I bought a six inch galvanized bracket from the hardware store to use to make a mounting bracket for a 12v usb/power receptacle for my truck. I have to drill three 1 1/8" holes to mount the sockets in. I bought the 2pc step bit set from hf to accomplish this job. Working slowly and feeding the bit only as fast as it woukd cut, it seemed like it was cutting well. Beautiful metal shavings were coming off the piece until I got to the 1" step. The shavings turned to chips and the bit failed to drill any further. I don't burn the bit, I used oil and slower drill speed on the press. Are these bits complete garbage or did I get a defective bit? Can you recommend a decent bit from home Depot if garbage is the case? I rarely drill metal so I don't need anything expensive.
Can't get through 3/16" galvanized with hf step bit
- Thread starter monster1
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PugetDude
ALLIANCE MEMBER
1-1/8" hole saw.
Strouty
Well-known member
It could have been dull or you could have hit it just right and burnt it up. That is usually what happens to step bits, you get one ring that burns up and it will never cut past that point again. As far as HF quality, the step bits are one thing that has consistently gotten decent reviews. I would just buy another and try again. If you get two that fail take them back and *****.
I use Irwin and lenox step bits and I have drilled through steel so thick that I had to drill the whole from both sides.
I use Irwin and lenox step bits and I have drilled through steel so thick that I had to drill the whole from both sides.
So you bought a HF drill bit and had a problem.
Go figure.
Drill at a slower speed and use cutting fluid next time. Also maybe try a decent drill bit.
I would have never guessed that would happen.
woody 73
Well-known member
If you want a bit that can help you get the job done you can look at buying one of these bits:
http://www.grainger.com/product/LENOX-Step-Drill-Bit-4XL31?functionCode=P2IDP2PCP
http://www.grainger.com/product/LENOX-Step-Drill-Bit-4XL31?functionCode=P2IDP2PCP
Ign
Well-known member
Nah, they used to be great but the past couple years at least they've been extremely inconsistent for me. OP, welcome to Chinese QC.
ZRX61
Well-known member
They're designed for sheet metal, not 3/16in plate....
Pssh, plenty of bad advice and lame HF hate'n monkeys here.
I have used these bits extensively and many of the higher end brands like Lenox, Uni, Milwaukee, Greenlee (all USA made) etc.... and the HF bits are decent. Not the best, but decent.
You can EASILY go through 3/16" with a step bit, I have buried mine many times.
OP- first stepbits contrary to other large diameter bits are designed to be used at speed. And I dont recommend a impact, a drill driver is better.
Second, like mentioned, a step can fairly easily get burned up. I havent ever tried to sharpen one, maybe worth a try or buy another set.
If the accuracy of the hole isnt required, you can "orbit" (rotate drill around at angle) around the hole with your bit trying to catch a cut. It might round out a little but will work to get a couple of holes done till its totally burned up.
I have used these bits extensively and many of the higher end brands like Lenox, Uni, Milwaukee, Greenlee (all USA made) etc.... and the HF bits are decent. Not the best, but decent.
You can EASILY go through 3/16" with a step bit, I have buried mine many times.
OP- first stepbits contrary to other large diameter bits are designed to be used at speed. And I dont recommend a impact, a drill driver is better.
Second, like mentioned, a step can fairly easily get burned up. I havent ever tried to sharpen one, maybe worth a try or buy another set.
If the accuracy of the hole isnt required, you can "orbit" (rotate drill around at angle) around the hole with your bit trying to catch a cut. It might round out a little but will work to get a couple of holes done till its totally burned up.
Ign
Well-known member
I guess I can't comment on what they were designed for, and while they do work wonderfully in sheetmetal they definitely also work well in 3/16" plate and more. I think I've done some 3/8" flat bar before.
And tarrellb is right about orbiting the bit if it gets dull, I do it all the time.
Finally, these bits are happiest in a hand drill w heavy feed. I've had lackluster results in my mill.
Oh and the ones w 1/4" hex shank do very well in an impact driver. So much debate here if you can drill with an impact (driver) - YES, you can.
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DennisH2014
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- May 29, 2014
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Make sure to drill slow, and put on the torque, really push the bit into the metal (not too hard so as to break it), and use cutting oil. I've used an impact for drilling through my car's metal one time, it was a reinforced part and was quite thick, but an impact really helped to be honest.
Again, not sure if people understand what a step bit is and how to use it?
_ Fast not slow.
_ Lots of force, cant break them easily.
_ And yes lube.
Ign is correct, put it in a hand drill. Put the piece below your waist so you can really bore down on it.
Oh, and I always do a pilot hole. The tips arent especially good and piercing.
DennisH2014
Well-known member
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- May 29, 2014
- Messages
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I'm well aware of what a step bit is, I was referring more generally to twist bits. Clearly I should have been clear to avoid this sort of response.
How about a RPM appropriate for the step diameter one is drilling to and the material being drilled.
http://www.vikingdrill.com/viking-Drill-FeedandSpeed.php
http://www.vikingdrill.com/viking-Drill-FeedandSpeed.php