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-   -   Is it possible to drill through a reflector? (https://www.bikeforums.net/commuting/938797-possible-drill-through-reflector.html)

Turtle Speed 03-17-14 11:24 PM

Is it possible to drill through a reflector?
 
What happens if you try to drill right through the plastic-like face of it? Does the drill bit carve right through, or does it shatter the reflector all over the place?

I was considering putting a reflector on the back of a fender, but it'd take some rigging, so I'm trying to figure out the best way to go about it.

Medic Zero 03-17-14 11:39 PM

.

I haven't done it, but I bet if you drilled a pilot hole with a very small drill bit, and then enlarged it with a larger bit, you could do it without shattering it.

imi 03-18-14 03:31 AM

Is it possible to drill through a reflector?
 
Here ya go :)

http://home.howstuffworks.com/type-of-drill-bit-plastic.htm

J.C. Koto 03-18-14 03:55 AM

Yeah you can drill it, but unless you have a specific reason to use a particular reflector it would almost certainly be easier to buy a suitable one for your purpose off-the-shelf.

Also, reflective tape works very well for this purpose.

mulveyr 03-18-14 05:52 AM


Originally Posted by Turtle Speed (Post 16587739)
What happens if you try to drill right through the plastic-like face of it? Does the drill bit carve right through, or does it shatter the reflector all over the place?

I was considering putting a reflector on the back of a fender, but it'd take some rigging, so I'm trying to figure out the best way to go about it.

Others have answered the question about drilling, but as a side note I prefer retroreflective tape for my commuter bike--you can get it in all sorts of different colors that blend in well with the bike frame, fenders, etc, but are insanely reflective when lights hit them at night.

tsl 03-18-14 08:45 AM


Originally Posted by J.C. Koto (Post 16587914)
Yeah you can drill it, but unless you have a specific reason to use a particular reflector it would almost certainly be easier to buy a suitable one for your purpose off-the-shelf.

^^^^ This.

Except for most LBSs have a huge box of reflectors, taken off bikes whose new owners wouldn't be seen dead with a reflector on their bike. Mine let me have a couple for free. Get the ones that are typically used to mount on those plastic seatpost clamps. They already have a screw hole for mounting. Might as well get the screw too while you're there.

Then you just need to drill the fender. On my SKS P-series, the bracket for the lower rear fenderstay already had a hole, so it was simply a matter of extending it through the fender. A little Locktite on the screw and it's been there forever. All it cost me was a little time and a drop of Locktite.

CommuteCommando 03-18-14 09:09 AM

If you do, I suggest something called a spade drill. When drilling thin sheet materials a twist drill (What most call a conventional drill bit) will try to grab and pull the material.

You can get these for a lot less at home depot, but I couldn't find an image easily on their site.
Spade Drill Bits products - Grainger Industrial Supply

NOS88 03-18-14 09:14 AM


Originally Posted by CommuteCommando (Post 16588533)
If you do, I suggest something called a spade drill. When drilling thin sheet materials a twist drill (What most call a conventional drill bit) will try to grab and pull the material.

You can get these for a lot less at home depot, but I couldn't find an image easily on their site.
Spade Drill Bits products - Grainger Industrial Supply

Here's the Home Depot site: Ryobi 4 Piece Steel Glass and Tile Bit Set-AR1650 at The Home Depot

ItsJustMe 03-18-14 09:27 AM

You can drill through glass if you have the right tools. I've done it.

fietsbob 03-18-14 09:29 AM

you could poke a hot steel rod thru the plastic rather than worrying about shattering the plastic, drilling..

if wanting to mount it with a screw through the reflector

think about how you wont crush the reflector tightening the screw.

IDK of many glass , non antique , reflectors ..

alan s 03-18-14 11:53 AM

Might try drilling from the back. Wear eye protection in case it shatters. Good luck!

1nterceptor 03-18-14 12:18 PM

I second the use of a glass/tile bit.
Put masking tape just in case. I was
able to drill glass without it shattering:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1v9Z...6zPoymgKaIoDLA

MMACH 5 03-18-14 12:43 PM

Drill the fender, only.

Reflector ? Rear Fender Mount (SKU:2203) | ISO Bikes

They are also available on ebay. Search "bicycle fender reflector"


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