Greenlee 730BB punch draw bolt size?

Anyone who has a 730BB can you measure the draw bolt diameter (including threads!) and let me know? I was thinking of just drilling the hole instead of using a step bit since I have a low speed high torque drill. Then I wouldn't have to buy a $40 step bit but a $10 3/8 or whatever metal bit instead. Or is that not a good idea and I should just stick with a step bit?

Unfortunately for Thanksgiving I'm not near my punches so I can't measure myself. Thanks!

3/8" hole is what was needed for both my greenlees. If you're doing several holes I'd invest in a cobalt bit and make sure your drill is up to the task. Don't forget to center punch.

NiteOwlBrewing said:

3/8" hole is what was needed for both my greenlees. If you're doing several holes I'd invest in a cobalt bit and make sure your drill is up to the task. Don't forget to center punch.

Click to expand...

Thanks! My drill is one of these http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...ool-shop-1-2-spade-handle-drill/p-1782481.htm which literally takes your arm off if it catches on anything. Use it for my grain mill and figure it'll work for drilling holes for the greenlee too.

Yup, that should do it; watch when that 3/8 bit catches as it goes through...

I prefer the step bit to prevent the chance of it grabbing as the bit breaks through

Is there any way to reduce the possibility of catching when it breaks through other than to use a less powerfull drill? I did go with a cobalt bit, which is somewhat more brittle so I'd rather not snap my new bit since I have 10 or so holes to make.

Maybe practice on some sheet metal first if you can. With two hands on the drill and your pot/keg steady you should be fine. Go slowly as you're about to punch through and you should be fine. You'll have a rough time snapping a 3/8" bit, btw...

I usually let the bit grab and feed itself down to where the chuck is at the surface of the metal. Then blip the trigger hard once or twice and the bit should shear out the hole all the way. I only do that on holes that I am going to punch, since the area that might get marred up by the chuck is coming out in a slug anyways...