Anyone use a drip tray with stainless back splash?

**SenorWanderer** · 12-08-2007, 06:54 AM

should i expect to drill holes through this? any suggestions on what type of drill bit to use so that i dont leave it looking like a particular infamous keggle.

**Orfy** · 12-08-2007, 08:19 AM

I would look at using adehsive first before drilling if you are not a compitant engineer/diyer.

If drilling then any good hardened steel drill bit will do it. Use a variable speed drill, use a centre punch and a little machine oil. I drill stainless slowly to stop over heating. Also cover with masking tape to stop scratches.

Or take it to a machine shop.

**SenorWanderer** · 12-09-2007, 06:53 AM

thanks for the reply, orfy, uh, i mean scrooge! i'm not talking about drilling to mount the tray/backsplash, but drilling holes for the shanks to fit through. did you take a look at the picture? i guess the question i should be asking is, because i'll have 6 taps in my keezer (i hate that word, we need to come up with something better), and all i really want is a drip tray, can anyone suggest a drip tray long enough to fit 6 taps? the model im considering in the picture is 18" long. i haven't found anything as long or longer that's designed to attach to a wall/fridge door.

**Yuri_Rage** · 12-09-2007, 07:07 AM

I prefer a step drill when I want a nice hole in sheet metal. They're expensive but worth it.

**olllllo** · 12-09-2007, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yuri_Rage

I prefer a step drill when I want a nice hole in sheet metal. They're expensive but worth it.

That's what I used for a 4 tapper. Go slowly. You can do it.

**rabidgerbil** · 12-09-2007, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yuri_Rage

I prefer a step drill when I want a nice hole in sheet metal. They're expensive but worth it.

Harbor Freight baby...

**cowgo** · 12-10-2007, 12:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rabidgerbil

Harbor Freight baby...

If you have a Harbor Freight in your town, they're awesome. Some good roaming time in Harbor Frieight. In fact, that's where I got 3 various sizes of of step drill bits for 9 bucks.

**SenorWanderer** · 12-10-2007, 01:08 AM

thanks for the tips, guys. i googled and found some pictures. i've seen these before. so a little help with how to use it? looks like each step is a specific size, and you just drill slowly until you get the hole you need? thinking about doing this with a hand drill makes my hands shake! should i use the same bit for going through the fridge door? thanks again!

Bellybuster · 12-10-2007, 03:18 PM

alot of machine shops will have a hydraulic punch machine. For afew bucks they'll punch perfect 7/8 holes whereever you want'em

**kal** · 12-10-2007, 06:04 PM

Stainless is a bitch to drill through!

I used almost exactly the same drip tray with back-splash as you and drilled 4 holes through it:

The stained chunk of wood that the shanks go through is used to move the taps away from the chalkboard a bit so that it's easier to grip the handles, but also serves to hide imperfections from drilling hand-held.

As others mentioned, I used a step drill bit to drill through the SS:

Just keep going down until you get the size you want. Take a break if things start to get too hot. Anything else is going to cause you lots of headaches. If you use a drill press too, even better! (Wish I had one)

Kal