Strut Tower Drill Guide

When selecting a hole saw to use with conjunction this, we suggest a carbide tipped one. They last much longer and leave a cleaner cut. Milwaukee and Spyder make good options that are available at most home centers. The hole saw is NOT included. When drilling metal, always wear protective glasses and set the drill to low speed. Heat dulls the cutting edge. Drilling slow and using a cutting lubricant extends the life of the hole saw. 


Recommended hole saws with part numbers:


CJM Part numbers: 


WARNING: This permanently alters your car sheet metal. Use this tool at your own risk. CJM Industries llc is not liable for misuse or damage from improper install. 

1. Remove the rain tray from the engine bay. Remove the 2-3 clips across the front edge that pinch the plastic to the sheet metal 

2. Remove the top piece of weather stripping 

3. Lift off the rain tray. On the driver side, you will need to remove the windshield wipers. Pop off the plastic cap, remove the nut and pull off the wiper from the motor shaft. They are splined into place so a 3 jaw puller can be helpful on older vehicles. Place a rag or cardboard on your windshield to protect it from accidents! 

4. Remove the 3 bolts retaining the strut bearing. Remove the strut assembly from the car. These are stretch bolts, so they should not be reused. 

5. Place the hole saw on the top of the strut tower. Unthread the small nut off each bolt from the drill jig.

6. Place the jig into place, sliding it over the BACK of the hole saw. It will be a tight fit. The narrow edge of the jig should face inwards, towards the engine bay.  



NOTE: The teeth on the hole saw are wider than the hole saw outer diameter, therefore the hole saw should never be removed through the jig. The teeth will damage the guide surface and cause uneven cuts. 

7. Thread on the nuts from inside the wheel well with a 17mm socket. About 20 ft-lbs is adequate. These do not need to be extremely tight 

8. Placing some rags around the cutting area will help contain the metal shavings and make cleanup easier.


7. Attach your drill to the hole saw and drill slowly. 

8. Remove the jig, and debur the cut edge with a die grinder, debur tool, or flap disc on an angle grinder. 

9. Apply touch up paint to the raw metal edge on top, and below. 

a. We suggest using a metal enamel paint in a rattle can from the home center. It is affordable, and durable enough for this application.   Spray it into the cap and apply it with a cue tip or paint brush. 

10. Install your new suspension components.