Drilling through carpet

[jrcuz]

I originally mounted the switches for my seat heaters in the trans tunnel top which is covered in vinyl. i have decided I would like to move them to the tunnel sides forward and high. My question is since the carpet is in place can I use a step drill to make the holes without destroying the carpet or should I cut the carpet away before using the step drill?
JR

[Papa]

The best approach I've found putting holes in carpet is to melt a hole using a heated bolt, socket, etc. that is the size you want.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpufNiXvQgU

[GTBradley]

I'd cut it first for a clean hole in the carpet, or better yet, heat up a deep well socket of the proper diameter and melt a nice, round and clean hole right through it. It works well.

[cv2065]

I wouldn't use a step drill. Something could catch and mess your carpet up. I'd either cut it or burn it through with a soldering iron. Soldering iron works could as it kind of 'cauterizes' the hole so no pulls afterwards. Heated up socket works well to, as GTBradley mentioned.

[GTBradley]

That's a first, three nearly simultaneous responses. Dave wins, though.

[Sdonnel]

I've heard that if you use the socket method, it's optimal to let it cool before picking it up to do another task. I know a guy that was a little too hasty.

[jrcuz]

Thanks guys for the quick responses, sound like heating a deep well socket is the way to go. I will let the socket cool before further use.
JR

[edwardb]

x5 or whatever on using heat to cut a hole in the carpet and agree don't try to drill it. FWIW, I put a 16-penny nail in a pair of vicegrips. Then heat the end of the nail with a propane torch and make the hole. The carpet cuts like butter. There would be no issue cutting a hole the size of a socket or whatever. Easily goes around the perimeter of the hole. I throw away the nail when I'm done because it gets pretty gooped up. I wouldn't use a good piece like a socket. In addition to making a clean hole without additional damage, the yarn around the hole is melted and won't fray or whatever.

[narly1]

Another option might be to fashion a hole cutter out of a piece of thin wall brass or aluminum tubing. You work around the ID of the tubing with a utility knife to create a sharp edge.

Thinking it might be sharp enough to cut the carpet fibre and backing.

[Papa]

I originally mounted the switches for my seat heaters in the trans tunnel top which is covered in vinyl. i have decided I would like to move them to the tunnel sides forward and high. My question is since the carpet is in place can I use a step drill to make the holes without destroying the carpet or should I cut the carpet away before using the step drill?
JR

The other question I would ask is if the switches will mount and stay put with the carpet alone, or if you want to fabricate a couple of small backing plates that would hold the switches?

[David Hodgkins]

I'm going to go against the grain here and suggest a hollow punch. Here's an image I pulled off ebay. I don't know or endorse this manufacturer:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=138916&d=1607454475

When I do my engine turning I use a punch like this to make little sanding pads out of scotchbrite. I also used it to punch holes in my carpet for mounting the seats brackets:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=46172&d=1443715890

Not the best pic but you get the idea...

:)

[Bob Cowan]

I'm going to go against the grain here and suggest a hollow punch.


I've been using an old hollow punch for decades. Makes a nice neat hole in the carpet. No accidental burns. Also works for making gaskets, cutting leather, etc.

[NAZ]

Now you city boys may have trouble with this but if you have multiple holes, a 1911 in .45ACP makes quick work of it. Semi wadcutters work best.

[jrcuz]

Now you city boys may have trouble with this but if you have multiple holes, a 1911 in .45ACP makes quick work of it. Semi wadcutters work best.

Naz, I don't have .45ACP semi wadcutters will hollow points work? HA Ha
JR

[Norm B]

I have a 45/70 Govt with some 400 grain flat nose handloads. Will that work? Actually a heated spent casing makes a nice hole and you don’t have to worry about wrecking the temper in your sockets.

[j.miller]

WHAT THE HELL IS THE MATTER WITH YOU GUYS TALKING ABOUT BLOWING HOLES WITH FIRE ARMS !.....so whatcha gotta remember is to put a steel plate under so you don't damage the trans housing.....AND NO ARMOR PIERCING ….that's a big no no...da Bat

[FFinisher]

I am going to against the grain too- just drill the hole. If it’s ffr carpet it is not the kind that will pull .

Honestly, when I have to drill through carpet the biggest challenge is drilling through the insulation behind it- that’s what makes the mess.

[jrcuz]

I am going to against the grain too- just drill the hole. If it’s ffr carpet it is not the kind that will pull .

Honestly, when I have to drill through carpet the biggest challenge is drilling through the insulation behind it- that’s what makes the mess.

I do have X-MAT from Eastwood under the FFR carpet.

[Vspeeds]

If you decide to use heat to cauterize the carpet; I suggest the cheapo $4.99 wood burning tool from Harbor Freight along with their “20% off any one item” coupon. I have a nice Weller soldering station with tips that I’ve ruined by burning holes in carpet. The cheap HF tool is good for that purpose. Or you could use the ammo casings.

[Papa]

For smaller holes, a bolt will work. It's really only when you want a larger (perfectly round) hole that something like a socket is helpful, like for making the holes in my floor mats for the retaining clips:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=119328&d=1577054274