Belly hole bit question

[WadingWill]

What size and kind of bit should I use for the belly hole where the swivel comes out? I was told 5/16 forstner bit but can't find this size anywhere. What diameter and type of bits do you guys use?

[gldnbear93]

forstner or bradpoint bit. If you use a belly grommet, use a bit where you get a nice tight fit for the grommet. If you recess the grommet you will need two different sized bits, one for the grommet shaft and one for the flange.
If you do not use a grommet, start slowly drilling the hole to help avoid tearout.

[WadingWill]

Generaly, what diameter bits do you use for the belly hole? Or does it vary? I do plan on using 7mm belly grommets.

[The Dad Fisherman]

Depends on the size of the grommet and the size of the swivel.

Originally Posted by WadingWill

Generaly, what diameter bits do you use for the belly hole? Or does it vary? I do plan on using grommets.

[WadingWill]

Actually I'm going to use the NJtackle belly grommets they are .273" in diameter.

[spence]

I'd just go online and buy forstners in 1/16 inch increments from 1/4 to 1/2 inches. They aren't that expensive and you will use them all.

-spence

[mikecc]

Originally Posted by gldnbear93

forstner or bradpoint bit. If you use a belly grommet, use a bit where you get a nice tight fit for the grommet. If you recess the grommet you will need two different sized bits, one for the grommet shaft and one for the flange.
If you do not use a grommet, start slowly drilling the hole to help avoid tearout.

Had these specially turned to match the belly grommet . 1 steps down for the depth of the swivel to meet the thru wire & O.D. Dia of the grommet.While the larger does the outside Dia of the flange of the grommet.
This does everything in 1 step and it is perfectly centered

[gldnbear93]

Nice!
Where did you get that done?

Originally Posted by mikecc

Had these specially turned to match the belly grommet . 1 steps down for the depth of the swivel to meet the thru wire & O.D. Dia of the grommet.While the larger does the outside Dia of the flange of the grommet.
This does everything in 1 step and it is perfectly centered

[mikecc]

If there is interest I'll look into having a few made.

[eastendlu]

Mike that is called a step drill and if you look hard enough you might find them already premade from the factory.

[ProfessorM]

5/32 , .156, is the size nose grommet's most use. M&D's and NJ carry that size. I use 5/32 for the thru hole. For the belly grommet holes I use a Letter I drill which is .272. Makes nice tight hole to put grommet in, no adhesive needed. Sometimes you have to take an exacto knife to run around the hole to get the paint out of the edge but I don't find it a problem.

[WadingWill]

Thankyou PM

[Charleston]

The most popular belly gromet is the .343 dia. I use a brad point for that hole.

[Ed White]

Originally Posted by Charleston

The most popular belly gromet is the .343 dia. I use a brad point for that hole.

11/32" is .343, makes a nice gentle press fit...I've been trying to find a forstner in this size with no luck, only the common fractional sizes.

Ed

[ProfessorM]

Yup. Lu is right as usual. I prefer a contoured grommet, grommetized as some call it, with the belly hole drilled perpendicular to the surface you are drilling, not drilled with the plug sitting with the centerline perpindicular, thus the grommet fits flush and contours to the radius of the belly, but it is all in what you like the looks of. Mikes way is good too. Life would be boring if we all did it the same way.

[splshnplug]

hey mike where did you get those. they look nice. you must have connections

[mikecc]

Originally Posted by splshnplug

hey mike where did you get those. they look nice. you must have connections

Always good to have connections

Going to WT tomorrow with george.

[numbskull]

The better use for those bits is to drill holes for tail weights. You can get them from both Mcmaster and Fuller, though sizes are unlikely to be exactly what you want.