GraB-a-DrillBitt-THingy-watchamacallit

[john pike]

first i wat to say, GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

drilling out my 24pounder,
i have a 1/2 inch pilot hole,
followed by a 1-1/8 hole,

the 1-1/8 is 12 inches deep,

i switched to the 1/2 X 12 drill bit to drill the last 4 inches of my hole,

the drill bitt grabbed and spun out of my extension, (two set screws-and a ledge on the tail end of the bitt for a "keeper",,) i wasnt so smart after all,

so,  the end of the bit is 4-extreamly loooong  inches, from the muzzle,

hence the problem,

HOW DO I REMOVE IT??

johnp--in overmy bitt,,,,,,                          :cry:  :cry:  :cry:  :cry:  :cry:

[Cat Whisperer]

First, let me say, it COULD be worse.  Having the bit slip from an extension means it's not jammed as tightly as it would be if it had snapped off.

I'm assuming that the shank of the bit is round (not having 3 flats on it as some do).

Let's separate the dilemma into two parts:

(there will be multiple ideas presented by multiple people)

one: how do you get ahold of the end of the shank?  and

two: how do you remove the stuck bit?

I think the greatest risk is breaking the bit.

I also think that your best chance of successfully pulling it out will involve gently heating the tube with a torch - the dimensional change with heat is on of the most effective methods of reducing the amount of muscle required to separate two stuck pieces of metal.

It may be that something like a slide-hammer could be used.

A plumbing tool - a sink wrench - is designed to grab something round in very tight quarters some distance out - may or may not have enough room to grip it.

A special collet could be made (several designs come to mind) that could be slipped over the end of the bit, and when pulled, would tighten as it was pulled.  This could be attached to the slide hammer.

Don't give up hope.  This is not common, but also not unusual.

[john pike]

NEVER mind,,,

set the setscrew a little deeper, set the extension on the bitt,
smashed it with a sledge, swore,(hit my thumb),
wiggled,wobbled, and jiggled,

its out,

now to drill a new setscrew hole,

johnp,,,whataday,,,,

[Powder keg]

I'm Glad you got that out! (probably not as glad as you though,) I have never used a drill with an extension that was removable. I always weld my bits up from shorter ones.

Good luck on the rest of the hole, Wes