drilling through carpet

[leon phelps]

hello,

I have a 20' pontoon that I recently re-decked and put new carpet on. I would like to drill through the carpet to install the sides. The sides are screwed down with lag screws. I would like to pre drill for the screws.

Should I take any precautions before drilling in the carpet?

Thanks

[lakerunner]

Depends on carpet. Some will grab the bit and frey the carpet and some won't I would try a scrap piece to see first. Might be able to use a solder gun or hot bolt to melt where hole is going.

[jimrs]

I always cut a small slit where I am going to drill. There is nothing worse than unraveling the carpet with a drill bit. It can spread all the way across the carpet to the end pulling up one strand can be seen from outer space.

[hotairgypsy]

old trick is drill backwards first then flip the switch to drill normal never lifting

[leon phelps]

I think I will try the hot tip trick. Maybe find a junk drill bit and heat is red hot then touch it to the carpet.

[dockholiday]

think i would use a punch an reverse drill then go forward.
doc

[toondog]

old trick is drill backwards first then flip the switch to drill normal never lifting

ditto

[onthelaketwo]

some of the other suggestions are good

Also if you have a hand drill, use that. You control the speed and can monitor the carpet.

Worked for me.

[toondog]

Drilling in reverse is also a good technique for fiberglass/gel coats.

[tkrein]

awsome info didnt know how to drill through the carpet but the owners manual says becareful as the carpet is one string and drilling may ruin the carpet

[FloterBoter]

i wouldn't do it. i'd slit it and insert a bushing, then drill through that.