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06-14-2016, 02:51 AM | #1 |
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Drilling the side cover ?
I'm thinking of installing a waterproof switch for my PCV on the backside of the right side cover. Will the drill cut a nice clean hole or am I taking a chance on shattering the plastic ?
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06-14-2016, 11:11 AM | #2 |
Join Date: Jun 2010
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How big a hole do you need for the switch? I would start with a small pilot hole and gradually work my way up to the size of hole needed. I would think that if you have a decent set of sharp drill bits you should be okay and will not crack the plastic.
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06-14-2016, 11:21 AM | #3 |
Join Date: Mar 2014
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I just did this on my dash a week ago and like canuckrider said start small and work up from there. No problems doing this for me.
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06-14-2016, 11:30 AM | #4 |
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I would use one of those "stepped" multisize drill bits. A twist bit will many times not produce a clean, round hole in plastic.
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06-14-2016, 01:57 PM | #5 |
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This is the best way. Drill a small pilot hole, then use an stepped, metal bit to drill the hole to 1/2". This was how i drilled my holes for the KQR hardware, and it left a very clean hole.
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06-14-2016, 07:49 PM | #6 |
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you might try using a piece of paper/masking tape and run the drill in reverse. It will take longer but will not be as aggressive thus lowering the odds of fracturing the plastic. Hope this helps.
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06-14-2016, 08:16 PM | #7 |
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Use a single flute countersink the size of the hole you need. It will drill a nice clean hole without breaking your plastic. I do this all the time on plastic.
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06-15-2016, 04:50 AM | #8 |
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Plus 2. Also keep your drill rpm's low, and a little alcohol will lube the plastic and keep it from sticking.
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06-14-2016, 12:23 PM | #10 | |
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Quote:
https://www.amazon.com/Core-Tools-CT...=1&*entries*=0
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Jim Diebolt 2015 Vulcan 1700 Voyager ABS The Black Kaw 2005 Vulcan Nomad Sold 2006 Honda 1800 VTX (Freebie) Sold 2008 Harley Ultra Classic Sold 2001 Harley Ultra Classic Sold Hangtown, Kalifornia VBA #2625 |
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06-14-2016, 01:52 PM | #11 |
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Dont do it on cold plastic, best that its warmer, less chance of cracking since it will be softer. Maybe leave it in the sun a 1/2 hour or so on a hot day. Drilled the side cover on my 800 for a volume control for me speaker, no problem.
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06-15-2016, 10:44 AM | #12 |
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Why not, placed a 12V outlet in the right side cover - also useable to charge the battery with a trickle charger during winter.
Cu, Sven
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