how to enlarge the hole on a 1" washer?

[Tsaico]

I have a post that is in need of a washer, and unfortuneately, the bolts used were some other measurement, as they are like 1.1 inches or something. THey are a fraction too large for the 1" washer. I can almost screw on the washer, but since it isn't threaded, it it won't fit. I was thinking of dremeling the center to make it a little larger, but since the thing is SS, I am not sure what grinding tip to get. THe home depot guy just pointed out stuff to cut it, but I ust want to grind a little off the inner side. Any ideas?

 

[Colt45]

drill, file, etc

 

[effowe]

Wouldn't it be easier to get a more appropriately sized washer? You could throw it in a vice and use the grinding attachment on the inside to see if it does anything.

 

[RaistlinZ]

Originally posted by: effowe
Wouldn't it be easier to get a more appropriately sized washer? You could throw it in a vice and use the grinding attachment on the inside to see if it does anything.

That would make far too much sense.

 

[Paperdoc]

Stainless Steels (many grades exist) are not especially hard - they're similar to mild steels in that way. So I'd simply get a rat-tail file (the ones that are just round rods with a rough surface all around), hold the washer in a vise or vise-grip pliers (or even plain pliers) and file out the inside of the hole. Only take you a few minutes. The result will not be perfectly symmetrical and circular but who cares?

 

[Leros]

If you already own a dremel, then a few seconds with the sanding drum will do it.

 

[OCGuy]

You ever been in a Turkish prison?

 

[SonnyDaze]

vice and a file.

 

[her209]

That's what she said.

 

[Jesusthewererabbit]

Unibit

 

[Howard]

Originally posted by: Jesusthewererabbit
Unibit

I wouldn't use that to drill stainless.

Just dremel it.

Re: stainless hardness - it's not particularly hard as stamped or roll, but it work hardens like crazy.

 

[spidey07]

Honestly I'd just use a drill. It would only take 10 seconds. Put the washer in some vice grips and drill.

 

[PottedMeat]

if you're really pissed off hammer the fucking bolt through it.

 

[DrPizza]

wait a second...

You actually were at a store, but went home with advice from the guy at home depot on how to cut a hole in a washer??!
You should have gone to a hardware store with competent people, and just purchased the correct sized washer; I'm guessing for about 35 cents for stainless steel.

HD sucks, and their hardware selection is pathetic.

 

[0roo0roo]

dremel with grinding or drill bit.
cost of your new washer = 50x considering the wear on your expensive bit.

 

[Triumph]

make sure you hold the washer by hand when you drill it.

 

[PottedMeat]

Originally posted by: Triumph
make sure you hold the washer by hand when you drill it.

1. hold washer up close to your eye so you're looking through the hole.
2. press power drill through opposite side at full speed as hard as you can.
3. ...
4. PROFIT!

 

[Tsaico]

Originally posted by: RaistlinZ

Originally posted by: effowe
Wouldn't it be easier to get a more appropriately sized washer? You could throw it in a vice and use the grinding attachment on the inside to see if it does anything.

That would make far too much sense.

You would think, but the next size is 1 1/8, which is far too large. So pretty much I need one in between 1" and 1 1/8".

And what the home depot guy showed me, the bit won't fit into a 1" washer, it is too large. I tried the next smaller thing and it just polished the steel on the inside...

 

[ja1484]

Unibit on impact driver...problem solved in 5 seconds or less.

Actually just had to do this last weekend on several new D-rings I was mounting in my truck's bed...

 

[feralkid]

Originally posted by: Triumph
make sure you hold the washer by hand when you drill it.

Stop messing with him; he's smart enough to use his teeth just like the pros do.

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

Wait, why would a 1/16" or so make a difference? All a washer does is spread the load from the head of the nut or bolt over a larger area and protect from scratches when snugging up.

What's this for?

 

[heymrdj]

Originally posted by: Hayabusa Rider
Wait, why would a 1/16" or so make a difference? All a washer does is spread the load from the head of the nut or bolt over a larger area and protect from scratches when snugging up.

What's this for?

This...I've used washers that are *way* larger than the bolt shaft as it does the job of spreading the load from the bolt head to the surface surrounding. Keeps the wood from cracking or the head going through when you torque things down, or apply a lateral force.

 

[spidey07]

If you couldn't find a washer that fit properly remember bolts come in english and metric sizes.

 

[iamwiz82]

In my experience, HD has never had a single piece of hardware, such as nuts and bolts, that I have needed. I can go to my local ACO Hardware store and show the owner, and he will give me the exact item I need in about 21 seconds. It's quite amazing.

 

[So]

Originally posted by: DrPizza
wait a second...

You actually were at a store, but went home with advice from the guy at home depot on how to cut a hole in a washer??!
You should have gone to a hardware store with competent people, and just purchased the correct sized washer; I'm guessing for about 35 cents for stainless steel.

HD sucks, and their hardware selection is pathetic.

You're a madman...a maaaaaadman!

<flees, flailing arms wildly>