The Stovebolt Forums Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Spot Weld Cutters Preference

OK so you have your specially ground drill bit or a spot weld cutter. I've only used the first one with fairly good success. Certainly the objective is to not intentionally drill past the top panel and try not to disturb the bottom in order to separate the panel in question. So...is one better than the other or should I say its only as good as the individual operating the drill.
Seriously, is one better than the other or is there an occasion where both should be at ones disposal?

I've used different methods as of late. My cowl panel was done with an old Snap-On center pilot drill bit spot weld cutter. Didn't bother me to weld up the center 1/8" hole on the panel that was staying. Comes in different diameters. As far as I'm concerned, easier to use than the center spring loaded awl type that Mac is selling these days.

When I did the wheel wells on the Suburban, so much metal was going to be fabbed and replaced by me, that I took a disc sander, sanded the spot welds until thin, then used a spot weld splitter ( a hard steel bar with a knife edge) and sheared off the rusty pieces.

I haven't used a drill bit to separate spot welds for a long time!

A spot weld splitter...I need check them out for sure. I have used a pneumatic chisel on occasions for stubborn stuff. Although it will do some damage real quick! All of my bits have been used up and trying to decide if I should buy more or opt for cutter style.

I have used a spotweld cutter before, but it dulled before I was half way done with a couple hundred spotwelds. I had an issue with getting the center to stay in the middle of the spotweld also.
I have been using a 3/16" drill bit since giving up on the spotweld cutter. The drill bit seemed to find the center of the spotwelds by itself. The 3/16" bit is plenty big to get all of the spotweld, and was just the right size to be able to get the bottom metal red hot for TIG welding the spotwelds back in. My old spotweld cutter made a huge hole, requiring too much welding, threatening warping of the panels.

I purchased a set of Blair spot weld cutters and had great results. They are a little pricey but the do work great. Bill

Where did you find Blair cutters. Maybe one can ignore the investment if the results are favorable.:>)

Internet..type in Blair spot weld cutter. Also called rotabroach.

I like the Rotabroach as well. I have a couple os set of them in assorted sizes, including an older set that was made by Hougen, which was the original manufacturer before Blair bought them out. Any welding supply store should carry them, too, plus I know that Snap-On sells them under their Blue Point name. Classic Industries also sells them.

Thanks fellows.

Snap On has gotten cheap with their stuff. The older cutters are the Blair/Rotabroach style with a centering drill bit.

Here is the older Snap On cutters and the splitters.