[Seabrook1983$]

I (need) want to drill some holes using a drill bit with a 3/8" diameter shaft, and need more length. What to use? I have a few drill extenders but those are made for smaller shanks.

I need about 8" more length.

The project is boring for a rolltop desk to utilize various "cubbyholes" to charge electronic devices like cell phones. I bought a multi-port USB fast charger, and could bore sideways to the first cubbyhole -- that works great but need to get to the next two cubbyholes to string charging cables. BTW, this is a 1" diameter Forstner bit, with a 3/8" shaft.

 

[SeniorSitizen]

Will a 3/8"spade bit work? Those are available in 16" length.

 

[SPS-1]

Not sure how to extend that shaft, but another idea would be to find a bit, forstner or other, that has a 1/4" hex shaft on it. I bet 1/4" hex would fit the extensions you have.

Saw THIS one on amazon. I might guess that the hex is 1/4" but not finding that in writing anywhere.

You might even want to consider grinding 1/4" hex onto the bit you have, on a pedestal grinder. Does not need to be perfect, you are not building it for NASA.

.

 

[jbfan]

Spade bit is the way to go

 

[Seabrook1983$]

Saw THIS one on amazon. I might guess that the hex is 1/4" but not finding that in writing anywhere
.

Thanks! I ordered one, to be here in a couple of days.:smile:

 

[huesmann]

If that ends up too short, you can always use one of these with an extension and a 1/4" socket (or whatever size socket fits the hex on the drill bit).

 

[Seabrook1983$]

I might guess that the hex is 1/4" but not finding that in writing anywhere.

NOPE! It just showed up, hex is 3/8" so it will not fit any of my three extension shafts. $15 wasted and still stuck on the project. :sad:

 

[Seabrook1983$]

You might even want to consider grinding 1/4" hex onto the bit.

Might need to consider that.

 

[huesmann]

Do you have a socket driver adapter?

 

[ratherbefishing]

You could buy a stick of 3/8" steel rod and have the bit you just bought welded onto the end. I've done it with drill bits and Allen wrenches when i needed more reach.

 

[ratherbefishing]

I just did a Google search for "3/8 drill bit extension" and found them at Lowes and Grainger. It looks like Lenox makes one. In stock at my local Lowes.

 

[Seabrook1983$]

WEll, I did grind down the shaft on the new bit, perhaps 15 minutes after it showed up. Without machine tools, I freehanded the grinding and the results are askew... not pretty. That said, it worked and the holes are done!

If that ends up too short, you can always use one of these with an extension and a 1/4" socket (or whatever size socket fits the hex on the drill bit).

Do you have a socket driver adapter?

Doh! I do have a 1/4" drive long extension I cut the end (the one for the ratchet handle) off of to fit a drill. That and a 3/8" socket would have worked. Oh, well.

Thanks, everyone, for the help!