Fitter and Turner Question

Drill 15 mm, it will always drill a little bit bigger, Shouldn't need a press, just hammer them in, not as if you are going to drive on it.

15 mm or 19/32 drill. Both will drill bigger than the nominal size. Test on a pre drill first or the size may be "bugger".
Don't you have a press with a wooden handle? ie, an American screwdriver! Ball pein style.

If tight it may require a larger wooden handle unit.

Cool studs in freezer first and have plate hot in sun if possible that will assist.

Cheers
Ross M

Well, knock me down with a feather...I think every Tom, Dick and Harry around here is named Ross :)

Ross, as Ross said and also as Ross said, 15mm should be just fine.

As Ross said, Ross, do a test drill first. You don't need a press, but as Ross said you might use a FBH.

Might I suggest using a drill press. You really need the hole to be straight. You will have heartache if one of the new studs is on an angle.

I haven't anything useful to add by way of advice but I thought a tilt at the record for number of Ross's in a post worth trying for.
Ross

The size hole you have to drill will have to be the same size as the shank, this will give the splines maximum grip in the hole.

But seeing it's only a spare wheel carrier the tolerances can be a bit more with no problems, try +0.1-0.2mm

Pay a mechanic you old tight arse :-)

Rosco,
I would suggest that you drill the hole to the diameter of the stud as the splines are normally set to the correct distance proud of the shaft. Use a nut on the thread packed with washers if necessary to pull the stud in. This will help to keep things straight and stop bounce when you tap, not hammer the stud. Normally you will find the nut will tighten a little bit without great effort after each strike.

When drilling make sure you start small and work up so the last drill size is only removing a small amount. This will reduce the likelihood of getting the hole the wrong size and shape.

Cheers