Vintage Veloce
Well-known member
I mean besides having multiple sizes in one bit?
Are they ever better than a single bit of the proper size? Why?
I don't own one, but have seen them on TV... ;-)
What is the advantage of a step drill bit?
- Thread starter Vintage Veloce
- Start date
I mean besides having multiple sizes in one bit?
Are they ever better than a single bit of the proper size? Why?
I don't own one, but have seen them on TV... ;-)
Woods_Wanderer
Well-known member
They cut much less metal at a time than a larger bit so they cut faster with less strain on your drill, and save a lot of time and annoyance switching out bits. They are real handy. I try to stick with the nicer ones like Milwaukee, they are pricey for sure but much much better imo.
bbbarracuda
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 1, 2008
- Messages
- 709
If I needed a hole that’s not precision, just a hole, they work great.
to enlarge an existing hole for a larger bolt, that doesn’t need to be exact, quick and easy.
to enlarge an existing hole for a larger bolt, that doesn’t need to be exact, quick and easy.
nadogail
Well-known member
They are self centering, that is very important when enlarging an existing hole. They are not grabby when drilling sheet metal.
They act like a reamer.
They act like a reamer.
Max78
Well-known member
Clean, accurate round holes in thin sheet metal. It doesn't catch or tear like normal bits. One bit fits all.
Standard drill bits will actually leave a triangular hole in thin sheet metal.
I use step bits far more than standard bits. They drill just as easy, have a build in deburr, and have multiple sizes on a single tool.
Standard drill bits will actually leave a triangular hole in thin sheet metal.
I use step bits far more than standard bits. They drill just as easy, have a build in deburr, and have multiple sizes on a single tool.
pancho400cid
Well-known member
As mentioned - Drilling large holes (like over 1/2") in thin sheetmetal often results in jagged holes or worse. Stepped bits are easier, cheaper once you get into bigger sizes, and drill better. Awesome for electrical boxes, panels, etc.
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finn
Well-known member
The unibit makes a clean, round hole, and is faster than a conventional fluted bit.
Fluted bits give misshapen holes in thin materials.
Fluted bits give misshapen holes in thin materials.
snyder
Well-known member
CraigStu
Well-known member
I held out for decades because they are expensive. Brand name ones are in the $30 range. 5 years ago I finally bought one. For sheet metal work they are amazing. I was working on my replica cobra and wanted to add another switch to the dash. The .062" T6 aluminum dash was covered w/ leather like vinyl w/ a thin foam under it. I drilled right through all 3 layers slowly. The hole in the aluminum was perfect and the hole in the vinyl/foam was actually under sized so the switch bezel covered it all perfectly. I don't use it very often but, when I do, it is a godsend.
It might be hard to understand, but once you use one, you'll wonder how you went without one for so long.
4xdog
Well-known member
I’ve not used a step bit, but I like the idea for sheet metal and will probably find a use for one some day.
How does one avoid scarring the work surface with the next step higher? Is that easy to manage?
How does one avoid scarring the work surface with the next step higher? Is that easy to manage?
manwithtools
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Actually that is one of the features that makes them great in sheet metal. The next larger step just touches the surface and acts as a deburring tool on the hole size you stopped on.
Innovate1
Well-known member
In really thin and/or soft material you need to slow down and ease up on the pressure when doing the last step. A light touch will just deburr the edge which usually isn't a problem. If the burr on the backside is an issue you can go from the other side to remove that burr.
In soft metal the cheaper ones don't work well and leave a rough hole, tearing a bit more than cutting. On steel electrical boxes it may not be an issue but for soft aluminum it does make a difference.
When I needed to put some holes in my metal ceiling for surface mount electrical boxes the bit I had wasn't big enough so I got this:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Southwire-3-8-in-High-Speed-Steel-5-Step-Drill-Bit/1000056665
$40 but it worked well and should last my lifetime.
I needed a few washers for a project last week, and everyone I had in the garage were to small. A step bit later and I was in business. Quick and clean hole.
Also, I used to do a lot of car stereo stuff, and when you are cutting a hole through a firewall for a big power wire (1/0 type stuff with loom protection), it is really nice to be able to use that one bit and slowly enlarge the hole to what you need for the grommet.
Also, I used to do a lot of car stereo stuff, and when you are cutting a hole through a firewall for a big power wire (1/0 type stuff with loom protection), it is really nice to be able to use that one bit and slowly enlarge the hole to what you need for the grommet.
Like so many have said, for thin material they are great. If you want a cheap intro to step bits get the cheap set from HF or off Amazon. Try drilling a 1/2” hole in a plastic or metal electrical box with a traditional bit then with even a cheap step bit. Night and day.
OP
Vintage Veloce
Well-known member
Ok, ok I'm sold!
Thanks everyone.
Thanks everyone.
Innovate1
Well-known member
Unibit was the brand of the first ones, think they came out in the late 70's. Think they had a patent that expired and now everyone makes them. I have a Unibit from around 1978 that still works great.
