Hey guys,

I am installing integrated rear view mirrors in my '06 EG. Front of fairing is off and am ready to drill holes in rear portion of fairing. Instructions say:
1. Locate template & drill 2 - 1/8" pilot holes on each side
2. Use 13/32 Twist Drill to expand one hole on each side
3. Use 7/32 Twist Drill to expand other hole on each side.

Please, I do not want to destroy fairing, what on earth is a "twist Drill"? The instructions did not say I needed a 1/8" "Twist Drill" for pilot holes.

Appreciate the help.

tlee

 

I used an automatic center punch (spring loaded) to mark the holes (from template) and then used the drill bit sizes called for. Pilot holes 1/8" and the other drill bits you mentioned for corresponding holes. A twist drill is nothing more than your regular bit set. I prefer using a power drill over a hand drill.
JL

 

I used a standard electric drill with a standard drill bit - no issues after 6000 miles this summer.

 

Now that's a control panel!

 

Same thing nowadays,

 

1FLTRI4ME,
In my garage we have two types. This one is a hand drill.

 

I would advise not using the DIN 90 degree twist drill. These should only be used by properly trained personnel.

Dr. Horst Von Sphincter had created this drill and has several patents for it. What a genius [sm=goodidea.gif]



[IMG]local://upfiles/5541/E8A7E42BD19C41EDA8E7AE0BBD03182C.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/5541/F3DDF50751CC4126A6B7687DFF900B35.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/5541/979FED99D3614C68A471D98301044762.jpg[/IMG]

 

Twist bits

Usually referred to as twist drills, twist bits are probably the most common drilling tools used by the handyman with either a hand or electric drill. The front edges cut the material and the spirals along the length remove the debris from the hole and tend to keep the bit straight.

They can be used on timber, metal, plastics and similar materials. Most twist bits are made from either:



'high speed steel' (HSS), these are suitable for drilling most types of material, when drilling metal the HSS stands up to the high temperatures.
'carbon steel', these bits are specially ground for drilling wood and should not be used for drilling metals, they tend to be more brittle, less flexible than HSS bits.

Twist bits are also available coated with Titanium nitride (TiN), these are easily identified by the gold like colour. This coating increases the hardness of the bit and adds a self-lubricating property. The coating is only really effective when metal is being drilled, it has little effect when working with other materials.

Twist drills are usually available in sizes 0.8-12 mm plus. They are designed for drilling relatively small holes, they sometimes tend to clog quickly especially when the wood is 'green' so when drilling deep holes (especially in hardwood) the bits should be withdrawn regularly to remove the waste.

Special care is required when using the smallest sizes since these bits are thin and brittle. Always hold the drill square to the work and apply only light pressure when drilling.

 

Thanks to all for the input.

What confuses me is Harley does not say use a "twist drill" for the 1/8" pilot hole, but, does for the 7/32 and 13/32 holes. So, it makes me think a "twist drill" has different characteristics than a regular drill bit.

Thanks Soos, I will try to catch up with you today.

tlee

 

Straight Shank twist drills are available in sizes .013" to 2" diameter.Different lengths are available,Jobber Length,Taper Length and Screw Machine Length.The smaller size twist drills are available with a standard point or split point.The smaller twist drills also come in fractoinal,letter and number (diameter)sizes.
Taper Shank drills are available in sizes I/8" to 3 1/2" diameter.