spot weld drills.

Backround, 2002 Ranger whacked in the right front.  I have all the parts to put this together but have been trying to avoid replacing the core support.  I just can't get the RF structure to pull out to where I want it using a come along and my 4WD F250.  So it looks like I need to drill out the spot welds holding the core support in.  Will HF tools do this?  Or do I need something more industrial?

noddaz

For a one time job like this, HF works.  Keep it lubed with wd-40, moderate pressure and speed.

I drilled out engine mounts when I was putting a 3SGTE into my mk1 MR2 with HF spot weld bit.  No sweat.

A pneumatic air chisel is helpful.

I don't hate the harbor freight spot weld cutter. It does its thing as well as expected but I have kinda gone off the spring plunger hole saw type and now use these

http://Dent Fix DF1680T 8.0mm Titanium Spot Weld Drill Bit, 1 Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AZAE4VQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Dc4LAb19ZFA43

I get them off the snap on truck

Both are only part of the equation.  Another big part is one of these

http://Steck Manufacturing 20015 Seam Buster Chisel https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000JFJMJ6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_qf4LAbPARJCKH

Invaluable.

I've used the HF equivalent, and they worth with minimal (but definitely WITH) swearing.

I've also ground old drill bits into the spot weld bit shape, which is essentially a center-point wood drill bit.

Are you drilling spot welds with the intention of replacing a panel?  I presume so-  In that case, I will forgo the spot drills and just use a 3 inch cut off wheel to grind away the panel that I am discarding.  Centering and depth of cut is a pain with a spot cutter, and you will often leave a thin spot on the saved panel right where you want to weld.

No, if you are going to the junkyard to get a panel to re-use, drill the spots out with a regular bit, because you don't care about the under panel.

Spot weld cutters get used if I need to remove a panel, and save it for re-installation onto the same panel, which doesn't really happen that often.

Just my opinion, I could be wrong.

Thank you all.  I do have a new core support in the pile of parts.  So as soon as the weather clears again, a grinding-cutting-mangling I will go.  Once I have the core support out I "know" the right inner structure will pull right out.

noddaz