Just make sure to fill your gas tank completely to the top with water first.



Sorry ....

 

Thanks Matt....................since you are in Michigan.......would you like to come over and help??????????

 

Anyone have any thoughts? I would like to give this a try later today and do not want to make a mistake............if I do I will not talk to you any more!

 

Dont drill to far... if the tank is not punctured I dont see how sparks near it could be an issue if so all the rocks I have rolled over with some of my skids would have caused me to explode years ago. just put something between the frame and the tank if your worried like a piece of wood something to stop the bit so when you break through the frame you dont just push it into the tank..

helped a buddy install a bumper the other day had to dremel out a hole on the side of the frame and man you wanna talk about sparks near the tank

 

It should be fine assuming your gas tank isn't leaking in any way. Putting a towel over the gas tank could be bad as the towel might catch on fire!! Maybe something plastic, like a trash bag or tarp would work better if you want to cover the tank.

 

Measure how far you have to drill to get a full hole through the frame. Measure the same distance up your drill bit and put some tape around it so you know exactly how far to go. You'll be fine. I don't think the sparks will affect anything since the gas is contained, and there really shouldn't be any.

 

Thanks........as I get older I actully think before I do things.........

 

Thanks........as I get older I actully think before I do things.........

Well that's your problem right there.

 

Where are the sparks coming from?? Last time I used a drill there were no sparks. I wouldn't worry to much about it. Put some tape on your drill bit to mark your depth then go to it. Could get another piece of metal to put between the frame and gas tank. Hold it in place with a jack stand or something. Or get a smaller piece of metal in there.

 

I just did a rear bumper and to be honest...you shouldn't have sparks. Using the proper bit and oil will eliminate sparks. BUT, I did put the flat end of a cats paw(prybar) between the tank and the frame. Not only was I able to use it as leverage, but it stopped the bit when it popped through. I chose thick metal cause Murphy's and his laws always get me. I thought wood was too weak. As luck would have it, the bit did that thing where it caught an edge and shot through instead of nicely boring the hole. Well, anyhow, good luck it should take no time at all once you work up the nerve. (I stared for a good 10 min before drilling towards the tank...haha)

HTH:wave:
Sean

 

You won't have a problem. I just installed the exact bumper you are referring to and it was a non-issue. I had a piece of plywood between the tank and the frame just in case but I didn't even need it. Just be careful, and use minimal pressure on the drill as you are starting to punch through the other side.

 

I installed my Warn rear bumper/tire carrier-------but I have not yet installed the bolts that are additional frame supports------I have to drill through the the frame---there is already one hole on the outside but I have to drill through towards the gas tank. My question is safety............it seems like the sparks from drilling that close to the gas tank pose a safety risk.
I was thinking of making sure I did it outside and cover up the tank with a towel to no sparks landed on the tank........am I thinking correct or should I be doing something else.......or am I just too much of a chicken?

Never seen "Sparking Wharf" (wharf is those drill filings that fly off the bit) No problem drilling there. If you fear drilling into the plastic tank just stick a barrier in between the drill and tank. A piece of plywood or sheet metal would work fine. There is a slight fire danger from the drill itself. Some drills, like mine, have sparks flying from the brushes. This can ignite gas vapors if they are around. If you smell a lot of vapor then you will want to be in a well ventilated place before you drill. The fuel systems of today are pretty well sealed. Stick a box fan behind you and blow the vapor away from the drill if you detect a smell. I think most cordless drills are brush less so you may want to use one of those.
I once watched a guy in Mexico arc weld a leak in a 8,0000 gallon gasoline tank. The gasoline was actually squirting out as he welded. He had a breathing tank on and there were 3-4 guys covering the area he was welding in with CO2. They had a foam truck at the ready and a long cable tied to the brave welder to pull him out or the fire if one started. He welded up the leak no problem. Bob

 

Thanks Matt....................since you are in Michigan.......would you like to come over and help??????????

Nevermind, PM sent.

