When drilling pilot holes for eye bolts which will support the weight of the sign, how much undersize do you drill them? I'm concerned about splitting the cedar if i make the pilot holes too small.
For example, if i am using a 1/4" eye bolt in cedar, what size pilot hole should i drill? I put some epoxy in the hole before i insert the eye bolt.
Would it differ if i were using HDU?
Thanks in advance, Steve
-------------------- Steve Racz Racz's Handcarved Signs Posts: 1078 | From: New Jersey | Registered: Jan 2004
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I had a failure with HDU a couple years ago having the eye bolt pull free even after using epoxy in the hole. I have had better success routing an internal frame between two faces or by running a thin rod full length internally. Biggest trick is drilling down through, and keeping it straight.
I am curious to see the responses you get. We are experiencing 60 mph winds today. It can be a challenge to keep them hanging in extreme winds.
""Good judgment comes from experience; and a lot of that comes from bad judgment" - Will Rogers Posts: 3484 | From: Beautiful Newaygo, Michigan | Registered: Mar 2003
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I drill my holes just under the size of the metal screw - not the threads. simply hold a drill bit next to it to see that the bit is just under the narrowest part in the threads. If weight or pulling out is of concern, I drill a an angle so its no pulling straigt out.
-------------------- John Arnott El Cajon CA 619 596-9989 signgraphics1@aol.com http://www.signgraphics1.com Posts: 1443 | From: El Cajon CA usa | Registered: Dec 1998
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posted
I'm with John on the basic theory, that the shaft will displace all material up to that diamete anyway, so the threads are the only bite you're going to get.
The diameter of hole needs only to be large enough to receive the threads, sometimes.
If you are using 2" stock and the bolts aren't too close to the edges of the board, I would drill a 3/8" hole. This will allow for a little expansion and contraction. Sealing the interior of the bold hole is OK but I wouldn't fill it up.
Lots of folks are learning that bolting HDU causes problems. This stuff has no structural integrity, which means it will crumble around bolt threads and ultimately fail at this area. I love HDU but it shouldn't be used like Cedar or Redwood.
-------------------- Joe Crumley Norman Sign Company 2200 Research Park Blvd. Norman, OK 73069 Posts: 1428 | From: 2200 Research Park Blvd. | Registered: Sep 2001
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posted
I may be wrong, or nitpicking, but don't eye blots have nuts on the end. Are you talking about screw eyes? The angled hole is the best way to go. Good luck.
-------------------- Lou Pascuzzi www.economysigns.com Fine Hand Lettering since 1973 Danbury, Ct 203-748-4580 "IOAFS" Posts: 341 | From: Danbury, Ct | Registered: Feb 2000
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posted
Hiya Steve, If it is an option I would not use eye bolts. But it depends on the thickness of the sign. If you're using 3/4" or thinner substrate, I would prefer to use sign hanging hardware that bolts through the face of the sign. Something similar to this If the substrate is wood and an inch or thicker, I would rather see some bracket support along the sides. If that is not an option, then I'm with John too Finally, If you have to use eye bolds in unsupported HDU, your best bet is to follow the directions for hanging signs, here
Havin' fun,
Checkers
-------------------- a.k.a. Brian Born www.CheckersCustom.com Harrisburg, Pa Work Smart, Play Hard Posts: 3775 | From: Harrisburg, Pa. U.S.A. | Registered: Nov 1998
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I't would be a smart thing to go to a tool company that should have conversion charts.Depending on fine or coarse threads.If you have a vernier-measure the shaft and thats your size. Hope this helps.
-------------------- Randall Campbell Randy's Graphics, 420 Fairfield N. Hamilton Ontario Canada Posts: 2857 | From: Hamilton Ontario Canada | Registered: Jan 2002
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Thanks Checkers - this sign is 1.75" cedar so sign clips aren't an option. I agree that side straps are a better choice than screw eyes. I'll be using side straps on another large sign i'm doing.
Thanks Randy - didn't know such a chart existed but i would like to have one. Also looked up the vernier-measure you talked about - now i know what one is!
Thanks for your help guys.
-------------------- Steve Racz Racz's Handcarved Signs Posts: 1078 | From: New Jersey | Registered: Jan 2004
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What about routing, or drilling out a pocket (the size of the hanger) in the middle of the top edge of your sign, insert the hanger that Checkers showed and then putting the bolt, with washer thru the face.
Just a thought!
-------------------- Bruce & Deb Newton Graphic Lettering San Marcos, CA Posts: 126 | From: San Marcos, CA | Registered: Sep 2001
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Hope this helps.
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