Drill bit size for rough country hidden winch mount

[LordWayback]

I am installing a badlands 12000 lb winch on my 2001 gmc Yukon XL with a body lift
Is a 5/16” drill bit the correct bit to use this hidden winch mount? I saw a YouTube video but I’m trying to verify the drill bit size before I go to the hardware store and buy 2 of the same drill bits that are probably pointless otherwise anyone can post a YouTube video with false information so I’m here to verify the bit size

 

[exp500]

Four 5/16 bolts about 1/4 of strength needed for 12000# winch.
Find installation instructions/ Parts list on MFG'R website.

 

[LordWayback]

Four 5/16 bolts about 1/4 of strength needed for 12000# winch.
Find installation instructions/ Parts list on MFG'R website.

Rough country’s “installation instructions”It comes with the bolts it just doesn’t tell you what size to drill the holes in the frame because technically this kit isn’t meant to go on a SUV model but everyone says it does after drilling the holes are 5/16 bits required for the hole or do I need bigger?

 

[exp500]

Parts list above shows 15/32 drill bit and 7/16 bolts.

 

[LordWayback]

YouTube guy replied and I picked up these2 hopefully they work

 

[LordWayback]

Parts list above shows 15/32 drill bit and 7/16 bolts.

Crossing fingers youtube guy is correct that’s all we can do at this point in time

 

[wjburken]

If you have 7/16” bolts, 15/32” is the typical clearance hole size.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

I am installing a badlands 12000 lb winch on my 2001 gmc Yukon XL with a body lift
Is a 5/16” drill bit the correct bit to use this hidden winch mount? I saw a YouTube video but I’m trying to verify the drill bit size before I go to the hardware store and buy 2 of the same drill bits that are probably pointless otherwise anyone can post a YouTube video with false information so I’m here to verify the bit size
View attachment 420415View attachment 420416View attachment 420417

Don't start with those drill bits. Get a p-r-i-c-k punch (another bad word, I guess) and make an indent with it at the locations where you want you drill the holes. Start with a 1/8" drill bit and make your first holes. Then move up in size to a 1/4" drill bit and enlarge the holes. Last, move up to your final drill bit size, and further expand the holes to their final dimensions. You will end up with precisely aligned holes and they will be clean.

 

[LordWayback]

Don't start with those drill bits. Get a p-r-i-c-k punch (another bad word, I guess) and make an indent with it at the locations where you want you drill the holes. Start with a 1/8" drill bit and make your first holes. Then move up in size to a 1/4" drill bit and enlarge the holes. Last, move up to your final drill bit size, and further expand the holes to their final dimensions. You will end up with precisely aligned holes and they will be clean.

Yeah , I was gonna pilot with a 3-16 (rivet sized hole) maybe a side step between and then send her home at the needed hole size I just didn’t have a quality 5/16 bit, this is what I’m working with

 

[LordWayback]

If you have 7/16” bolts, 15/32” is the typical clearance hole size.

View attachment 420439

I heard one of the reviews say the bolt/ nut combination isn’t a common sizing I believe I have a 15/32 laying around In the kit but I have to drill 4 holes through thick steel hoping it all works out when it arrives

 

[LordWayback]

Don't start with those drill bits. Get a p-r-i-c-k punch (another bad word, I guess) and make an indent with it at the locations where you want you drill the holes. Start with a 1/8" drill bit and make your first holes. Then move up in size to a 1/4" drill bit and enlarge the holes. Last, move up to your final drill bit size, and further expand the holes to their final dimensions. You will end up with precisely aligned holes and they will be clean.

I have a spring loaded punch I planned on using

 

[wjburken]

I heard one of the reviews say the bolt/ nut combination isn’t a common sizing I believe I have a 15/32 laying around In the kit but I have to drill 4 holes through thick steel hoping it all works out when it arrives

7/16” diameter hardware may not be common, but it should be sufficient in size. It looks like has a sufficient strength for what you’re doing. If you need to bump up the hole size to 1/2”, you will be fine as well.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

I heard one of the reviews say the bolt/ nut combination isn’t a common sizing I believe I have a 15/32 laying around In the kit but I have to drill 4 holes through thick steel hoping it all works out when it arrives

It wouldn't hurt to have some cutting oil present. It will save your drill bits.

 

[LordWayback]

7/16” diameter hardware may not be common, but it should be sufficient in size. It looks like has a sufficient strength for what you’re doing. If you need to bump up the hole size to 1/2”, you will be fine as well.
View attachment 420587

View attachment 420588

If I snap a bit I’m probably just gonna jump to 1/2” I have several 1/2” drill bits because of my job

 

[LordWayback]

It wouldn't hurt to have some cutting oil present. It will save your drill bits.

Reading this as the package is waiting to be delivered it’s been out for delivery since 6:19 am probably getting it this afternoon

 

[LordWayback]

Poorest packaging for shipping I’ve seen in my life

 

[wjburken]

Poorest packaging for shipping I’ve seen in my life View attachment 420619

Wow! Make sure everything is there.

 

[MrBalll]

That sucks. Hopefully the bag of bolts and small pieces is still in there somewhere.

 

[LordWayback]

That sucks. Hopefully the bag of bolts and small pieces is still in there somewhere.

It was still in there but damn

 

[LordWayback]

Wow! Make sure everything is there.

Every piece to my knowledge was included but still