Drill bit extension

[staninlowerAL]

Just wondering if anyone has seen/used a drill bit extension for small diameter twist type drill bits that will tighten up on the bits. I own both a magnetic type and a set screw type but have not found one that will tighten up on the bits to allow me to use my left hand drill bits. It would be a handy tool to use to drill the right side dog leg screws that are behind the steering gearbox. Thanks, Stan

[Don McCombs]

Consider an aircraft bit, too.

[staninlowerAL]

Thanks Don. I have used the longer bits a.k.a. aircraft bits. They work well on the right front but are a bit pricey in my area. I've also noticed that the right rear screw does not allow a straight on access. I've not yet had to remove one of them but will at some point I suppose. I've not yet searched for a method to get to that one. Stan

[Don McCombs]

I’ve used a bit extension, but not one with a Jacobs type chuck. The one I have requires hex shank bits. It works well.

[staninlowerAL]

Thanks. I've looked at and purchased a few of the small hex shank bits and an extension but not used them yet. I saw an angle extension and a right angle adapter yesterday. Maybe something like that might get to the rear right side screw.

[Don McCombs]

I did some work on that screw a while back. I’ll try to remember to see how I did it, this afternoon.

[staninlowerAL]

Running a tap in that location is more difficult than drilling out the broken screw. I'm looking forward to your shared experience on this one.

[ajhbike]

I have a DeWalt extension that has a chuck on the end.

[SamsFarm]

My neighbor was having a garage sale long time ago and I picked up one of these to add to my tool box for a few bucks!



https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/topages/fitdrill_kitbox.php

This one has more bits.
https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/topages/tightfittoolkit.php

Thankfully, I still have not used it yet!

[SONNY]

They are handy for sure!

[Don McCombs]

Stan,
Sorry this has taken so long. These are the extension bit and tap that I used. Both are six inches long. I'm pretty sure I got the tap from McMaster Carr.

[staninlowerAL]

Thanks, Don. I've about concluded that the "new to me" hex shank drill bits in smaller sizes will work for the 2 left side and with a 6 inch extension, the 1 right front dog leg screws. Might even work for the right rear using a flexible extension and/or universal joint although I have not tried it. I'm also trying to come up with some way to run the #10-24 tap in the right side holes. The forward hole is certainly accessible with the long tap you pictured but I haven't discovered a way to thread the right rear hole behind the steering shaft. I'm considering epoxying a tap in a small coupling nut so I can use a 1/4 drive socket and universal to clear the steering shaft. Stan

[SamsFarm]

You can turn a tap with a crescent wrench!

You just have to use extreme caution to turn the tap and not pull it to the side and break it.

There are also speciality sockets made to fit taps.

Sometimes you might find a 12 point socket to fit the 4 points of a tap also.