I forgot to drill one of the holes (1 of 3) for a small hinge (#4 screw) and I didn’t discover my goof until I had assembled the project. Now I need to drill the hole and there is only about 5″ of clearance so a drill won’t fit and I don’t really want to go buy a tool just to drill one hole (I know that borders on heresy).
The screw is in an obvious location and so not putting it in is not really an option.
Any ideas would be a great help.
Thanks.
BTW – First time I have used Horton brasses on a project and it was really worth the money – looks great! Also had my stuff in 2 days – great customer service.
Replies
If the wood isn't too hard, you can use one of these: http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=46245&cat=1,43411,43422
The advantage of this kind of tool is that it's pretty easy to grind something equivalent out of an old drill bit.
You can also use a pin vise: http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=7349
But I wouldn't recommend trying to make one of those from scratch. However, you could take a length of dowel, drill a slightly undersized hole in the end, then press the correct-sized bit (bottom first) into the hole.
-Steve
Edited 3/2/2008 6:06 pm ET by saschafer
Steve
I like the dowel/drill bit idea since Woodcraft is currently closed. A pin vise will probably be a good purchase next time I'm there though. Thanks!
For a screw that small, I think you could drill a hole by rolling a bit between your thumb and forefinger.
This sounds like a good alternative as well. Thank you.
I've used a flex-shaft and a Dremel for that very situation. But of course, it was already sitting around in my shop. It can also be an excuse to buy one of those small batter-powered screwdrivers.
FG
Thank you. I had just spoken with my Dad who offered the same advice, but alas no Dremel/flex shaft.
BTW - based on your raves regarding the Steel City HC Mortiser I added one to the arsenal this weekend. I am a regular lurker here at Knots and enjoy your posts. Thanks!
I hope you like the Steel City mortiser! Powermatic borrowed a couple of ideas (but not the stock-support extensions) and made theirs tooless and a bigger motor, but at a bigger price than I could justify paying. Not sure how long it's been out. Steel City was the hands-down winner when I bought mine (IMHO of course).forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Ch,
You need one of these:
http://www.axminster.co.uk/pricing/INC/cid/XWRIJKYTCGV3H6BVLAC62ALF5BK6KRXC/product-Axminster-Confined-Space-Ratchet-Driver-21358.htm
with some hex-mounted drill bits of the diameter required for your hinge screws. I often find I need to drill a hole then a screw in a confined space. This tool can get into a very narrow gap (about 1" + screw length for driving a screw - a bit wider to get a drill bit in.
Lataxe
Lataxe
There are many things I "need" and that look like it fits the bill to join that list. :-) Thanks.
I had the same problem once or twice...... I used an awl to start a hole & used a steel screw to thread the hole, then replaced it w/ the right brass screw. Worked for me as long as it's small like a #4 or 5.
James
You need a gimlet....
Several more options , you could use one of those screw starting awls that are tapered and threaded on the very tip .
I bit the bullet years ago even though really only need it maybe a half a dozen times a year nothing works as well for me as my Makita 90° right angle electric drill . I looked when I bought mine and the Makita seemed to be a compact as any . Sioux also makes one but it is angled not 90° .
dusty
Divide the problem into two manageable parts: drilling the pilot hole for the screw and then driving the screw in. If you get the pilot hole right then it will be easy to drive the screw in. Five inches is lots of space to use that an ordinary drill chuck by hand with an ordinary twist drill, nail or whatever. Then you drive it in with something like Lataxe has mentioned or fit a stub bit into the chuck.
Not to get too far out of the box....
...but you could take the brass screw, cut off the threaded portion, epoxy the little stub of the head in place, call it a day, and go have a beer.
Of course, you might be in for a little embarrassment if the customer ever has to take that door off.
Just sayin'.... B-)
Use a gimlet with a bit of wax to help the screw slide in. Gimlets are dirt cheap for a set--$10 to $15.00 for a set of six. Failing to want to wait for the shipping time, use a pin vise with a twist drill and again with a bit of bees wax.
T.Z.
Heat up a nail of the right size and burn the hole. Use pliers or vise grips!!!
Drive in the screw with a short screw driver.
Thank you for the responses. I will give it a go this weekend.
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