 

Never seen "Sparking Wharf" (wharf is those drill filings that fly off the bit) No problem drilling there. If you fear drilling into the plastic tank just stick a barrier in between the drill and tank. A piece of plywood or sheet metal would work fine. There is a slight fire danger from the drill itself. Some drills, like mine, have sparks flying from the brushes. This can ignite gas vapors if they are around. If you smell a lot of vapor then you will want to be in a well ventilated place before you drill. The fuel systems of today are pretty well sealed. Stick a box fan behind you and blow the vapor away from the drill if you detect a smell. I think most cordless drills are brush less so you may want to use one of those.
I once watched a guy in Mexico arc weld a leak in a 8,0000 gallon gasoline tank. The gasoline was actually squirting out as he welded. He had a breathing tank on and there were 3-4 guys covering the area he was welding in with CO2. They had a foam truck at the ready and a long cable tied to the brave welder to pull him out or the fire if one started. He welded up the leak no problem. Bob

AAAAAAAHH (faint)

Thanks guys------I am going to give it a run tonight.........the fan thing is a great idea:thumbsup:

 

you could use a step drill bit. it'll stop at each diameter, won't spark much if at all and won't bind up and get pulled in at all. the downside is that their around $30, but it's like having 8 or so metal bits all in one so it's worth it. that's my 2 cents.

 

you could use a step drill bit. it'll stop at each diameter, won't spark much if at all and won't bind up and get pulled in at all. the downside is that their around $30, but it's like having 8 or so metal bits all in one so it's worth it. that's my 2 cents.

You've been watching the Tuttle's home show haven't ya?? LOL OCC uses those step drills all the time.

 

I LOVE my Unibit.....and didn't even think to use it. Well, I'm not that accurate with it. And, in retrospect, a fan would of been a good idea just in case.

 

You've been watching the Tuttle's home show haven't ya?? LOL OCC uses those step drills all the time.

well, that is where I first saw them being used. I got one a little while ago and it's been great on the few projects that I've needed to drill since.

 

Well good news and bad........I pulled the Jeep out during lunch (home office is nice) I pull it out of the garage----then set up my fan and put a piece of wood and cardboard between the frame and the tank. Then I measured up the drill bit with tape so I would not go too deep. Then I started to drill.........well I was way to nervous and could not go through with it. I was literally shaking.
Ok, let me explain........several years ago I was involved in an explosion. I did remember it until I was stating to drill. In Rochester Michigan I was in my car with my wife and two kids. A building blew up next to us because of a natural gas leak---totaled my car etc. I remembered this experience as I was drilling...........was a strange experience.
Bottom line......I think I am going to have someone else do this.

 

Drilling does not cause sparks, just shavings. If you were using a grider, that would be a different story. Even if you accidently poked a hole in the tank, it shouldnt matter (with the exception of spilled gas which runs $3 a gallon).

 

You aren't going to get any ignition unless the drill bit is glowing hot. The temperature needed to ignite gas will not be reached by just drilling. be sure to use plenty of oil or WD40 to help keep things cool. If your that paranoid about it drop the tank.

Anybody close enough to go do it for him??

 

You aren't going to get any ignition unless the drill bit is glowing hot. The temperature needed to ignite gas will not be reached by just drilling. be sure to use plenty of oil or WD40 to help keep things cool. If your that paranoid about it drop the tank.

Anybody close enough to go do it for him??

WD-40 is a bit too flammable for my taste.....motor oil or 3in1 is my preference. Though all flammable, just take it easy and you'll be fine. Or, in your case, get a neighbor to help cause you're a little traumatized(sp?).

Sean

 

Scott, clean out your PM box. Its full.

 

Matt---sorry it is now empty.

 

Old thread but....

I had to reply to this. Sparks usually come from grinding, if you're drilling & have a good bit it is cutting & not grinding. Second step bits or Uni-bits as I call them are best used on thin metal, not thicker which will wear them prematurely. And finally a tip to keep from drilling too deep. Get a small piece of 2X4 (small) and drill through it. then leave it on the bit, it will shorten the bit by 1.5".:thumbsup: