24

Apr

Can I drill a small hole in a cast iron stove?

Posted by admin  Published in LOST FAQ

the clasp on a small wood burning stove has come lose. the screws holding on the clasp is wrung or
perhaps the metal on the stove itself. If I am unable to get the new screws to fix the catch is drilling
the metal and fixing it with a small nut and bolt an option through the existing screw holes .it would mean drilling out maybe 3mm of cast iron to let the bolt out. would there be a risk of the metal shattering ? any other suggestions ?

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10 users responded in this post

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Mike A said in April 24th, 2010 at 12:51 am

If you were going to drill into cast iron, you will need a titanium drill bit, a center punch and a ball peen hammer. What you will need to do is find the spot you want your hole to be, put the tip of the center punch onto that spot, and strike the back of the punch with the hammer with one firm blow. It will make a small dent called a pilot hole.

Then, you will need that drill bit, and of course a drill. Put the tip of the bit, and make sure that the angle of the drill bit is perfectly straight. make sure the drill is on the drill bit setting and running at a somewhat slow speed. once the bit gets turning, it will sink right in and bore through the metal. Once you have drilled all the way through, reverse the direction of the drill motor and back it straight out.

Do not touch the drill bit for a few minutes because it will be very hot!

make sure that if you put a bolt in the new hole that you use a cast iron one. That way the expansion rates of the metals are the same. I cant make any guarantee about how safe something like this is but I suppose just use your best judgment.

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Robert said in April 24th, 2010 at 12:51 am

No you can not

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Drewfuss said in April 24th, 2010 at 12:51 am

You can easily drill cast iron. just use a reasonably sharp twist drill and maybe a little oil on it. I’ve done it many times.

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zeemanuk2003 said in April 24th, 2010 at 12:51 am

I dont see why not..Just do it.

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Cave Creek said in April 24th, 2010 at 12:51 am

You can drill cast iron with a metal bit. Just drill a little and let it cool then drill more. You will not overheat that way.

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sleddog382000 said in April 24th, 2010 at 12:51 am

Sure you can. But you’ll need a metal bit for your drill. A wood bit will be ruined. You could also try to re-tap the hole…drill it just a tiny bit larger and tap the new hole to fit a slightly larger screw. But taps are expensive, so your idea is probably the best. A metal bit is also a little expensive, but it will last forever.

Just one thing, the nut and bolt you use must be designed to resist heat.

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Cure the aces said in April 24th, 2010 at 12:51 am

yes, you can, but go slowly :D

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kenbgray said in April 24th, 2010 at 12:51 am

Go to your hardware store and buy an ez-out. They will show you how to use it. You can drill cast iron with no problem, just use the right bit. Then you can tap it if you have to.

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jekin said in April 24th, 2010 at 12:51 am

The reason so many things like engine parts are made of cast iron is because it is easy to machine. Yes you can drill it. It may have hard spots, so you may break a drill bit. Make a small hole first and then use a larger bit.

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gas man said in April 24th, 2010 at 12:51 am

yes u can drill cast iron,i have done it many times,GO FOR IT!!!!

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