Need help: wanting to combine Gerber tool w/ victorinox parts

[Cleanser]

Hi all,

I have a mod question.  I own a Gerber multi-plier(?) and would like to add extra Vic saw and scissors to it. In order for this to occur I need to increase the size of the mounting holes on the saw and scissors.  I only own a dremel.  The drill bit I used along with some oil was unable to accomplish the task.  I need some sort of stronger or sharper drill bit but do not know a lot about that topic. Some suggestions please?

[Gareth]

The Stainless steel will be very hard compared to most other things you'll likely have drilled before.  You'll need to move up to a harder drill bit, something like a cobalt or carbide bit should do.

http://www.bssa.org.uk/topics.php?article=194

[CENTURION]

Might I ask how you fit a big enough drill bit into a dremel?

But Gareth is right, quality stainless steel is tough stuff, a harder bit should to the trick.
Also, make sure to keep the part cool while you work, if it gets too hot, it could de-temper the steel and make it softer.

[Cleanser]

Thanks for the replies. I will have to go over to a hardware store and check their drill bits out.

Centurion, the bit needed is not very big at all..

[CENTURION]

Really? How big is the hole supposed to be?
I thought most MT pivots were larger than anything a dremel could hold...

[jzmtl]

Cobalt bit will not scratch blade steel, you will have to get carbide. I've never seen them in hardware store though, you'll have to go to somewhere more specialized.

[Neil]

I'm not sure how much success you'll have with carbide bits in a dremel unless you have it mounted.  Those bits are very hard and very brittle, any side to side movement will cause them to shatter.

[Gareth]

I'm not sure how much success you'll have with carbide bits in a dremel unless you have it mounted.  Those bits are very hard and very brittle, any side to side movement will cause them to shatter.

Yeah, sorry Cleanser, I didn't properly read the post and hadn't caught that this is going in a dremel.

Another option might be to draw the hardness out of the tool, much like Scibeer does here:

http://www.sosakonline.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=220&Itemid=35

[Cleanser]

I think this mod idea might be out of my capabilities for the time being.  A single carbide bit seems to cost $19 (well I didn't price it out much) and even if I bought it, I definitely don't want it shattering and flying out at me.  Also, I don't have easy blow torch access.  Thanks for all the replies and shedding some light on the topic.

[Gareth]

I've no idea how practical this is, but what about contacting a local metal work shop?  It's such a small job (if you have the kit) then surely it wouldn't cost much to have it drilled out?  Just a thought.

[MultiMat]

Yep carbide drill bits are crazy mad expensive in Oz , I ended up getting some Carbide tipped masonry drill bits & grinding the shoulders off the bits. You need a relatively powerful slow spinning drill to use them safely I believe , like a drill press.

[Neil]

Yep, drill press on slow with the work piece well clamped and use cutting oil/grease.  They do work well though.