Spot Weld Drill Bits

Spot weld drill bits, also known as spot weld cutters or removers, drill out the factory spot welds that hold vehicle panels together, so a panel can be separated without damaging the one beneath. This guide covers how they work and how to use them.

How they work — The bit centres on the weld and cuts through the top panel's weld nugget only, releasing it from the panel underneath. A cobalt cutting edge handles the hardness of the weld and resists the heat of drilling through steel, which is why cobalt is preferred over plain high speed steel for this job. Many are double-ended so a fresh cutting end is ready when the first wears.

Where they are used — This is a bodywork and panel-repair tool, used when replacing sills, wings, floor sections, door skins and other welded panels. Removing the weld rather than grinding it off keeps the lower panel intact and ready to take a new one.

Getting a clean result — Mark the centre of each weld, run at a moderate speed with firm, steady pressure, and stop as soon as the top panel releases so you do not cut into the panel below. A cutting lubricant helps the edge last.

For the full range of high speed steel drills see our HSS Drill Bits collection, and for other cobalt drills see HSS Cobalt.

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