Drilling Holes in Metal

[Bricago]

I'm looking for some advice here. I need to drill a 1/4" hole into a metal (possibly steel) stanchion. I've included two photos: one of a hole that already exists in the stanchion, like I'm trying to duplicate; and one of three drill bits. I'm not sure which one to use, or whether my 14.4 volt drill is capable of it.

Any advice is appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Buckgnarly]

Middle bit.

 

[1500hd]

You will want to use the bit that is in the middle. The other two are only for use in wood or plastic. Your cordless drill will work fine for this.

 

[Hghgrad]

Middle bit.

Slow and steady when drilling metal. High speeds burn up the bits. You shouldn't have any trouble getting through with a cordless drill, as long as you go slow.

 

[#1SomeGuy]

Middle one, go slow, not too much pressure, and if you have cutting oil (or even wd40 around) use some of that to keep things cool.

 

[larry_g]

In your picture, only the middle one is a metal drill. A battery drill will do fine and keep the speed not to fast, maybe 1/2 speed.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Doug Arthurs]

Middle for shore

 

[MFolks]

The top bit is a "Spade Bit" good for wood boring. The middle is a twist drill bit, for metal drilling. The bottom is a "Brad Point" bit, with the sharp point designed to keep the bit drilling straight through wood, pricey ones have sharp "Spurs" on the cutting face, designed to reduce "Chip Out" when emerging from the other side of a wood piece.

 

[MFolks]

To keep the drill bit from wandering, a sharp center punch & hammer will make a dimple for the bit to stay on, otherwise, you'll need a drill block & clamp to prevent wandering.

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=31286&site=ROCKLER

 

[Bricago]

Got 'er done. Thanks for the advice, guys. Hope I can repay the favor sometime.

 

[Jack Olsen]

If the drill has two speeds, use the slow one. If it's variable by the trigger, keep it slow. If the bit gets hot it will go dull.