What is the manufacturer's recommended tool for removing factory spot welds?

• A. Drill
• B. Grinder
• C. Chisel
• D. Punch

Answer: (A)

When removing factory spot welds, the goal is to separate the sheets with minimal heat and distortion. Drilling through the weld nugget with a drill (often a spot-weld drill bit) lets you penetrate the weld cleanly, freeing the joined panels and leaving a neat hole for subsequent work. This approach minimizes heat input and reduces the risk of warping or scorching the surrounding metal, which is a common problem with other methods.

Grinders remove welds by grinding away the weld bead, which generates a lot of heat and can distort or damage the surrounding panels. A chisel can gouge or punch into the metal, causing deformities and an uneven surface. A punch may shove and distort the metal and isn’t effective for cleanly removing the weld nugget. Drilling provides a controlled, precise way to break the weld and prepare the panels for finishing.