What Do I use?

[Anonymous]

What size bit do I need to install Grab Irons? What number? It is time I fix some of these Athearns up! I have a couple oof bits but all are to big!

[orsonroy]

It all depends on what you're using for grabs. Most come in .012" wire, but some come in .010", and some come in .015". In general though, a #74 bit will get you through most projects.

[Anonymous]

It also depends upon whose grab irons you want to install. Detail Associates #2202 note right on the package to use a #80 bit.

Bob Boudreau

[Anonymous]

Im using A-line grab Irons They do not say what size. I bought 10 packs for $5.00 at a show.

[ckape]

Am I the only one who bends them from brass wire?

[Anonymous]

Not at all - I bought two sets of the Walthers grab iron kits for my Athearn F7s, then I just used the paper drill guides and made up grabs in brass - cost per unit for handmade grabs is about £1 or so as opposed to £4 for the kit. Need to fit these to my Walthers B40-8 to fini***he detail project.

[tomwatkins]

I generally use a #77 or 78 bit for the holes. It does vary depending on whose grabs you use or what size wire you use. A strip of .020 thick Evergreen styrene strip works great as a spacer to hold the grabs at a consistent distance from the surface of the model.
Have Fun,
Tom Watkins