For my atv, a 2002 Honda Recon I am trying to mount a winch and have a flat piece of steel, problem is I'm trying to figure out how to mount the mount for it. I planned to weld the mount to the frame, but someone else is telling me to drill a hole through the frame and bolt it through that. Which way would be the option to do?

 

I use U-bolts they also come with a winch package. Welding and drilling the frame both can weaken it.

 

Mine is just a flat piece of steel and the u bolts I found the hardware store seem to weak, 5/16 inch thick

 

Its not about size. It's about steel grade. Ask you hardware store for G7,G8 or G9 bolts.

A 5/8th G9 chain is much stronger the a larger 3/4 G2 chain.

Here is a grade chart that goes to G8.
https://www.boltdepot.com/fastener-i...ade-chart.aspx

 

Don't drill your frame! Welding, done right, should actually strengthen it though. I too would just go with some nice u bolts and be done with it. A recon isn't that heavy, so as long as the plate is secure you should be fine.