Drill holes going off-center on my rivets

[ninjaturtle1987]

I'm building a bike trailer with an old-school look and needed some 3/8" rivets. I live in a small town and couldn't find any, so I decided to make my own. I made a tool using a socket and a steel ball and looked like it would work!

But now I've got a problem. When I drill the holes for the rivets, they don't stay in the right spot. They keep going off-center. I tried using clamps and guides, but nothing's working well. Has anyone had this happen when making rivets or something like them? How did you fix it?

 

[blvckisking]

Yeah, that's a common headache but a center punch before drilling usually helps keep the bit in place, and stepping up through smaller pilot holes can make a big difference too

 

[wella102]

Start with a small pilot hole (1/8), then increase to 1/4 before drilling the final 3/8 hole. This method is way more accurate than trying to drill a 3/8 hole right away. A sharp center punch helps too, giving the drill bit a nice starting point.

 

[FPDoc]

I'm building a bike trailer with an old-school look and needed some 3/8" rivets. I live in a small town and couldn't find any, so I decided to make my own. I made a tool using a socket and a steel ball and looked like it would work!

But now I've got a problem. When I drill the holes for the rivets, they don't stay in the right spot. They keep going off-center. I tried using clamps and guides, but nothing's working well. Has anyone had this happen when making rivets or something like them? How did you fix it?

I agree with prev posts, good center punch to start. Use a drill press if possible to be able to clamp pieces for best result. Use a well sharpened drill bit (or a new one).. ie if cutting edges are not exactly equal (point centered) it can wander. Good luck, there is a bit of a knack to it.