Any particular method you'll guys use when separting sheet metal from a spot weld?

I'd guess if the sheet metal was gonna be replaced, just grind out the spot weld???

What about drilling it out OR what of these spot weld drilling bits?

 

Best to drill the weld first. They make spot weld cutter that work pretty good. It is like a very small hole saw.

 

I believe it's NPD that sells a special spot weld drill bit. That's the cleanest way to do it.

 

after drilling almost everyspot weld on my car it seems to be the fastest to start with a pretty small drill bit and then use one slightly larger than the weld to finish seperating it after.

 

What parts you workin on? I prefer an air chisel for most panel work. If you work it correctly you dont get warpage in the piece you want to keep. I even use it to rough cut 1/4 panels for patches. Take your time and there is no heat and very little distortion.

 

has anyone used the special spot weld drill bits? if so how do they work?

i just got an air chisel a couple monthes ago, ill give that a try also.

 

Use the flat chisel bit with the notch in the middle for popin spotwelds. Its shaped like a wood chisel, angled tip, put the bottom end on the piece you want to keep so it will peel the metal away from the good one. Go slow take your time and let the chisel do the work. I have some nasty scars from forcing things on cars...

 

The spot weld cutters work good but they are about $25 and you can mess them up if you don't take your time. You can do the same thing by drilling a small pilot hole and follow that with a bit that is as big as the weld. With the big bit only drill most of the way through the peice you don't need and then use a chisel.

 

for $25 ill continue drilling with regular bits. the only spot welds left on my car are the inner rocker panels anyway. if the rear axle wasnt still attached my brother and i would be able to carry it around.

 

I picked up a real nice spot weld bit from Eastwood for $15.00. Double sided cutter. Did just over 100 spot welds before needing replacement. Worked so sweet!
My buddy bought two sets, one off ebay for ~ $15.00 3 bits did 85 spot welds, and another he bought off Craig's list I think, that is 2 bits for ~$17.00 that did more than 100 spot welds.

Looks like everyone has their favorite method. I'm glad I'm done...for now with mine.