Material/Fastner Installer Modification Device - 101

[(Nobody You Know)]

After many years of chipping small bits of gelcoat, creating fractures and otherwise manifesting poor workmanship, I have finally reached the conclusion that really don't know what I'm doing.

Ok. That admitted, (I'm embarrassed to ask) how do you drill a small hole in fiberglass/gelcoat, about the size necessary to install a No. 8 or 10 screw, without damaging the gelcoat surface that immediately surrounds the hole?

[Boatsb]

Carefully


If you relieve the gelcoat with a larger bit or countersink it should not crack. Also be sure of the pilot hole size and the screw. If you push too large a screw in the pilot hole it will cause cracking.

[StratPlan61]

As per previous comment, it is important to drill the correct size hole for the size screw you'll be using. It is a common error to drill too small of a hole. I would use a 'brad point' drill bit. A 'brad point' bit has extra cutters at the outside edge of the hole diameter which will score the outside edge of the hole, just before the boring-cutters engage the fiberglass.

Use a new drill bit if possible. Brad-point bits are available at most Home Centers, catalogs or wood worker's hardwares, such as Rockler's. I bought a set of 8 at Home D's for about $10.00.