I need to drill a hole through a metal post but don't have the proper tools. Who do I call?

[devilgrrl]

Please don't say 'Ghostbusters' :cry:

I have a hollow metal post that needs a hole big enough to put a peg through it. This will enable me to push the post into the ground with my foot and body weight. Would a hardware store be able to do this for me?

Thanks in advance. :-)

[Schema Thing]

1. You need one of these, it sounds like

I actually don't think your plan would work very good, unless your ground is very soft; and it would be very difficult to get it in straight even then.

A post driver like above (sold at home depot...keep it pristine and no one would know it had been used, just sayin';) allows you to drive in the post straight, and deep.



ps... you can't see it, but there is a hole in one end of that tool, and a lot of heavy weight/steel on the other end.

[devilgrrl]

2. You are wicked awesome!

I'll look into one :yourock:

[Schema Thing]

5. I live to serve ;)

usually drinks :P~

[YDogg]

8. They are $22.00 at my local HD

[ghostsofgiants]

3. Postbusters?

[MissMillie]

6. nicely done

:thumbsup:

[ghostsofgiants]

17. It was really the only way I could respond, eben if I did have an answer for her.

:P

[trof]

4. Just shoot a hole in it.

A .45 oughta do it.
;-)

[Wcross]

7. I do that when I get a stuck lug nut on the Caddy.

I only use a .45 if it is stuck tight!

[pokerfan]

9. The proper tool being

a .50 BMG and an AP round?

[devilgrrl]

10. This...

Center Pole Umbrellas Installation Tip

diagram of bottom of umbrella pole showing where to drillTo make it easier to push the pointed umbrella poles into the ground, drill a 1/2 inch hole about 12 inches from the end of the pole. A rod can then be inserted into the hole, and the pole pushed into the ground with your foot.

[pokerfan]

11. 1/2 inch hole?

that has .50 Cal written all over it.

[devilgrrl]

12. Oh, I need one of those to carry around in a restaurant

you never know what could happen

[krispos42]

13. I know from first-hand experience with a pick-up truck...

...that the exit hole is substantially larger than entry hole!

[OffWithTheirHeads]

15. They won't let me drill with that at work.

Some nonsense about OSHA or something.

[OffWithTheirHeads]

14. I don't know what labor rates are in your area

But you can probably buy a cheap drill and bit for less than the cost of hiring someone. Surely one of your friends or neighbors has a drill they can lend you, unless of course, you have no friends.

[Pavulon]

16. You should be able to rent

from a local hardware or possible auto supply store. Spending big bucks on tools I use once is no fun.

[rateyes]

18. Go to the local hardware store and buy the cheapest

drill you can find and a drill bit that will cut through metal. Should be under $20.00. Also, a small punch would be helpful.

Use a hammer and the punch to make a dent where you want the hole to go in the pole, so that when you use the drill it won't slip.

Get the drill and lock in the bit. Make sure it's not in reverse, and drill the hole.

Other than that, take the pole to the hardware store and ask them to drill a hole for you. They might not charge anything. But, you won't have the drill for other jobs later on.

[Capn Sunshine]

19. You could by an abrasive-coated bit

That would be pricey but it's how it's done in construction.

If you go the cheap drill and new drill bit route, use a little oil at the drill site. And beware of flames. ( as in stop drilling for a moment if it catches fire)

[eppur_se_muova]

20. metalpostholedriller.com

DUH. :eyes: