How to make a hexagonal hole.

enjenjo · June 18, 2006, 08:44:50 PM

I needed a bracket for the end of a brake line with a hex hole, so this is how I did it.

The hex was 5/8", so I used a couple nuts that size to make the die. The nut that was to do the cutting was sharpened on one side to make it cut easier. I drilled a hole the size of the bolt in the part, and threaded the nuts on both sides, making sure to line up the flats of the nuts. I then pushed the hut through the part on my press, I have done this in a vise in the past, that works good too if you have a good vise. An arbor press will do it too.

EMSjunkie · June 18, 2006, 10:15:36 PM

Pretty amazing, Frank.

I wish I had your resourcefulness.

how come the metal you always use has that reddish tint to it?
some kinda protective coating :?

Vance

donsrods · June 18, 2006, 10:25:39 PM

How did you sharpen the cutting nut? Dish it, or what?

Great idea.

Don

enjenjo · June 18, 2006, 10:31:40 PM

Quotehow come the metal you always use has that reddish tint to it?
some kinda protective coating

It's an oxide coating we use in Ohio to keep the metal from blinding us with reflected sun light.

enjenjo · June 18, 2006, 10:34:08 PM

Quote from: "donsrods"How did you sharpen the cutting nut? Dish it, or what?

Great idea.

Don

Just flat to create a sharp edge. I suppose on thicker metal, a dished shape would work better.

flt-blk · June 19, 2006, 09:00:29 AM

I think I'm going to try that just to see how it works.

Thanks,
TZ

C9 · June 19, 2006, 10:00:25 AM

Clever . . . smart too.

I'da been out there with a square or triangular file.

Grade 8 bolts?

Or?

Looks like the bracket material was 1/8".

enjenjo · June 19, 2006, 10:53:35 AM

yes, grade 8 bolt.

You can do odd shapes too by shaping the nuts to the hole shape you need.

C9 · June 19, 2006, 12:03:29 PM

I'll keep this one in mind when I get to the rear brake hoses.

Thanks.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Been busy doing the trunk lock thing like I mentioned a while back.

My pal made some neat home-made poppers and I've been copying them to an extent.
Simple gadgets they are, but I changed a couple of things.

Said pal stopped by Friday and I showed him the poppers and told him I copying the ones he made

He tells me he bought them....

Kinda funny, he's a fairly inventive guy and knocks out a lot of stuff, but sometimes prefers to buy a small piece than take the time to knock it out.

Live and learn....

1FATGMC · June 19, 2006, 12:23:01 PM

Good work Frank.

Just a reminder guys to wear a full face shield when you are pressing something like that. I had a friend (some of you know him) who lost an eye last year using sockets to press something. One flew out and took out his eye.

Frank I'm sure you were using face protection, but just wanted to remind everyone.

c ya, Sum