A new electric underwater drill and fastening system that can penetrate and join two metal plates up to 22 millimetres thick in one action has been developed by Miko Marine of Norway. The battery-powered Miko Fix drill can be operated by divers at any depth down to 50 metres. It is mounted in a specially designed stand that is clamped to the work piece by high-power permanent magnets. When in use the drill is loaded with a unique Miko bolt, the end of which is shaped and hardened to function as the drill bit. This cuts through the metal to be joined and enables its upper end to function as a self-tapping bolt that continues to penetrate so that it is screwed through the pieces that become securely joined. Using the Miko Fix system two steel plates each 10 millimetres thick can be drilled and joined in approximately one minute. When the bolt has been driven home the magnetic clamps are released enabling the process to be repeated at a new location.
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