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Written by 2 September 2024

How to make holes in rc car body

Tuning Article

Drilling Down: How to Make Holes in Your RC Car Body

The world of RC cars is filled with endless possibilities for customization. There’s a thrill in taking a stock model and turning it into a unique, high-performance machine that reflects your personal style. One of the most common ways to add your own touch and improve functionality is by drilling holes in the body. Whether you’re installing new body posts, adding vents for cooling, or simply creating a custom look, knowing how to drill accurately and safely is essential.

This guide will walk you through the process of making holes in your RC car body, from choosing the right tools to ensuring a clean, professional finish. We’ll cover everything from basic techniques to tips for tackling more complex modifications.

The Tools of the Trade: Gathering Your Equipment

Before you start drilling, you’ll need the right tools to get the job done. Here’s a breakdown of what you need:

Essential Tools

  • Drill: A small, handheld drill with adjustable speed is ideal for working on RC car bodies. Look for a drill with a chuck that accepts small drill bits.
  • Drill Bits: You’ll need a variety of drill bits in different sizes, depending on the holes you’re going to make. Typically, sizes ranging from 1/16-inch to 1/4-inch are most useful.
  • Center Punch: This tool helps you accurately mark the center of your hole before drilling, preventing the drill bit from wandering.
  • Clamps: Clamps will help secure the body firmly to your work surface, ensuring stability and preventing movement during drilling.
  • Protective Gear: Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris and ear protection to reduce the noise level.
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Optional Tools

  • Rotary Tool: A rotary tool with different attachments (like sanding drums and cutting wheels) can be handy for smoothing out edges and shaping holes.
  • Heat Gun: A heat gun can help soften plastic bodies, making them easier to drill and reducing the risk of cracking.
  • Hobby Knife: A sharp hobby knife can be used to trim excess material around holes and create clean edges.

Preparing for the Drill: Planning and Marking

With your tools gathered, you’re ready to start planning and marking. Here’s how to ensure precise results:

1. Planning the Holes

Before you even pick up the drill, carefully consider where you want to drill the holes. Look at your body and think about:

  • Purpose: What are you drilling the holes for? Body posts? Vents? Other modifications?
  • Placement: Where will the holes be most effective? Consider the overall design of the body, any existing features, and the placement of other components.
  • Size: Do you need small, precisely placed holes, or larger holes that accommodate specific parts?

2. Marking the Body

Once you’ve determined the location and size of your holes, it’s time to mark the body. This will help you keep your drilling accurate and prevent mistakes:

  • Use a Center Punch: Gently tap the center punch into the body at the desired location. This creates a small indentation that will act as a guide for your drill bit.
  • Use a Template: For complex patterns or multiple holes, consider using a template. This could be a piece of paper, cardboard, or even a stencil you create with your hobby knife.
  • Use a Permanent Marker: If you aren’t using a center punch, mark the body with a permanent marker, making sure the line is visible and straight.

Drilling with Confidence: Techniques and Tips

Now you’re ready to start drilling! The following techniques and tips will ensure a smooth and successful experience:

1. Secure the Body

Before starting any drilling, it’s crucial to secure the body to your work surface. This will prevent the body from moving and ensure a clean, straight hole:

  • Use Clamps: Secure the body firmly to a piece of wood or a workbench using clamps. Make sure the body is clamped securely and won’t move while drilling.
  • Use a Drill Press: For even greater stability and accuracy, consider using a drill press. This specialized machine holds the drill steady, allowing you to drill perfectly straight holes.
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2. Drilling the Hole

With the body secured, you’re ready to drill. Take your time and follow these steps:

  • Start Slowly: Begin drilling at a low speed, gently guiding the drill bit into the center punch mark or marked line you’ve made.
  • Apply Light Pressure: Don’t force the drill bit. Let it do the work by applying a gentle pressure. Avoid pressing too hard, as this can lead to cracking or warping the body.
  • Maintain Control: Keep your drill steady and control its movement. Be careful not to let the bit wander off course.
  • Increase Speed Gradually: As the drill bit penetrates the body, you can gradually increase the speed for faster drilling.

3. Troubleshooting Drilling Issues

Even with careful techniques, you may encounter some challenges while drilling. Here are some common issues and how to address them:

  • Bit Wandering: If the bit starts to wander off course, stop drilling, gently guide the bit back to the center punch mark or marked line, and resume drilling slowly.
  • Body Cracking or Warping: If the body cracks or warps, it’s likely you’re applying too much pressure. Reduce the pressure and increase the drill speed if necessary.
  • Bit Overheating: If the drill bit starts to overheat, stop drilling and let it cool down. Using a lubricant like cutting fluid can help prevent overheating.

Finishing Touches: Refining the Holes

Once you’ve successfully drilled your holes, you may need to refine them for a more polished look or to prepare them for specific parts. Here are some finishing techniques:

1. Deburring and Smoothing

The edge of a freshly drilled hole can be sharp and rough. Deburring and smoothing will remove these imperfections and ensure a smooth, safe finish:

  • Use a Rotary Tool: A rotary tool with a sanding drum can be used to remove burrs and smooth the edges of the hole.
  • Use Sandpaper: If you don’t have a rotary tool, you can use fine-grit sandpaper to deburr and smooth the edges.
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2. Shaping the Hole

For specific applications, you may need to shape the hole further. This could involve making it wider, narrower, or creating a unique shape:

  • Use a Rotary Tool: A rotary tool with a cutting wheel can be used to widen or reshape holes.
  • Use a Hobby Knife: A sharp hobby knife can be used to trim excess material or create specific shapes around the hole.

3. Painting or Applying Decals

After you’ve drilled, deburred, and shaped your holes, you can personalize the body even further with paint or decals:

  • Paint the Holes: You can use paint to match the color of the body or create a contrasting effect around the holes.
  • Apply Decals: Decals can be used to add a custom touch to your body or to cover up any imperfections in the drilling process.

Special Considerations: Working with Different Body Materials

RC car bodies are made from a variety of materials, each requiring slightly different techniques for drilling. Here’s a breakdown of how to handle common body materials:

1. Lexan Polycarbonate Bodies

Lexan is a durable and flexible plastic commonly used for RC car bodies. Here’s how to drill Lexan: