how to drill/screw into carbon fiber pieces?

[dudesky]

Hello
Hope you guys are doing well
I have a noob question. I never drilled before so I have no idea where to start.
What are some good drills? Are those cheapy drills under $50 fine to use?
When drilling into carbon fiber pieces, will they get split or crack?
Thanks!

[NissanFan]

i just use a metal drill bit, no lube. high speed on my power driver.

it's good to make a small pilot hole before you go to a larger bit size, or do wat i do and use a step drill bit.

[RICAN]

What are you drilling?

[NissanFan]

my guess is lip or side sills?

[Alstann]

Originally Posted by NissanFan

i just use a metal drill bit, no lube. high speed on my power driver.

it's good to make a small pilot hole before you go to a larger bit size, or do wat i do and use a step drill bit.

Good advice right here. Small pilot hole and then step up to the right size.

[NissanFan]

Originally Posted by Alstann

Good advice right here. Small pilot hole and then step up to the right size.

hey thanks, alstann. pretty smart for a base member newb, huh?

[equalme]

Use masking tape over the area you are drilling to prevent splintering.

[NissanFan]

Originally Posted by equalme

Use masking tape over the area you are drilling to prevent splintering.

good advice indeed. i do this too.

[NissanFan]

i also have a reamer handy just in case i need to clean up the hole a tad.

[dudesky]

Thank you guys for the great tips!
RICAN- I am trying to drill rear spats
equalme- that is a great idea! how like you scotch tape a balloon and pin won't pop the balloon
NissanFan - Thanks for the great tip too! I kind of guessed that method where you drill a small whole then make it bigger

How about regular cross screws? that I just drill right in right??

[NissanFan]

Originally Posted by dudesky

Thank you guys for the great tips!
RICAN- I am trying to drill rear spats
equalme- that is a great idea! how like you scotch tape a balloon and pin won't pop the balloon
NissanFan - Thanks for the great tip too! I kind of guessed that method where you drill a small whole then make it bigger

How about regular cross screws? that I just drill right in right??

are you using machine screws with a washer nut or are you using tapping screws?

machine screws you want to make the hole size the diameter of the screw.

if tapping screws, you'd want to make it the size of the shaft portion of the screw (less the teeth height). dont make the hole too small cause the cf resin can crack while screwing in; dont make the hole too big cause the cf resin wont be able to hold much tension.

[God-Speed]

Originally Posted by equalme

Use masking tape over the area you are drilling to prevent splintering.

And remember to messure twice and drill once!!

[dudesky]

Originally Posted by NissanFan

are you using machine screws with a washer nut or are you using tapping screws?

machine screws you want to make the hole size the diameter of the screw.

if tapping screws, you'd want to make it the size of the shaft portion of the screw (less the teeth height). dont make the hole too small cause the cf resin can crack while screwing in; dont make the hole too big cause the cf resin wont be able to hold much tension.

I will be using both machine and tapping screws.
so for machine screws, I need to drill a hole that is same size as the screws.
For tapping screws, I thought I can just drill them in right away since the screws are very small and sharp at the end??

[cooltoy]

Originally Posted by NissanFan

hey thanks, alstann. pretty smart for a base member newb, huh?

Time will tell.

[NissanFan]

Originally Posted by dudesky

I will be using both machine and tapping screws.
so for machine screws, I need to drill a hole that is same size as the screws.
For tapping screws, I thought I can just drill them in right away since the screws are very small and sharp at the end??

if the screw tip on the tapping screw has a bit you can, but if not, best you drill a hole the diameter of the shaft of your tapping screw.

dealers like using those tapping screws that has a bit on the tip.

looks like this. these you dont need to make holes.

Originally Posted by cooltoy

Time will tell.

damn, so strict.