Tight spaces

[Mtns2Skies]

Any tips for drilling holes in tight spaces where you can't reach a full size drill? I ordered a Selkirk interior for the Skywagon and now realize some of the things for the install are going to be tricky.

I've found some drill offsets, but they only hold bits and don't have a Chuck to hold the 1/8" drill that I need.

Tips or tools?

 

[asicer]

Pneumatic right angle drill?

 

[kyleb]

I have one of these attachments. It is pretty small. It uses threaded bits.

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/topages/fitdrill_kitbox.php?clickkey=20723

 

[Bell206]

Tips or tools?

Snake drill with threaded drill bits. And it's not the plumbers version.

 

[Mtns2Skies]

Snake drill with threaded drill bits. And it's not the plumbers version.

Just what the doctor ordered. Got it on order from spruce. I didn't even know threaded drill bits were a thing and I'm a manufacturing engineer.

 

[PaulS]

https://www.lowes.com/pd/DEWALT-Right-Angle-Flex-Shaft/1000282635

 

[Mtns2Skies]

https://www.lowes.com/pd/DEWALT-Right-Angle-Flex-Shaft/1000282635

Already bought and returned it. It only accepts bits, it doesn't have a chuck.

 

[PaulS]

It might be a better solution depending on whether you can fit a chuck in there or not. There is also self drilling and tapping screws, but again, it depends on what you have and want to do.

 

[JAWS]

https://www.yardstore.com/drilling-...-adapters/surplus/pancake-adapter-refurbished

There are different lengths of threaded bits also.

 

[Capt. Geoffrey Thorpe]

https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-90-angle-drill-attachment-69337.html

I expected it to be disposable, but I've beat the snot out of mine on occasion and it is still going strong. The 3/8 keyless chuck is about what you would expect from a low cost keyless chuck, but it gets the job done.

Drill bits with the hex shank are easy to find in fraction sizes. https://www.harborfreight.com/18-in-impact-rated-hex-shank-titanium-drill-bit-set-3-piece-64889.html

 

[Bell206]

I didn't even know threaded drill bits were a thing and I'm a manufacturing engineer.

Now you know what a mechanic feels like when we have to buy a one-off tool to fix/install/replace an item some "engineer" designed to never be replaced with conventional tools.

 

[Blanch]

That can't be a good feeling. Honestly, they should be renting out tools like that. haha

 

[Bob Weber]

I bought this drill used from a big iron aircraft factory well over 30 years ago, and have used it in and out of aviation equally in the years since.
They have them here: https://www.panamericantool.com/nova-system-pneumatic-tools/nova-compact.html
There are a couple things that use the threaded concept, countersinks and microstops are one of them. I learned the trick to cut down an old turnbuckle barrel so you can put it in a drill chuck and screw on the countersinks or that spotfacer.