Making holes in Carpeted Bunks

[4Speed]

What is the best way to make a hole through carpet for a 1/4" x 20 bolt to pass to avoid a snag and wrecking it? I drilled the 3/4" PT plywood that I plan to cover with carpet already using a bit 1 size larger in diameter than the 1/4". All that I can think of is to use a pointed punch and make a starter hole in the carpet over the hole in the wood and just drive/ press the bolt through after the carpet is stapled down.

[OnPad]

Best to install carriage bolts before carpet. If you have to make a hole a sharp blade, punch, or something heated hot enough to burn through.

[4Speed]

I like the carriage bolt as its a clean installation but not sure how it would work on 3/4" PT plywood, if I would have enough material after a slight countersink of the head. I am replacing a 7.5' x 1' trailer side platform. I took a small piece of K&S tubing and heated it with a lighter and it melted a perfect hole... still on the fence as to which way to go.

[OnPad]

I imagine you could do a clean installation with button head or counter sunk bolts also.

[kellytheaker]

I think your on the right track- 3/4 ply - small hole poked - chalk marked - bump bolt in and snug / tighten til flush - meaning bite it a bit - not real proud but sunk . It's a carriage bolt - galvanized hardware . You hopefully didn't drill too large for the head to bite

[deathdealer]

Best to install carriage bolts before carpet. If you have to make a hole a sharp blade, punch, or something heated hot enough to burn through.

I have had the best luck cutting it with a sharp brand new razor blade and taking a hot soldering iron to "cauterize" the edge of the frayed carpet and then drill/through bolt. Not much for carriage bolting trailer bunk parts, turns into a nightmare a year down the road when it rounds off in the rusty metal and you end up welding a nut onto the smooth carriage bolt to remove it anyway.

[LakeFever]

You have to cut the carpet first. If the bit catches any of the carpet string it twirls up. As mentioned above a razor knife works. You can also use a hole punch. The kind used for leather holes etc. go slightly over sized of the hole your going to drill.

[skialot2]

I am with OnPad with this. Carrige bolts go in before putting on the carpet. But I would use a PT 2 x 6 not 3/4 plywood. I would countersink the bolt about 1/4" so the head is below the surface. If it sticks up it will be a hot spot on the hull.