The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Tool Chest Spotweld Cutters

I have just used the most valuable tool in my shop for replacing sheetmetal on my '64-'66 Chevy trucks. It is a spotweld cutter from Eastwood, item #11282 for $59.99. I located and removed approximately 30 spot welds from the drivers rocker panel in about 15 minutes. The rocker virtually fell of the truck and with a bit of smoothing with a high speed grinder and a sanding disc, I was able to prep the area to receive the new rocker.

I have struggled with separating body panels attached with factory spotwelds in the past, but will no longer struggle with this process. For the money, this tool is invaluable.

You can get those things a lot cheaper elsewhere. Don't buy from Eastwood unless you absolutely can't find it anywhere else.

I got a spot weld cutter drill bit at the local paint and body shop for like $15, and it worked pretty good, but with the state of things, an air powered body hammer actually worked a lot better with a chisel. My rocker on my 72 driver's side was a real mess.

I bought a cheap spotweld cutter from Northern Tool and it didn't get the cowl panel off my '54 before both cutters were ruined. I had previously bought a 3/8" drill from NAPA. The cutting edge of this drill is on the outside edges of the flutes. It also has a starter point in the center. I don't know the real purpose of this grind but if you drill a small pilot hole first, it makes a great spotweld cutter. I think it cost about $9. And to think I had it in the toolbox before wasting my money on a cheap cutter.

Thanks LILRED for the tip I just ordered me a cutter kit from Eastwood,I'm getting ready to start removing cab corners on my 54,as for finding them cheaper you know you get what you pay for and Eastwood's tools have a good rep.

There are limits to "you get what you paid for" - sometimes you just get ripped off.

I have had excellent use out of a spotweld cutter from Mac tools, seems it was about $28. brian

The Eastwood spotweld cutter is actually a kit with three 3/8" cutters, an additional pilot, a non-slip arbor, complete instructions and a handy carry case. Having done many panel replacements/patches on '64-'66 Chevy trucks, I recommend not drilling through both panels. It becomes more difficult to weld new panel if there is a hole in the panel you are connecting to. In any event, I just wanted to share my good experience with a very nifty tool. Additionally, I have removed many panels with an air chisel and various other cutting and drilling tools, only to discover that there is a much more effective way to do so. Sixty dollars is a small investment for a reliable tool that performs impeccably. Good luck with your tool choice.

LilRed66, I definately agree that it's the right tool for the job - but I'm fairly sure you can get the same quality from NAPA for a lot less. I'm just trying to help people save a few dimes they may need for another part. My experience is that Eastwood's tools are of very good quality, but priced higher than equivalent tools from other retaliers, and their shipping charges are horrifying.

I just used good sharp drill bits from the tool chest to do the job - works fine, cheap as dirt

Bill

Three cutters for $60.00 figures to about $20.00 each. They hold a sharp edge very well. At the time, I wasn't looking for the best bang for my buck, just a tool I was sure would get the job done effectively and efficiently. I happen to have found it from Eastwood. Perhaps I will take a look at NAPA next time, whereas there is a location down the street from my shop and I can compare the quality, fit, finish and performance of NAPA's and Eastwood's spotweld cutter. Hopefully, the spotweld cutter you chose will do the job effectively and efficiently, regardless of what you pay.

Agreed.