushing from Gr8 steel to hold the 5/16 centered?

 

[jigs_n_fixtures]

Didn't know that there was a self centering drill bit ... BUT if you lay down "E" track and use a "transfer center punch" through holes in track and use small bit for pilot hole so it does not drift off punch mark then go to desired size hole , you will probably have a better success rate.....

Maybe some thing like in link below may help...

XtremepowerUS Center Punch Set Steel Transfer Punch Machinist Thread Tool Kit Set (28-Piece) 13130-XPH1 - The Home Depot

Offer the best and essential addition to your tool box by selecting this XtremepowerUS Center Punch Set Steel Transfer Punch Machinist Thread Tool Kit Set.

www.homedepot.com

Alos drilling one hole in base at each end of track will stabilize/hold it in place as you center punch or drill all the rest of the holes to mount it....

Tried the indexing punches. But the punch that makes the center punched hole sticks out past the end, so you can’t get it indexed on the counter sunk hole.

But I just had a thought, that I may be able to find a compression fitting, which would index on the counter sunk hole, and act as a guide for the index punch. I’m off to the hardware store.

But, if anyone knows of a source for self centering/indexing drill bits in larger sizes, please post.

Thanks, Jigs.

 

[bcp]

https://www.amazon.com/Socket-Screws-Countersunk-Bolts-Threaded/dp/B0BFD54WBJ/ref=sr_1_2?crid=BJJVV3XTVMZS&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.d8zwMCb7-CZpn-HGsAmHYZGQhK2FvXBdyLHZNXATDycaIXxdihpHSeOmNFDoT5ZHzNCLU2UEMSGDx6XtzDoO2-bJdink2NCJRWMA2fVEZ32guB-Al5eQMk7Tib7QK8lc-jVtBzuqcVgs1nCT9C9_keOqs4nCfXv4oGwHYr04dbT4_CtILv9iuVHjzEVAmYyuGiiAz47dKYkqlND8kigqcZsHdzko0VeVqdkhzLk3Jz8.S0iV_-a8LSd-y0l9VP_LhnVYgKZkAcFsurgkck5YEMw&dib_tag=se&keywords=3%2F8-16x2%2Bflat%2Bhead%2Bbolt&qid=1727193873&sprefix=3%2F8-16x2%2Bflat%2Bhead%2Bbolt%2Caps%2C195&sr=8-2&th=1

Bruce