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phipps33's avatar
phipps33
Explorer
Apr 05, 2014

Drilling Chrome Bumper

I am wanting to mount my trailer connector in my bumper next to my license plate. This involves me drilling a 2" hole in the bumper.

Any suggestions on drilling through a chrome bumper? I was planning on a 2" home saw.
  • I would mount it below the bumper beside the hitch receiver. They make brackets for those plugs that will mount under the bumper.

    Drilling through a chrome bumper is not something I would do.
  • Probably just soft steel with chrome plate. I drilled through the bottom of my bed with a 3". I would put tape on it so it didn't peel when you drill. Just go slow.
  • You mean a hole saw I suspect. I have my doubts about how well that will work. Those saws are designed for wood and other non-metallic materials and the teeth are larger than you would see on a metal saw blade. The center hole will get enlarged and the saw will wobble around making a very un-circular hole since the bumper is thin metal.

    You could mark the 2 inch hole on the bumper with a marker. Then use a center punch to indent a series of centers around that. Then drill those with a smaller drill bit, 1/4 inch maybe. Then use a saber saw to cut that out and clean it up with a file. You want the top of the small drill holes to touch the 2 inch hole line. The skirt on the connector should cover up any roughness in the hole.

    If you have a good 1/2 drill motor then you might find a 2 inch metal bit. It will not be cheap tho.

    Or you might find a local welding shop to burn a 2 inch hole for you. They might even have the right sized drill and will drill one. Or try a machine shop.
  • Use cutting fluid. The plating will blue as it heats up. I would also paint the metal after the cut, inviting rust otherwise because you removed the plating.