Safety wiring questions | GTAMotorcycle.com

Safety wiring questions

Corsara

Corsara

Well-known member
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I decided to safety wire my bike, so I've been researching it. So far, I've found two good guides here and here that appear to give most of the info I need. However, the two places recommend different sized bits, one is 1/16", the other 3/32". Since I plan to stock up with a few cobalt bits for that purpose, and they are not so cheap, which size is more appropriate? Obviously the smaller will break faster, but is the 3/32 going to be good for all bolts I need to drill?

Also, I'm thinking of buying this budget drill press from harbor freight to use for drilling, anything I should be aware of?
 
Use the 3/32 if the bolt head is big enough. Some bolts are too small and you'll need to use the 1/16 bit.

Id suggest using a small bench vise with soft jaw caps instead of a drill press. Drill the holes with a regular cordless drill and use cutting fluid. Some bolts you can drill while on the bike, thats the easiest.
 
....and use a centre punch.
 
So it's not really worth buying a drill press just for this I guess.. sounds good, I'll pick up some bits and cutting fluid then, I already have a small bench vise. I assume cobalt bits are better than titanium coated, right?
 
I preferred the drill press but to each their own. Also get some of the Kurvey girl clips for things that get removed often such as your brake caliper bolts, oil filler/drain plug, and rear axle nut.
 
Or you can luck out like I did and ask the rent-a-tool guy at Home Depot..... I guess he was bored or wanted a challenged, but he drilled every single bolt/nut I had (10-12 pieces) and broke 4-5 bits in the process. Didn't charge me a penny :p

The axle pinch bolts are probably the hardest, I traded my stock ones for pre-drilled.

Don't bother taking it to Pro6, they charge for "the time it takes to drill" by shop rate. I would do the above and buy pre-drilled ones.
 
Thanks guys, I think I'll try to drill them myself...put a little personal touch to it :) Will try BSR to see if they have the clips for sale though.
 
dricked said:
I preferred the drill press but to each their own. Also get some of the Kurvey girl clips for things that get removed often such as your brake caliper bolts, oil filler/drain plug, and rear axle nut.
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Exactly just buy a drill press, I got one for 80 bucks at canadian tire. Best thing and I always find ways to use it in the garage
 
I've been having great success using Cobalt 1/16" bits...the inexpensive kind at big tool places like KBC / Try hard etc have been working well. Belive I paid $2.50/EA or $3/ea for those 1/16" BITS.

TAKE YOUR TIME - let the bit do the cutting. Use lots of fluid....transmission fluid worked well for my bolts...but real cutting fluid works even better.
 
Well, one thing led to another, that led to kijiji, but at the end I came back home from work with a drill press I bought for 40 bucks in perfect condition :)

carboncat said:
If you want to I can come help you too.
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Absolutely! In fact, you can probably give me some tips for some other stuff too. I have your number, I'll call or PM soon, we can have a nice chat in the garage and basement over a beer or two! :)
 
Drilling the bolts---can it be any easier?! I went to Princess Auto and picked up 12 cobalt bits 1/16 and 6 cobalt bits 3/32, thinking they'll be breaking very often. I come home, I decide to experiment on an old caliper bolt see how it goes. I put in a regular 1/16 bit (not a cobalt one!), and here's the result, see pictures below. Not only the regular bit didn't break, but I went nuts and did a second bolt just for the heck of it :)

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4-2013-02-07212616_zps76dbe943.jpg
 
You got that drill for 40 bucks, nice!
 
you really only need cobalt if your drilling stainless or grade 9+ fasteners, use lots of cutting fluid, its cheap in the long run. Slow feed on the press so the bit has time to cut and your away.
Take the time to center the drill so you are in the middle of the bolt, it's only cosmetic but it looks right.
 
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