Shop OBEX P1 Docs P2 Docs Learn Events
Backyard Shop Tip - Enlarging The Inner Diameter Of Washers And Spacers — Parallax Forums

Backyard Shop Tip - Enlarging The Inner Diameter Of Washers And Spacers

idbruceidbruce Posts: 6,197
edited 2014-09-06 11:35 in General Discussion
If you like to build things, perhaps robots or such, there will come a time when you need a spacer or washer which you cannot find at the local hardware store. In fact, it happens to me quite often, as it did tonight, but tonight, I solved the problem of enlarging the inner diameter of the washer or spacer, which is often the case. This washer had the perfect thickness and perfect outer diameter, but the inner diameter was about 1/64" too small. Of course drilling it out is the obvious answer, but securely holding the washer for the drilling operation has always been a problem. Now I suppose your next thought would be to hold it with a vise, and that would be fine and dandy, providing you have a good enough vise to securely hold it, and if not, than you have a problem. I have tried this method on several occassions, and it normally did not work out that well.

Anyhow, if you need to enlarge the inner diameter of a spacer or washer, and do not have a good enough vise to hold it securely, then here is how it can be done. Place the washer or spacer upon a piece of wood and surround the washer with three panhead screws. Using your screw gun, drive the screws into the wood, in such a manner that the screws heads clamp the outer edges of the washer or spacer to the wood. Now use the appropriate size drill bit to enlarge the inner diameter.

Comments

  • TtailspinTtailspin Posts: 1,326
    edited 2014-09-05 21:25
    That's a great technique,
    It will also work for holding a coin in place for drilling. just in case you ever want to forge a Quarter into a piece of jewelry. :)
  • idbruceidbruce Posts: 6,197
    edited 2014-09-06 05:14
    That's a great technique,

    Thanks Tommy

    I thought perhaps it sounded lame for a shop tip, but I cannot even begin to count how many washers I have tried to drill out, using a pair of channel locks to hold the washer, but of course that technique, always puts burrs on the outer diameter and can also be a pain.

    Speaking of burrs.... When drilling out the inner diameter, a deburring tool can be used to remove the burr from the drilling process. However, be very careful and do it in small increments with little force, because deburring tools are very sharp and can cut you wide open, if you are not careful. If you do not have a deburring tool, then a larger diameter drill bit will also remove the burr.
  • dmagnusdmagnus Posts: 271
    edited 2014-09-06 06:13
    Great idea! I wish I had a dollar for every time I've ruined a washer by trying to enlarge the center. One other suggestion: Instead of using a drill, which often will grab and distort the washer - especially if you are holding it with a vise grip - use a step drill. They make a very nice cut, with very little burr.
  • davejamesdavejames Posts: 4,047
    edited 2014-09-06 07:37
    Nice Tip!

    I've tried the bench-vice, and vice-grip approach with the usual outcome.
  • idbruceidbruce Posts: 6,197
    edited 2014-09-06 11:35
    I am just glad some people like and that I am not the only one drilling out washers :)
Sign In or Register to comment.