Saddle bit size question

[pls009]

I only need to install a dozen new saddles. They are the 31/64 size. Too cheap to buy the tool for this many saddles. Can any one with experience tell me what drill bit size I should use? I can't find the 31/64 in any store. Wouldn't a 1/2 inch bit be fine? Thanks. Paul

[madmapler]

It sounds like you are using the leader quik seal fittings which rely on the correct diameter to seal properly. If you go oversize and it doesn't work then you're all done. You could buy a cheap drill index from harbor freight like I did. It has one in it or order one online. I'm sure they're on ebay.

[lpakiz]

Pis009,
Check out another hardware store of the "mom and pop" variety. If nothing there, your local Fastenal store has them for sure. Make sure, and I mean SURE, that you have a stop collar of some sort on the drill bit. At a seminar, when the question was tossed out, "Why should you use a stop collar when drilling the mainline?" I answered " Because when you drill one hole, you often get two!" Won a LaPierrie hat.

[Bruce L]

This is the bit that I use, made a drill jig out of a 2x2 block of wood, cut a v in the bottom block to sit on the mainline.
http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/page.aspx?p=53403&cat=1,250,43243,53403

[pls009]

Thanks so much for the advice!