I know that this is a kind of dumb question, but how (what tool(s)) can be used to drill the holes in a pill so that a screw can be used to secure the emitter star to the pill? In my case, the star already has holes in it for screws, but the pill that I want to use doesn’t have screw holes, so I’m going to have to drill them (I’d prefer not to use AA).
I have some really small drill bits, but the chuck on my Dremel won’t hold them, and I’ve been looking around, but can’t find what to use to drill the holes (my electric drills are way too large).
Also, where can I get the small screws for this? I have a couple of the black ones that came with some C8 pills I bought from FT, but can those be bought separately somewhere?
You can get a tool-less chuck for your dremel tool. This screws on in place of the collar/collet and stays on the tool. Simply hand tighten on any drill bit smaller than 1/8”. Piece of cake. Makes changing bits a snap as well, best thing I ever did for my rotary tool.
Or you could replace the chuck on your drill/ cordless drill with a Jacobs zero chuck, capable of holding a needle tight. Check with an Industrial Supply house in your area.
Great idea with the Dremel chuck, that’s probably your best bet too.
As for places to get mini screws, an electrical or security electrical wholesaler may have the screws you need
I just got one of those, but it (1) only works with shanks 1/32” - 1/8” and (2) it doesn’t seem to be compatible with the Dremel 200i that I have? I may have to go find a Dremel that it works with.
Edit: I told you I was dumb :)!!
I was looking at a parts diagram for the Dremel 200:
They look very 4-40 ish to me in that pill.. Could be 2-56, but I doubt it..
You will probably want to tap first. Screws in those types of sizes are not very strong, and you'll likely break one off trying to thread-cut with one.. A tap is only a couple of bucks.
Great question. As I know, when item need to drill a hole, there is always a cordless drill or little tool include your package. If not, it can be easy to get from some electronics store or eBay.
I don’t think self tapping screws come that small.
Tap and die kit or bits are pretty handy. I use Walters at work because there the best I’ve ever seen
For small screws in soft materials you don't need taps. These diamond bits can be had in various sizes, the one I happened to find in a Dremel combo pack is perfect for the tiny screws for pills, pocket clips, etc.
The taper is from .045" to .080", and .400" long.
Drill a hole, ream it with the tapered bit until the screw will easily fit into the opening (turn the reamer BY HAND, not in a drill and especially not in a high speed Dremel). A tapered hole will help keep the screw aligned while it's forming the threads. These screws are so tiny and the root is so shallow, in aluminum/brass/copper you'll end up with better threads if they're formed like this instead of cut with a tap.
Dab a little carnuba wax into the hole (yes, carnuba wax, not oil, not grease, not WD-40, but carnuba wax) and run the screw into the hole. If it gets tight too quick open it a little more with the reamer. If it's sized right, and the screw isn't complete junk, it will form the threads without breaking. Screw it in 1/2 turn, back up 1/4 turn, repeat. Works great.
Besides, I'd much rather drill out a broken screw than a broken tap.
This store has over-run Dremel bits on sale for as low as $5 for those taper points! Get a set, get multiples, and save big! (Dang, that sounds like an ad!) Just thought you might want to know about these, and I owe ya one for the heads-up on this K3 light.
I think I paid $18 for a Dremel-brand 8 piece assortment at Lowe's, with 4 small carbide bits and 4 diamond bits, and an adapter collet (shank size is smaller than the more common 1/8" Dremel accessories).
With the no-chuck adapter on the dremel, shank size becomes fairly irrelevant. Nice finds, I bookmarked that one Ohaya and will certainly be adding it to my next Fast-tech order!
It wasn’t my find. As I said, someone else posted about it awhile ago. I saw it, but wasn’t interested in it much, but now I am, and probably will be ordering a set also.
Actually as to “diamond”, comfy was the one that turned me on to, originally, diamond files, and I have a set of those now also, from Amazon. Works pretty well.
