Drilling a hole in a tight spot?

**mjmurray** · 19th January 2013, 10:14 PM

I'm building a pedalboard from aluminium for my guitarist son and the job is almost finished. The hurdle to progressing to the clean up and painting stage is that I have to drill two holes in one of the angle sections that I've used for the slats to support the guitar pedals. The nuts and bolts that will be fitted where the holes need to be drilled will hold the box that contains the power supply firmly in place.

The relatively small gap between the slats means that I can't get a drill in there to perform the task. I have a 90 degree converter for use in a drill but it is a cheap one and horribly wobbly and innacurate. I've seen what appear to be some better quality versions on the web and one of these may be a good option.

I'm thinking however that I could also fabricate a small, manual drill by cutting off a drill bit and welding it to a small handle.

I could also mark the holes, cut the slat out, drill the holes and weld it back in, but as I'm a relatively inexperienced welder and, having managed to get thing constructed in a reasonable state, I'd rather leave the it in one piece.

Does anyone have any thoughts on my best option?

Michael

**Ueee** · 19th January 2013, 10:19 PM

Hi Michael,
Could you post a pic so we can get a better idea of what you want to do? How thick is the ally you have to go through? right now i'm thinking one of these might do the trick (i have a genuine one and they are great) NEW HEAVY DUTY SHEET METAL HAND PUNCH TOOL SPOT NIBBLER | eBay

**mjmurray** · 19th January 2013, 10:23 PM

Thanks Ewan, the material is 3mm aluminium angle. I'll get a photo organised tomorrow. Thank you for the product link and for your quick support.

Michael

**malb** · 19th January 2013, 10:46 PM

I have a small jacobs style chuck 1/4 cap with 1/4 hex spindle. Unit is about 3/4 dia by 1.75 long OA. I can couple this to any interchangable bit handle (including a couple of ratchet arms) in my collection or anything that can drive a 1/4 AF socket. I also have a spiral wound flex shaft about 8inch long to match and can drive the chuck from a small battery drill. The flex shaft can achieve a 90 deg curve, just.

For a small hole, you could consider a Dremel style tool with either the right angle drive or flex shaft also.

**mjmurray** · 19th January 2013, 11:01 PM

The Dremel angle drive is a good idea. I have the flexible drive but it's handle is rigid and too long. I will follow up on the angle drive with the local stores. Many thanks.

Michael

**BobL** · 19th January 2013, 11:07 PM

a right angle headed dentist drill? _ I wonder if dremel does one?

**mjmurray** · 20th January 2013, 08:31 AM

Based on the quick search I've just done I'd say there's probably one on the way. There isn't much they don't seem to do! Just have to check compatibility with my 800 model. I might also grab one of the punch tools that ueee provided the link to, that could be very handy.

Michael

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Drilling a hole in a tight spot?

Thanks

Thanks for dremel tip

Probably on the way

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