Is it possible to drill through a reflector?
#1
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.
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.
#2
Senior Member
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From: Kherson, Ukraine
Bikes: Old steel GT's, for touring and commuting
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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.
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.
#4
apocryphal sobriquet
Joined: May 2008
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From: Star City, NE
Bikes: 2008 Surly Long Haul Trucker "The Truckerino"
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.
Also, reflective tape works very well for this purpose.
#5
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From: In the wilds of NY
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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.
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.
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#6
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From: Rochester, NY
Bikes: 1996 Litespeed Classic, 2006 Trek Portland, 2013 Ribble Winter/Audax, 2016 Giant Talon 4
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.
#7
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From: Southern CaliFORNIA.
Bikes: KHS Alite 500, Trek 7.2 FX , Masi Partenza, Masi Fixed Special, Masi Cran Criterium
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
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
#8
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
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
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A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking. - S. Wright
Favorite rides in the stable: Indy Fab CJ Ti - Colnago MXL - S-Works Roubaix - Habanero Team Issue - Jamis Eclipse carbon/831
#10
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From: NW,Oregon Coast
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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 ..
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 ..
#12
LET'S ROLL
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From: NEW YORK, NY - USA
Bikes: 2014 BMC Gran Fondo, 2013 Brompton S6L-X
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
Put masking tape just in case. I was
able to drill glass without it shattering:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1v9Z...6zPoymgKaIoDLA
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#13
Cycle Dallas
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Land of Gar, TX
Bikes: Dulcinea--2017 Kona Rove & a few others
Drill the fender, only.
Reflector ? Rear Fender Mount (SKU:2203) | ISO Bikes
They are also available on ebay. Search "bicycle fender reflector"
Reflector ? Rear Fender Mount (SKU:2203) | ISO Bikes
They are also available on ebay. Search "bicycle fender reflector"







