Found a way to smooth out ovalled bolt holes on truck bumpers without welding

I was fighting a loose passenger side bumper mount on an old F-150 last week and after three failed attempts with longer bolts I just hammered a cheap step drill bit through the hole at a slight angle and threaded in a self-tapping bolt from a scrap yard fender and it held tight on the test drive - has anyone else tried this hack for stripped out holes on heavier rigs?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_nina25d ago

Done this exact thing on a 97 F-250 I had. Drilled out the factory hole with a step bit, ran a grade 8 self tapper in there with some red Loctite. Lasted three years until I sold the truck, never loosened up. Had to use an impact driver to get the bolt in, that sucker was in there tight. On a bumper mount that sees vibration, I would not use anything less than grade 8 hardware though.

drew_thomas925d ago

Hold up, you really think a self-tapper and a step bit is gonna last on a truck bumper where that thing sees real weight and vibration? I'd be worried about that hole ovaling out even worse after a few potholes or a light bump, or the bolt just snapping off when you need to pull it. Is this a temporary fix until you get a proper weld or rivnut in there, or are you actually trusting that long term?