Drilling out a handle

[JasonGotaProblem]

I've attempted searching before posting but I'm not seeing much specific info. Or more accurately I'm seeing more reel-specific info than general info on methodology.

My new handle arrived today and I'm super excited about attaching it. Now, how do i start? I do have a good and powerful hand held drill but i do not have a drill press or access to one. Or a vise. I'm resourceful though. I just need some inspiration

[alantani]

if you're going to do this on a regular basis, a drill press would be a good investment.  the one i have was less than $100 and i use it all the time. 

[mo65]

   I use a hand held for this...but I also use the vise...you're gonna need a vise.

[El Pescador]

My Recommendation is NOT to have Dominick drill it out for you!

I have a Penn Baja Special with a traveling drill bit track on handle I use when in Cabo.

We laugh about it every time I bring the reel out for fishing for the day!!!!

USE A VISE!!!!!

Wayne

[Hamachi]

First, I would take the rubber grip off if you can. Pry out the end piece to see if there's a screw head there. Penn knob spindle shafts are usually pretty standard 1/8"X2" or something. Sometimes you can adapt the new knob to that and save the drilling part. It's worth a shot. Riveted on? Well at least we checked. You can do it! You will need to come up with some sort of clamping device. Two c-clamps on the corner of your workbench or kitchen table or two pieces of wood nailed together with the handle inbetween. Centerpunch the back of the knob spindle shaft, sharpen a nail, or a drywall screw (please wear eye protection) all you need is a small dimple centered on the Spindle shaft. You could probably stand on the wood to steady it. Carefully start drilling with a small sharp bit, angling the bit to the center. Step up to a larger bit that will stay inside the knob shaft diameter. Go slow. Use a drop of oil. Once you get close to the edge it will come off. Be very careful, if you touch the aluminum of the handle shaft (The spindle shaft is stainless steel),with the rotating drill bit it will be ruined! Good luck Jim.

[philaroman]

tedious progression from tiny to larger bits, should work
otherwise, you go to HF for the most rudimentary one-job $10-15 vise
you see they're total crap & spend double on something moderately useful

[JasonGotaProblem]

Turns out the one I got had a different diameter shaft than the hole in my handle. So I got to do a bit more drilling. But it's on there. And I love it.

Crazy how its only been a week and you can already see some oxidation. This is gonna be fun.

[Bryan Young]

That's pretty

[JasonGotaProblem]

That's pretty

Thank you. Im very happy with the end result. To some this might not even register, but this might be my only material possession that's truly one of a kind, and to me that's kinda cool.

[Sharkb8]

Looks even better with that handle good job now let's see some of the fish it catches.

Kim

[oc1]

That's really beautiful!

Crazy how its only been a week and you can already see some oxidation. This is gonna be fun.

Keep it oiled, call it patina and embrace it
-s

[philaroman]

That's really beautiful!

Crazy how its only been a week and you can already see some oxidation. This is gonna be fun.

Keep it oiled, call it patina and embrace it
-s

let it build up, call it "shallow anodizing" and tell everybody it cost extra

[Dominick]

My Recommendation is NOT to have Dominick drill it out for you!

I have a Penn Baja Special with a traveling drill bit track on handle I use when in Cabo.

We laugh about it every time I bring the reel out for fishing for the day!!!!

USE A VISE!!!!!

Wayne

ha ha.  Wayne asked me what's that indicating the slipped drill bit track.  I told him that was a smear of grease.  He bought both the explanation and the reel.  Caveat emptor.      Dominick

[Rivverrat]

..... I have a Penn Baja Special with a traveling drill bit track on handle I use when in Cabo.

We laugh about it every time I bring the reel out for fishing for the day!!!! .....

 

Wayne

    the truth is... a scratch of the best kind. Turning our reels into records of times past.... of family & friends....   stuff that didn't go as planned. The feelings ownership brings surpassing any thing to do with monetary value... Jeff  

[steelfish]

hmm seems that Im the only one that use a dremmel and tons of different bits to drilling out the handle knob