Tip Sheet - How to Drill and Tap

Overview

This document contains the comprehensive information for how to drill and tap holes for brackets use or handrail brackets

Caution: Wear protective ANSI approved safety glasses, working gloves and breathing mask at all times • Inspect before installation or use; do not use if parts are loose or damaged

Tools Required

1. Center Punch
2. Hand drill
3. Cobalt Drill bit
4. Tap bit
5. Cutting oil
6. Marker Pen

Guide Bit and Tab Guide

Instructions

1. Mount the posts to the floor or the brackets to the wall before installing the handrail tube. Please refer to other instructions document found on our website for help in that operation
2. Place the handrail tubing on the saddles. Mark the drilling points using a marker
3. It’s very important not to skip this point otherwise the drill bit will skid. Remove the handrail then place it on a working table. Mark the drilling points with a center punch tool. Repeat this several times in the same location to give a good guide for the drill bit.
4. Use the corresponding drill bit size shown in table above.
5. Apply cutting fluid on the drill bit.
6. Hold firm but without pressing too hard the hand-drill then gradually apply pressure to drill through the top rail with stopping a couple of times to reapply the cutting fluid. Complete all marked location.
7. Replace the drill bit with the corresponding tap bit shown in table.
8. Apply cutting fluid on the tap. Tapping is to be done at a slower speed then drilling. Start at a slow speed then increase the speed once the tap catches a couple of threads.
9. Reverse the direction of the drill to remove the tap remembering to carefully keep the tap bit straight.