Tips on drilling this hole?

[Travis7s]

So I need to drill the highlighted hole below out larger, but because of the low clearance, my cordless drill can't fit. I thought I would possibly be able to do it using my hands with a bit, but the material is polyethylene and the bit catches immediately. Any hints or tips on how I might be able to do this?

 

[David S]

Travis what size drill bit? And what is the width that you have to work with. A friend of mine has a neat right angle adapter that fits into his cordless drill and doesn't need much room.

David

 

[Travis7s]

Enlarging from 3mm to .200". The inner area I have to work with is 6.75" x 4"

 

[David S]

Progressively with increasing size bits in a pin vise. Not sure of the accuracy required, but perhaps even heating a drill bit shank might do it.

David

 

[sk1nner]

What about something like this?
http://m.harborfreight.com/38-in-90-angle-drill-attachment-69337.html

 

[David S]

What about something like this?
http://m.harborfreight.com/38-in-90-angle-drill-attachment-69337.html

That is the one my buddy has, that I mentioned before.

David

 

[hman]

Two suggestions:



Either a taper reamer (General Tool No. 130) or a step drill could be used. You'd have to remove the cross-bar from the reamer to get it to turn in the small space you have. And you can more easily turn the step drill if you put it in a tap wrench with a loose or sliding handle.

Neither will give you an exact 0.200" hole all the way through your part, but if a stepped or slightly tapered hole is good enough, you're there. If not, you can get close enough to use a regular drill bit of the final size with much less chance of grabbing.

 

[jim18655]

Looks like the inner hole lines up with the outer holes. Could you use a long bit and drill from the outside?
Another option might be a flex shaft on a rotary tool.

 

[JimDawson]

So I need to drill the highlighted hole below out larger, but because of the low clearance, my cordless drill can't fit. I thought I would possibly be able to do it using my hands with a bit, but the material is polyethylene and the bit catches immediately. Any hints or tips on how I might be able to do this?

You need to flatten the the lip (cutting edge) of the drill bit, that will keep it from grabbing.



Then use an angle adapter on you drill, or do it by hand.

 

[dirty tools]

fleebay has
Milwaukee 49-22-8510 Heavy Duty Compact Right Angle Drill Attachment Kit
for about $50