Alternative ways to make a hole for fan screws? - Overclock.net

milkcow500 · 10-19-09

Alright, right now I have a dremel 300 , which comes with a 1/8" drill bit (also known as 150 drill bit). What cheap tool (not power tool since I'm not buying a drill and only have a dremel at hand) can I use to make this hole large enough to fit a fan screw (3/16" I believe?)

Would I be able to use something like a hand tap or a reamer, especially since it's only thin steel?

A link to a pic for something I can use would be nice, thanks!

CattleRustler · 10-19-09

you might be abe to find a tapered round file (like for chainsaw sharpening) that will fit into the 1/8" holes, then you can widen them. Is this for thos standard nasty fan screws that "self tap" into the fan frame?

An alternative is to use the 1/8" drill bit and "over bore" the hole by 1/64 to 9/64 to let a 6-32 screw pass thru. If your fans are 25mm frames then you can use a 1 1/4" screw and a nut to secure the fans, instead of the nasty self tapper screws. This is how I mount all my fans in my mods but I use black oxide screws and matching pass-thru socket caps. You can get a handful of screws and nuts from a hardware store for like a dollar

Syrillian · 10-19-09

I have used a self-tapping screw in the past.

Using a head that can accommodate a ratchet-drive can make the job easier.

The screw will need to be larger (at its thickest) than the hole you need, but have a point that will fit into the existing hole.

Once the hole is slightly smaller than the one required, I take the hardware that is to be used and force-thread the hole.

Some care needs to be taken so that you do not ream the hole too much.

This method works, but is kinda low-brow.

**radodrill** · 10-19-09

There are also tapered reamers

milkcow500 · 10-19-09

I'm using those fat stock screws that actually screw into the plastic of the fans. The panel isn't thick, so a self tapping screw should work I guess.

Would lowes or home depot even sell a tapered reamer for 3/16"?

milkcow500 · 10-19-09

Can I use this: http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...%20Punch%20Kit

With one of those rubber hammers?

Syrillian · 10-19-09

Hi again.

You could, but you will need to ensure that the diameter of the punch is small enough that you will still be able to thread the bolt.

You will also need to make sure you have a sound back plane to pound on so that you don't warp or dent the panel being pounded on.

If I may.... were it me, and I used a punch, I would use a ball-peen hammer as opposed to a rubber mallet. The latter has a tendency to re-absorb too much of the kinetic energy, the former will deliver a solid blow, but without too much weight behind it.

In all honesty, I don't know that I would use that specific tool (it is designed for non-threaded pins). If you are purchasing a tool, then I would get a tapered reamer.

milkcow500 · 10-19-09

It's a thin sheet of steel, so would it matter as long as it punctures through? I got that pack with a rubber hammer, so what should I do? My dremel only has 1/8" drill bit so I could make a pivot hole if necessary.

ghettogeddy · 10-19-09

i woudl just 1/8 it then use pass through's

milkcow500 · 10-20-09

a pass through?

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Alternative ways to make a hole for fan screws?

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