How to drill a hole in a magnet

[Nowater]

I have a cheap HF magnetic welding holder that I want to drill a hole in so it can be attached (screwed) to some wood. So far the drill bits heat up rather than drill and this happened with multiple bits. It must have something to do with the metal waste being trapped by the magnet.

Any help or ideas?

 

[Stinger]

Good luck:

http://www.querycat.com/question/a643ccea070ebafd42a31cda7c5899d2

 

[billybudge]

Thats an interesting one, I have one I been wanting to pop a hole in a magnet for a while, another job on the pile of things to do later,
Have you tried using Hinox or Colbalt or Carbide drill bits instead of standard HSS jobber bits,
Let Me know how you get on with it,
Good luck, persistence and will never stops no one,

 

[Big Bad Dad]

Isn't a magnet a type of rock? What about a masonry bit and perhaps a hammerdrill?

 

[nehog]

Isn't a magnet a type of rock? What about a masonry bit and perhaps a hammerdrill?

I'd not use a hammer drill: magnets are shock sensitive. They are also heat sensitive. And hard. And sometimes abrasive. Drilling a hole in one can be an exercise in futility!

Much depends on what type of magnet it is.

 

[nine4gmc]

I would epoxy them in, save some headaches....

 

[NUTTSGT]

Are you talking about one of these ?

http://www.harborfreight.com/catalog/product/view/id/97/category/434/


Could you grind one of the rivets off and knock it out ? That would leave you a hole. What about just drilling and tapping the steel outside ? Maybe weld a tab to the steel that you could easily drill through.

If you're not talking about these magnetic holders, can you post a picture or link of what you're using ?

 

[JakeKohl]

a diamond drill bit designed for drilling glass should do the trick. You can get them for a dremel as well.

 

[DAVE VAN]

Use a carbide masonry bit in your drill press and apply heavy pressure when you start drilling.I have drilled files this way.

 

[pendragon1998]

Without seeing it, I wonder if the magnet is a ceramic?

 

[volvo]

..
Just as another thought, Ace hardware has several small to larger high pull strength magnets with a center hole already drilled in them, poss one of those would work for you if needed?
I have used them before while making magnetic gate catches.

 

[Nowater]

It is this from HF:
http://www.harborfreight.com/catalog/product/view/id/97/category/434/

I don't think it is ceramic, and I got thru the outside steel without any problem, but the inside was hardly dented. I can still try a drop of oil, a drill press, and a harder drill bit.

Geez, was supposed to be a two minute job! I might try the rivet idea, thank you.

 

[Toolman12]

A diamond drill bit, steady pressure and LOTS of cutting fluid

 

[adpprop]

Dremel and a diamond bit?

 

[Tweeker]

its got 3 holes in it already???

 

[mds5951]

its got 3 holes in it already???

Lol I'm assuming he wants to keep the unit intact

 

[crazytrain]

I would use a regular twist drill bit and lots of cutting oil to get through the metal once through the metal I would then switch to a glass/tile bit and go slow stopping to clean the bit often once you are down to metal again switch back to twist bit and oil. Good luck.


http://www.sears.com/craftsman-3-8-...x000001&kpid=00967034000P&kispla=00967034000P