Drilling Out the Roll Pins on the 8538-T Replacement Ladder Rung

Updated 06/19/2020 | Published 06/17/2020

Question:

Replacement Aluminum Ladder Rung for Stromberg Carlson RV Ladders Item # 8538-T Im trying to remove a new step from the LA-401 Universal Exterior RV ladder lower section to add to the ladder upper section. #1 Expert help states to drive out the roll pin, but there isnt a way to push it through because the opposite side of the rung doesnt have a hole. #2 According to the details under the Features the replacement for this states A rung on your RV ladder can be replaced by drilling out the roll pins that secure it to the upright sides of the ladder. Once you slide on the new rung, tap in the included roll pins to keep the step in place. I have tried to drill out the roll pins but they seem to hard spring steel, too hard to drill out without the drill drifting off to the side to the soft aluminum step. See attached pictures How are these roll pins removed?

asked by: David

Expert Reply:

In my experience if you are drifting from side to side when attempting to drill out the roll pin you should switch to a smaller bit. The drifting is occurring because the bit is not properly indexing the roll pin but instead sitting on top of it too much and not following the center of the pin. Start with a bit just barely larger than the center hole of the pin. Take out the first 1/32" of it and slowly go up 1/32" at a time this allows you to drill it out from the inside out and by the time you get to the second or third bit the spring tension will be so light you can likely pull in out at that point.

expert reply by: Randy B