Doug
Well-known member
A Unibit also saves on broken wrists when using a 1/2" drill.
Been using a cheap (of course) HF step drill for some yrs now. Great for sheet metal, as mentioned above, and also as a quick & easy 'accurate' hand held deburring tool for round holes both metal and wood (as mentioned). Thought it'd be a gimmick, but was quickly proven to be wrong.
tstaude
Well-known member
They work great for enlarging holes in sheet metal or plastic, I have cheap pair and they get some use
FredWanaker
Well-known member
the thing I like most is depth of hole. Meaning that when you are using a standard drill bit on sheet metal, one has to be really careful not to plunge right thru an inch or so with a standard drill bit. This is really importants when let's say you are putting a small hole in sheet metal and you don't want the drill bit to go deep and hit something on the other side - like a heat exchanger, or ac coil, wires nearby, or there is wood beneath the sheet metal you need to put a screw into. The step drill stops at the step. I drill small holes in a HVAC to test pressures and if one goes deep with a standard bit it can be a catastrophe.
ddawg16
Well-known member
They also work great when drilling big *** holes in wood.
Yes it is. You'll be fine as long as you don't press too far into the next size. Done correctly, the next step higher will deburr that side of the material.
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Most have already praised where the step drills shine. Thin materials in particular and deburring as they go plus not leaving a triangulated hole like a regular twist drill can leave and enlarging an existing hole.
If you really want perfectly round holes I suggest checking out the Rota Cut annular cutters. I have had my Hougen Rota Cuts now for several years and they are my go-to's when I want a perfectly round hole.
www.hougen.com
If you really want perfectly round holes I suggest checking out the Rota Cut annular cutters. I have had my Hougen Rota Cuts now for several years and they are my go-to's when I want a perfectly round hole.
PRODUCT SEARCH - Cutter Kits - HOUGEN MANUFACTURING
Get the perfect set of Hougen annular cutters! Kits available in RotaLoc Plus, Copperhead Carbide, RotaCut, and "12,000-Series" for every mag drill or sheet metal job.
www.hougen.com
OP
Vintage Veloce
Well-known member
Wait... what... are you saying the step drills don't cut perfectly round holes?Most have already praised where the step drills shine. Thin materials in particular and deburring as they go plus not leaving a triangulated hole like a regular twist drill can leave and enlarging an existing hole.
If you really want perfectly round holes I suggest checking out the Rota Cut annular cutters. I have had my Hougen Rota Cuts now for several years and they are my go-to's when I want a perfectly round hole.
PRODUCT SEARCH - Cutter Kits - HOUGEN MANUFACTURING
Get the perfect set of Hougen annular cutters! Kits available in RotaLoc Plus, Copperhead Carbide, RotaCut, and "12,000-Series" for every mag drill or sheet metal job.
Most have already praised where the step drills shine. Thin materials in particular and deburring as they go plus not leaving a triangulated hole like a regular twist drill can leave and enlarging an existing hole.
If you really want perfectly round holes I suggest checking out the Rota Cut annular cutters. I have had my Hougen Rota Cuts now for several years and they are my go-to's when I want a perfectly round hole.
PRODUCT SEARCH - Cutter Kits - HOUGEN MANUFACTURING
Get the perfect set of Hougen annular cutters! Kits available in RotaLoc Plus, Copperhead Carbide, RotaCut, and "12,000-Series" for every mag drill or sheet metal job.
agree ……………annular cutters are the next level up in every way.
bbbarracuda
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 1, 2008
- Messages
- 709
"perfectly round holes"
If I need perfect, I have someone else do them.
If I need perfect, I have someone else do them.
Innovate1
Well-known member
Nothing will cut a perfectly round hole. There is always some error. It really comes down to how much error and tolerance you are willing to accept. Step drills come pretty close and close enough for most applications IMHO.
Some have indicated they work well on wood. I find that a little hard to believe. I would think the shape of the edge would tear rather than cut when used on wood. And the pilot length is short which seems to be another possible issue.
Metallitubby
Well-known member
This. When I was at the auto dealer, UniBits would greatly increase the speed in which accessories were installed (spoilers, trans cooler kits, etc.).
I used to be VERY selective with using mine when they first came out, as it was a $40-50 bit.
Now they cheap ones seem to work well and doesn't break my heart to destroy one.
I've had luck sharpening them with a grinder if not completely destroyed.
rburke65
Well-known member
A regular bit in thin plastic….gas can….will rip the plastic. Love the uni bits.
firebirdparts
Well-known member
I don't use them, but I can at least appreciate that if you drilled a 1-3/8" in hole, and then you decided that you needed it to be 1-1/2, you'd have a chance with that. You have to add material back to do that with a hole saw.
RedF
Well-known member
They work very well for drilling bigger holes in plastic and fiberglass, where a twist drill is too aggressive.