In this quick tip Tuesday video I show you an old school trick from MeeMaw on a fast way to clean out a blind hole in a brake caliper bracket. All you need is a piece of emery cloth, and an old 1/4" bolt or 1/4" shaft. Make a little slot in it, chuck it up in a drill and you are on your way! -Enjoy!
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49 thoughts on “Quick tip tuesday: blind hole cleaning”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars stacey hill says:

    Have watched several videos on caliper pins- you are the first video that talks about cleaning the inside rather than returning new clean slide back into gummy rusty bore.
    Thank you!

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ferndog1461 says:

    Excellent tip. StarButz/Dunkin/TimHortons toast to you, Team Eric O.

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars David B. says:

    I really appreciate the transparency. Lord knows we need some of that right about……oh….. yesteryear. Yesterdecade perhaps.
    You didn't edit out the Crap that happens to us regular ol' normies in reality. When you plan on a 40 min job….. And here you are the next day. Because……. REALITY!
    Kinda like when I see these Professional mechanics working on crap and they ALWAYS have a 10mm socket. In their perfect little shiny new set of MACs or SNAP ONs. Makes me sick!!!!
    We all know that's gaslighting the people and is merely Optics.
    We all know that no LEGITIMATE mechanics have a 10mm on shop arrest 24/7. There's not a tracking device in the world to fix this mysterious, missing, metric epidemic.
    The sumbitches grow legs and run off as soon as you turn your back. It's pretty well a Forest Gump "Automotive Trades Edition" worthy candidate.
    Only slightly ahead of the comedy/horror film F*@?…… "I dropped the nut." A master technician version of Honey I shrunk the kids….. But far more inconvenient! And a seriously inconvenient mishap. Usually you drop your nuts Into the Intake Maniford or T stat housing. Maybe in the HPOP on an older Ford Power stroke, etc. Even worse than knowing it happened…… is not knowing. In which case It's gone…. just buy some new hardware and carry on. These horrible instances tend to only happen on something with Special coolant and a about an 8 gallon capacity. Perhaps a 20k dollar long block. A honda? Please! Not ever in my life. A 6.4l powerstroke yup. 2 of them. 🖕You and your emissions and 14 coolers!!!!
    UNREAL! All of this…… Still not as frustrating as all 382 missing 10 mils.
    We won't discuss what kind of contraband ends up in the wash. Never a 10mm I swear it!!!! 🤭
    And folks….. Please don't come in for a tire rotation and brakes AFTER you went to Redneck Rave or Trucks Gone wild, and got stuck 91 times. Cool story I imagine, but I'm fixing to use a Crusher to knock the Muck loose.
    I digress. Mechanics and even mechanically inclined folks like to complain….ALOT! We like the word FU*K. And we are equal opportunity haters.
    We don't like any of y'all.

    I kid…… Trying to keep a light mind during all of the heavy Burdens.
    Thanks again for being…… REAL.
    Always keep it 💯 buddy. Honesty goes WAAAAAYYYYY further than a well organized show

    Take care! Keep busting knuckles like a boss 🔧🇺🇲🇺🇲🔧

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jonathan Vaucher says:

    Does it matter if the hole diameter is now very slightly larger ? I'd think it's not as important as the bore diameter of caliper cylinders.

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Sutton Coldfield says:

    Tune in on the next Quick Tip Tuesday, subject, how to retrieve sandpaper stuck in a blind hole

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars James Watkins says:

    If you’ll use a piece of steel brake line and split it like the rod you can squeeze the line back together
    You can also use a piece of scotchbright pad instead of emery cloth
    Also the scotchbright pad being double sided will hold in the tube better

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars James Watkins says:

    Split a 3.4 inch or everhow long piece of steel brake line then you can squeeze the 2 halves together to hold the emery cloth
    Or cut a piece of scotch bright pad and use that

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jeff Hyde says:

    Cool tip!! Thanks!!!

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Cuba's Automotive says:

    😂😂😂😂😂 yeah the AZ brake clean doesn't make the same noise.

    That's great! Easy cheap tool to make. I agree that the gun cleaning type brushes don't last too long. I feel like I have an endless supply of sanding cloth. Thanks for posting Eric!

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Hunter Jones says:

    Helen Keller thanks you for this tip….

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Cory Willbanks says:

    I use the same trick except stick the rod in the die grinder, the momentum of the die grinder keeps the paper in the slot better plus for large holes it really flings the paper out there to sand more evenly.

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars JoeLopez40oz says:

    I came here for the brake clean sound affect 🙁

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Kelly Okamoto says:

    Was that doorbell outtro planned??? Or is that par for the course?

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ekim955yt says:

    You're the best Mr o

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars kreazyv8 says:

    i WOULD not use brake cleaner, i would use WD 40… that stuff is MAGIC

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Big Dog50001 Automotive says:

    That AutoZone brake cleaner always makes a different sound when I use it too…

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Joshua Muenchow says:

    Ok so I just did a brake job and had caliper pins on a 14 f150 seize up a little. More specifically the bottom one which looks almost identical to the one in this video. I see on your workbench that you have that little rubber “sleeve” if you will off of the pin. That was preventing me from reinserting it back into my caliper bracket. What is the purpose of that sleeve? It seems to be the reason the pin seized up to begin with?

