Cobalt step drill bit suggestions?

[Robertdeuce]

I was wondering if someone could recommend a good cobalt step drill bit? Who makes the best one?

 

[Finance Guy]

I used the Irwin #1 to drill a 1/2" hole in stainless steel a few weeks ago ... it worked well for my purposes.

 

[Kaizen]

Harbor freight makes a great one. Three in a package. Lasts a long time. Fraction of brand name ones. Used one on eighth inch steel drilling over forty holes before it started to dull


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[tarbellb]

Best bang for the buck, HF. But you do get nicer, longer lasting bits if you spend more on a USA made model like Irwin, Lennox, Milwaukee, Norseman, etc...

Maybe check out Drill Hog on Ebay, USA made and warranty. Ive had OK luck with them...

 

[mbshop]

I have a three set from mac so no idea on the others.

 

[Olafur]

I have bought few sets on ebay from Hong Kong sellers. They seem to do exactly the same thing as something you pay 10-20 times as much for. Stainless steel; no problem.

 

[gregpack]

I too have bought the cheapies and had surprisingly good luck . I've found that if I use firm pressure and super slow speed they last a long time, even in stainless. I use a cordless drill on the slowest speed setting it has. Running them at a faster speed burns them up quick though.

 

[larry_g]

I was wondering if someone could recommend a good cobalt step drill bit? Who makes the best one?

http://www.irwin.com/tools/drill-bits/unibit-cobalt-step-drill

Do you understand that step drills come in a variety of sizes? If not study the site above to learn a bit and be able to select the size that will work for you.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Robertdeuce]

Harbor freight makes a great one. Three in a package. Lasts a long time. Fraction of brand name ones. Used one on eighth inch steel drilling over forty holes before it started to dull


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Do you have a link to the one you used?
I'm drilling 1" holes into 11 gauge steel.

 

[hangfirew8]

Why are so many responses ignoring the COBALT in the request? HF doesn't sell a Cobalt stepped bit. Also if you need Cobalt I would avoid Cobalt coated.

The issue with Stainless is not so much overheating as galling. Here is a real Cobalt bit designed for SS:

http://www.greenlee.com/products/BIT%40cSTEP-%40p1-COBALT--(34401C).html

 

[Tinner]

I've had excellent results with Temo brand step drills. Also sold on ebay, shop around for best price.

https://www.amazon.com/TEMO-cobalt-double-flute-drill/dp/B00385LJAY

Note that they're double flute. Run smoother and last longer, especially in stainless.

 

[larry_g]

Do you have a link to the one you used?
I'm drilling 1" holes into 11 gauge steel.

For a 1" hole you might be better served by a annular type cutter, https://drillsandcutters.com/carbide-tipped-hole-cutters-3-16-depth-of-cut/

Somewhat depends on the number of holes you have to make and the machine you are using to do them.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[tarbellb]

Most step bits are double fluted, including the HF models.

Your best bet for 11g SS is going to buy a step bit that maxes out at 1", drill a 3/16" pilot hole first, then blast through with the final step.

I have drilled 100's of 1" holes through 11g and thicker doing this method, fast, easy, all with a cordless drill.

And the HF bits dull quicker and are prone to breaking at the hex drive shaft, I have broken a handful but never broken a standard 3 sided shaft.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Drill Hog Cobalt M42 Step Drill Bit Set Spiral Flute

Made in USA. Lifetime warranty.

 

[Robertdeuce]

The material I'm drilling into is 1/8" hot rolled steel. Is cobalt only for stainless steel? Thanks guys

 

[Kaizen]

Do you have a link to the one you used?

I'm drilling 1" holes into 11 gauge steel.

Just search harbor freight step bit. There is a three piece that goes up to 3/4 and a two piece that has one above one inch. I never bought one before due to the expensive prices I've seen. Took a chance on these and they are awesome. If I have a lot to drill I will use a pilot but to make the hole before using these. I've been burned by the shavings more then once. Also you don't break your arm like with a half inch or bigger drill bit


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[vssjim]

I've been using Norseman everything drilling needs and they always seem to work great

 

[Robertdeuce]

I've just did a little searching and realized that a cobalt bit is the wrong bit to use for hot rolled steel.
I found this one on amazon, is it any good?
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B0002438LM/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?smid=A3DWYIK6Y9EEQB&psc=1