Removing eyelets

[blue_dog]

Hi all,

What is the best way to remove eyelets from an 1/8" thick board? Should I reuse the board or save the trouble and start drilling a fresh one? thx.

[ToneMerc]

Assuming it's an .125 hole diameter eyelet, I've removed them by just drilling the eyelet with a #31(.120) drill bit. It's just large enough to cut the ID diameter of eyelet so it be removed easily without enlarging the existing hole. You could use a 1/8" as well but you might enlarge the hole slightly. Now, if you use a bit that's too small it can grab the eyelet and rotate it, but if you use a bit about .005 smaller than the eyelet or turret hole, it works well.

TM

[sliberty]

I usually turn the board over to the bottom, and using a needle nose plyer, I squeeze the part of the eyelet that seperated when staked. Once squeezed together enough, the eyelet can be pushed with the closed needle nose from the back of the board and will pup right out.

[M Fowler]

Or crimped nose pliers. I also drill them out too.

[OneWithNot]

I've had problems with the eyelet spinning when drilling them out, so I turn the board over and place the eyelet over a mill file, or a piece of sandpaper so it grips the eyelet and doesn't let it spin.

[M Fowler]

Use a smaller diameter drill bit and it usally works without all the spinning action, but yeah I place the board on a block of wood and push hard.

Mark

[Zippy]

Hi all,

What is the best way to remove eyelets from an 1/8" thick board? Should I reuse the board or save the trouble and start drilling a fresh one? thx.

Flush cut, end nippers - you've likely got some if you do fret work.