Is a special drill bit required to drill out spot welds or is a certain size bit particularly suited?

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There are "proper" drill bits for drilling out spot welds , they have the edges raised more than the center like a normal drill but a normal metal dril will do the same job . Not sure on the size from memory but just try a few till you see what works best . They are reasonably easy to do once you get the hang of it .

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just get a normal drill bit the same size as the spotweld...

.....and drill away...

The advantage of a proper spot weld drill bit is that you often don't have to drill right through both panels. The bit has a small central pilot and a very shallow cutting angle that will shave through the weld until the panels are released. If you stop drilling at this stage, you can avoid damaging both panels.

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Curly
'64 Cooper 'S' (Group Nb spec)
'67 Mini Marcos GT www.mm7056.wordpress.com

wow this is wierd. I just bought one of these and received it in the mail today. Looking at it, if you were handy at sharpening drill bits you could make one. But it works pretty well so far (I gave it a whirl on an old panel).

Cost 9 dollars

It's a very very shallow angle with a pronounced tip to center the bit insead of allowing it to wander.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

Tip. Drill a small pilot hole first, right in the centre of the spot weld, but not right thru'
Then use your you- beaut spot weld drill, as per Curly's advice.
Works like a charm

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1967 Cooper S - new front bearings to do.
1965 Cooper S shell - Slow progress. No time or money!
1966 Deluxe- next rustoration!
Mk 2 & XJ6 Jags. Less said the better.