I'm thinking it may be time to fix this damage to my lower radiator support:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/clen/6712396425/http://www.flickr.com/photos/clen/6712396425/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/clen/, on Flickr


I have a MIG welder and although not a pro I can manage simple projects that don't need to look show quality. My main concern now is drilling out the spot welds. I likely won't be doing this type of thing all the time (or maybe ever again) so I don't want to spend big bucks on a spot weld cutter, but from what I gather it's worth buying the right tool and not trying to do this with a normal drill. I'm just not sure if I should pick up a cheap $5 one from Harbor Freight with the intention of it being one-time use. Or maybe something a little more expensive like THIS or THIS or THIS. I also heard some talk about Rotabroach and found THIS. And lastly, I saw that there are small kits available from Rotabroach. It's not specifically for spot welds, but maybe THIS would work now and also be something I could use during future projects. Just not sure realistically if/when I'd need 'em.

Any input is appreciated, basically I want something that will work for my one project without headaches or needing to go out and buy more tools when I find out what I bought is worthless, while still not spending an arm and a leg for something that's professional quality which I don't need since I'm not using it everyday. TIA.

 

I have used the spring loaded type and they suck.

drill a pilot hole and use any of them. dont rely on the spring contraption.

or use this one from your links:
http://www.eastwood.com/ew-skip-proo...ld-cutter.html

 

that can drilled out with a regular bit instead of the spotweld cutter but yes pilot holes are helpful. i usually make my pilot holes with small tap screws with any drill. a 20dollar walmart drill will even get the job done

 

Sounds like the consensus is that I don't need the fancy tools. Thanks for the info guys!

 

I have this one but in a set from them. While they are not skip-proof... They are freaking fantastic. Cuts through so fast.
Using a regular drill bit is a waste of time.

 

i had nothing but automatic center punch and harbor freight step drill bit...had the whole support off in no time

 

I replaced my entire front radiator support with just a corded power drill and a good metal drill bit. Works great. Just make sure you use the right size or its kinda of paint to break it loose.

 

Blair Double-End Spotweld Cutter 13224



This one is the best style. Double ends saves down time. You can get the replacement cutters for cheap. Do not get the endmill looking one. It sucks *****. The Eastwood one looks kinda nice, but for less money you can get the one above and I think it is a little better piece.

A drill bit is not the proper way to cut spot welds. It will cause you more work in the end. Plus its hard on drill bits.

 

right tool for the job, don't use the drill method.. just makes a mess, a hole..etc

 

I drilled mine with a regular drill, took me like a day, but i got all the 28917389172319237 spots out when i do my JDM conversion. PITA. But you feel good after you finished it. lol

 

You can either use a 8 mm drill bit or just buzz it down with a grinder. Honestly I do this daily , so I'd prefer grinding wheel on a nice cut off wheel. Then after you're done, brush on some weld Through primer, drill a 8 mm hole in your new lower tie bar. Mock it up , and do some plug welds . Start at 3 o'clock , counter clockwise and youre done.

 

I use this bit almost every day. They work amazing.

 

The endmill type work best/quickest for me, just use the drills torque settings. As you get through the first sheet it'll make the drills stop as it "grabs". No holes to fill in then.

 

Welders are used to iron as well as other heavy metals easily. Many type of welders are available but if you want to buy welders which can easily cut hard iron rods or joints then can buy with the help of our company. You can buy these welders within an affordable price online.
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resistance welders

 

i've used this spot welder bit from HF works good

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eig...ter-95343.html

 

I used this ones with 100% success.
http://www.google.ro/imgres?um=1&hl=...9,r:3,s:0,i:93

 

I agree these work awesome

 

Mine broke after 30 or so spot welds the bit broke right in half

But to the op you should not use a regular drill but its not meant for this spend the money at the end of the day it's 30 bucks do it right the first time

 

If you are looking for a good cutter check out the Blair #11082. It doesn't have cheesy *** bits like the one posted. i.e. bunch of little teeth. I took 3 core supports, frame rail and shock tower with the same bit. The drill was ripped out of my hands two times and the bit is still cutting like new.

they are about 40 bucks

 

I have never had a problem with the HF spot drill bit, as i have used 1 1/2 to cut out a roof, and 2 core support.
you have to use oil, and pilot drill the hole.

 

just drilled out several dozen spot welds in the floor pan this past weekend with the HF spot weld cutter without any trouble. even if it does fail, which i'm sure it will, i will just go back and buy the same one again for $4