How to simply and evenly enlarge the hole in a washer

Typically, the internal mounting hole in the washer for the nut is only slightly larger than the diameter of the bolt, and even if you try, you won’t be able to quickly remove it, because even a slight misalignment leads to it jamming in the bolt thread. On my homemade workbench, I need washers for the clamping bolts, which could be easily and quickly removed with the usual movement of the hand without any effort.

What tool do we need?

• Universal clamping key with lock;
  
• Screwdriver;
  
• Step (conical) drill for metal;
  
• A washer whose seat needs to be enlarged.

Fixing the washer

The best solution for conveniently gripping the nut is to have a special quick-release wrench with a lock. It is enough to clamp the washer in its slots, tighten the adjusting bolt and tighten the lock. If you don’t have such a key, don’t despair - there are several ways to securely fix the washer for drilling. To do this, you should use a regular vice - the main thing is that the metal pancake is clamped without distortion, otherwise even the slightest pressure from the drill will lead to its instability.

As a last resort, you can use ordinary pliers and a wooden backing securely fixed to the workbench (or any other place). By plunging the drill into more pliable wood, we ensure that the location of the screwdriver and washer is fixed. Holding the latter by the edge with pliers, we prevent it from scrolling.

Drilling with a step drill

A cone drill alone can replace not only a set of drills, but also metal crowns. As a rule, it is of high quality and is made of high-speed steel (it may also have diamond coating, etc.), so there is no need to use any special effort to drill out the washer. As a rule, not the strongest metal is usually used for their manufacture.

We insert the cone into the inner hole, activate the drill (screwdriver) and apply continuous pressure with the drill for 2-3 seconds. Then we unfold the washer and drill it out on the other side. This will be enough to increase the diameter. We test the work by inserting a bolt into the washer. In case of the slightest clues, we repeat the procedure.

Results of the work

As you can see, there is nothing difficult in obtaining a washer of the required diameter. Despite the fact that this procedure is extremely simple, in no case should you neglect the rules of safe work with power tools.

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