Techniques to Drilling and Enlarging Holes into a Vehicles Frame

In many hitch installations you are required to drill or enlarge existing holes into the frame of your vehicle. In this video we go over techniques to make this easier to accomplish as many frames are tough to drill into. Take note to check the hole diameter often, ensuring that the hole is just large enough to fit installation hardware. Also, use a slower drill speed because this allows our drilling tools to bite in to the frame material in a shorter amount of time. By using the techniques in this video, you’ll be able to confidently drill or enlarge holes in a vehicle frame!
We go over using a drill bit on metal, using a step bit, air saw and grinder bit. These techniques will allow you to install your hitch without a lot of resistance when drilling.
To get help with your hitch install, visit uhaulhitches.com
ABOUT U-HAUL Since 1945, U-Haul has been the No. 1 choice of do-it-yourself movers, with a network of more than 21,000 locations across all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces. U-Haul Truck Share 24/7 now offers customers access to U-Haul trucks every hour of every day through the self-service options on their Internet-connected mobile devices. U-Haul customers’ patronage has enabled the U-Haul fleet to grow to more than 150,000 trucks, 112,000 trailers, and 40,000 towing devices. U-Haul offers more than 581,000 rooms and more than 51 million square feet of self-storage space at owned and managed facilities throughout North America. U-Haul is the largest installer of permanent trailer hitches in the automotive aftermarket industry and is the largest retailer of propane in the U.S.

[@allenwilson6585]

gee, I get yelled at for drilling a 3/8 hole in a door to access and fix a dent, and you guys are drilling monsters in the frame.

[@kamshokar9328]

I had to drill a hole in my vehicle but all of my bits were too small. After seeing your video I learned what step bits were and I had one laying in our tool closet. Many thanks it worked perfectly!

[@alexknouse9133]

Very helpful

[@vizionzphotog]

Awesome!

[@kevindewaynelowe]

Awsome video. Exactly what I needed thanks.

[@trailerhitches]

Great to hear!

[@xXhockeymonkeyXx]

Nice!

[@chrisbarnhart4178]

thank you fellow ginger brotha

[@michaeldautry]

Excellent video all 👍🏻

[@trailerhitches]

Thanks 👍

[@Dat550go]

What type of drill bit is needed to make new seat hole into car floor?

[@d.sabarinathan822]

How to sharp that drill bits

[@cyborgdom6905]

How can one make hole of 6.35 mm (1/4 inch) in the roof of a vehicle with drilling machine?

[@jayleighawesomesauce8066]

I am struggling drilling into my frame. After MUCH work I was able to get smaller holes and I need to drill in up to an inch. Trust me, whatever he is drilling into is not the frame (or at least as strong as mine) because it would not have gone in so easy. I need some help figuring this out.

[@trailerhitches]

I use what is called a step bit. It will gradually enlarge the hole to1.08". watch this video as an example of the step bit enlarging an existing larger hole. @1:13. th-cam.com/video/jSOfmYQF_H8/w-d-xo.html As long as you can insert its tip into the pilot hole it will gradually enlarge the hole.... with lots of "strength and pushing upward". please remember safety goggles and good luck!

[@RedPillLife1966]

I have a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. It has no holes in the rear frame to fish bolts through. Weld nuts are broke and want to feed bolts down through for hitch instead. Is it okay to drill a hole in that frame? On side or bottom?

[@trailerhitches]

You must remove the damaged weld nuts from their access holes and then fish-wire bolts thru those holes. You cannot change location of the hitch. With that said, and with the right sized spacer block you can enlarge the existing holes with a step bit and reverse fish-wire in your hardware. This may be a better alternative then having to drill a fresh access hole. Otherwise use extreme caution when choosing to add an additional access hole! hope this helps!

[@RedPillLife1966]

@@trailerhitches It does help. I appreciate you getting back to me. Thank you.

[@jp2073]

Will my cheap battery operated drill be strong enough to drill a self-tapping screw through frame?

[@trailerhitches]

Yes! We regularly use battery drills for self tapping screws. It just may take a little force!

[@raczyk]

Do extra holes void safety certification by a mechanic? We need this certificate on ontario canada, when selling the car.

[@trailerhitches]

No. This is not something that is looked at during an inspection!

[@I_Died_2_Weeks_Ago]

Tip #1 - use a center punch 💯

[@trailerhitches]

Good tip!

[@I_Died_2_Weeks_Ago]

@@trailerhitches I just discovered the spring loaded push center punches on Amazon, and it's now my go to.

[@charlesbailey6799]

wow I didn't see any "frame" drilling

[@211dabomb]

Right lol

[@9thgatedim273]

The frame u using is plastic

[@trailerhitches]

It is defiantly metal.