  18. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars TC Auto says:

    i use plumbers copper fitting cleaning brushes ,cut off the handle use in drill ,long lasting ,forward then reverse,wd40, brake clean blow dry good cleaning action

  19. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars watajob says:

    Next time load paper in middle, not the end. Less apt to fall off. Also, can make the "chuck" out of a big cotter pin. Paper slides in and is held better. Even done wheel cylinders like this. But, yeah, been doing this for literally 40 years… 😉

  20. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars M Barry says:

    15 second commercial to watch a 3 minute quick tip – I feel so used. 😮

  21. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Antonio Claudio Michael says:

    Great tip Eric O

  22. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bill Neu says:

    Thanks for your time Bill N

  23. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars &Y's #0 O says:

    Maybe make the slot the width of the emery cloth and weld the seam shut? Then, in theory you wouldn’t lose anything down the hole

  24. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Billy C says:

    For those who dont know better. If you're using aggressive Emery, anything greater than 180, and it's new, do NOT plunge in and out for longer than it takes to quickly fill the paper with the corrosion..

    What Eric isnt telling you, is that a wallowed out carrier pin guide makes a good paper weight. that's how you end up with snapped sliders on the off ramp trying to decel from 70mph. The slider to bore relationship is a tight one. Max 1-2 thousandths included clearance. that's maybe .0009 180deg apart. Anymore and you've just enlarged it to a boobytrap spec

  25. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars never stop learning says:

    Nice tip. Quick and easy. Thanks again for sharing. Regards.

  26. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mike's World says:

    I have never had a caliper pin get stuck, must be a New York State thing. but then again i don't work on a bizzilion cars like the master yoda of rusty crap.

  27. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ed Collins says:

    Ending with the door chime, classic!

  28. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars NRCustom says:

    Great tip, thanks!

  29. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Otis says:

    Keepin' it real as always… Great Tip.

  30. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Atrax R says:

    That's some weird ass brake clean if it doesn't make a sound…

  31. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ethel Ryan says:

    I love the way you always manage to add a just-barely-this-side-of-naughty twist to these things.

  32. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars David Delle says:

    "and .. I lost it". LOL

  33. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Luke Leon says:

    Hey eric, what happened to your mate rob from across the pond at one auto? Havent seen anything from that fella for yonks. Nice Q.T.T vid btw!!

  34. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Aaron's Automotive says:

    Oh thats cool Eric! We have a port/pplish kit in our shop thats pretty much this to a T, with several different sizes to fit perfectly into almost any brake caliper, thou replacement tips arnt cheap.

    And Mac tools there trucks (or at least our desler does) has a bunch of bristle brush tips onto a 1/4 hex drive for impact drivers/drills, looks like the tips for top post battery terminals, use those frequently for calipers and for battery top posts as well. $12 for a 10 pack of various sizes 😁

  35. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Yawwee Shalimar says:

    Great simple tip – here I have been using gun bore brushes on the drill to do the cleaning !!! The slotted rod and sandpaper is a lot better and cheaper too !!! And you can add more sandpaper if the hole is bigger – ingenious !!!!! Stop keeping these great tips from us, Eric !!!!

  36. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Aaron Loggan says:

    That Autozone brake cleaner is the stuff… period

  37. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars The Plow Guys says:

    Great tip. Now let's see if I remember it when I really need it.

  38. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars MDNITE2 says:

    Always use lube when messing with a hole! lol! 😂

  39. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Carl Byington says:

    Ahh, Brother Eric, ya know you should pinched that drill stem crack down a bit…. tight fit for the 'ol 80 grit, you coulda even used less paper…just say'in……

  40. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Justa Hasbeen says:

    My car has major rear brake pin issues. Doesn't matter what I do, they sieze up. Front is fine. Drives me crazy. Got to be a design flaw somewhere. The worst pins I deal with are the ones with the rubber isolators. I had one seize so bad it snapped the pin inside. Didn't have a new bracket available so I drilled a hole on the other side and beat it out. Sealed up the hole and shipped it!!!

  41. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Gary Mucher says:

    Would that be considered a wardrobe malfunction?

  42. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mr B says:

    Good tip, not used this one so going try it out .
    Like the real world scenario with cloth stuck up hole lol
    I want see grandma in the shop with big nasty lol

  43. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Michael O says:

    Eric give it a smack with a hammer(the forked bit) so it holds the paper snug, kinda like spring loaded a little(effectively making the slot thinner if that makes sense)

  44. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars General R. E. Lee says:

    Eric .O should get a patent on that, looks pretty genius actually.

  45. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tooter Turtle says:

    A trick I learned long ago is to use a cotter pin, insert the emery cloth between the 2 sides it is held tight then insert it into drill and go fer it!

  46. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars New Jersey Bill says:

    Perfect timing for the door donger at the end. 🙂

  47. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Docoski says:

    Naw! First tip was better! Sorry

  48. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars throttle bottle says:

    lol'd so hard at getting the sanding cloth stuck, I had to change my old man panties :)))

  49. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars uprednecked says:

    works good for brake spiders to clean before putting in anchor pin bushings

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