School me on Step Drill Bits ....

[brothernov]

Just something Ive never really had a use for as a woodworker. That's changed I think now that I've gotten into working with steel. I've seen 6 piece HSS sets from Milwaukee for $180+ and individual titanium coated bits for under $10. Is a set of bits useful, worth it to "buy once cry once", Or best to get cheap ones and replace them as they wear out? What's your go-to brands? Thanks in advance.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I've had the same 2 Irwin (made in USA) for 10 years. If you don't abuse them they last quite a while. I don't know if they are still made here, but if they are I'd say they are worth the money.

Edit: Cripe Distributing has a few USA options at really reasonable prices.

 

[laser3kw]

Just something Ive never really had a use for as a woodworker. That's changed I think now that I've gotten into working with steel. I've seen 6 piece HSS sets from Milwaukee for $180+ and individual titanium coated bits for under $10. Is a set of bits useful, worth it to "buy once cry once", Or best to get cheap ones and replace them as they wear out? What's your go-to brands? Thanks in advance.

I got the HF set(s) as my "see how it works" first set. So far they have done everything I have asked and have not worn out.

 

[PelicanPines]

I have cheap... I have expensive... I know not which is which anymore... unable to kill one.

 

[Copymutt]

Even the inexpensive HF step drills give great service, provided correct speed and cutting fluid.
Jim

 

[u2slow]

Even the cheap ones don't really wear out if you use them nice. I have lot of miles on mine. Some GreenLee and some cheapos.

Use cutting fluid. Go slow. Pilot drill first to prolong point life.

 

[BolognaBlake]

I want to get a set of the new Astro Step bits.

 

[dr_clyde]

Two flutes is key.

I buy Lenox Varibits. They are the absolute best. I routinely hog through 1/2” stainless with mine.

 

[tarbellb]

Two flutes is key.

I buy Lenox Varibits. They are the absolute best. I routinely hog through 1/2” stainless with mine.

This^^^

But the cheap HF bits are absolutely worth the money. I like to have both on hand, sometimes you need a burner bit.

Yes they do wear out, typically just one step. Not easy to sharpen but doable.

 

[rmsg0040]

I buy cheap, usually one step ends up wearing out rendering it useless. I just toss and get new ones

 

[thin_concrete]

I have a set of Vikings and a set of Milwaukees. Both are great, but I will say the Vikings are excellent in the drill press.

 

[CJM8515]

I got the HF set(s) as my "see how it works" first set. So far they have done everything I have asked and have not worn out.

same, no issues here. I suppose if I used them all the time I might say different. But so far not a single issue

 

[mc4life27]

Just something Ive never really had a use for as a woodworker. That's changed I think now that I've gotten into working with steel. I've seen 6 piece HSS sets from Milwaukee for $180+ and individual titanium coated bits for under $10. Is a set of bits useful, worth it to "buy once cry once", Or best to get cheap ones and replace them as they wear out? What's your go-to brands? Thanks in advance.

I grew up in the car audio world and they are a must have in cars. But I have had all kinds from the cheap harbor freight ones to the Klein’s, Milwaukee’s, Irwin, no namers, etc. I do notice that there is a difference in quality and some do last a little longer then others but the price doesn’t mean they will though. But I use to just go for it with no polite hole and no fluid and they will last a little while depending on how fast and what materials but now I always use a polite hole and fluid when possible or if I’m not in a huge rush and I try to drill slow and it seems like they last a hell of a lot longer and I have not worn one out in a long time (and I use them regularly) I tend to break them by dropping them or by letting someone else use them who burns them up. But they are awesome to have especially if your doing work outside of the garage and can only take son any tools with you. They have got me out of some jams when I didn’t have the right drill bit. Also if it’s a thicker material remember you can drill from the other side to prevent one step to many from going in. Also if I’m trying to tap a hole in thick material I like to take one of the ones that has very fine steps and drill it that way the tap doesn’t have to cut out as much material depending on the application.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[SeisMec]

I've got the cheapest = HF Warrior. I've used one to drill 60 1/2" diameter holes in 3/8" thick mild steel and it's still in good shape. These cheap HF bits lack a split point and absolutely require a pilot hole in anything besides thin sheet metal. The next set I purchase will definitely have split points.

Actually I've got two sets. The first was this 2 piece set, because they were $14 with a coupon.

A month or so later, a buddy needed 64 1/2" diameter holes. The first couple holes were made with a standard 1/2" drill bit. Then I decided to try my step bits - much easier - but the shallow steps and large diameter meant drilling from each side and finishing with the regular bit. After two holes I stopped mid-project and purchased this 3 piece set at regular price. (Currently they're $9 with this coupon.) I used the bit on the left for those holes. I''m thinking that the bit on the right with tall steps would have been the one for smaller diameter through holes in the same 3/8" mild steel.

HF's split point bits (that I don't have) - like these - are considerably more expensive; no doubt because the flutes must be spiral cut to achieve that split point.

Despite some of the bits being shanked to fit in a 1/4" impact driver, I'd only use them in a drill.

 

[M635_Guy]

I've got the cheapest = HF Warrior. I've used one to drill 60 1/2" diameter holes in 3/8" thick mild steel and it's still in good shape. These cheap HF bits lack a split point and absolutely require a pilot hole in anything besides thin sheet metal. The next set I purchase will definitely have split points.

Actually I've got two sets. The first was this 2 piece set, because they were $14 with a coupon.

A month or so later, a buddy needed 64 1/2" diameter holes. The first couple holes were made with a standard 1/2" drill bit. Then I decided to try my step bits - much easier - but the shallow steps and large diameter meant drilling from each side and finishing with the regular bit. After two holes I stopped mid-project and purchased this 3 piece set at regular price. (Currently they're $9 with this coupon.) I used the bit on the left for those holes. I''m thinking that the bit on the right with tall steps would have been the one for smaller diameter through holes in the same 3/8" mild steel.

HF's split point bits (that I don't have) - like these - are considerably more expensive; no doubt because the flutes must be spiral cut to achieve that split point.

Despite some of the bits being shanked to fit in a 1/4" impact driver, I'd only use them in a drill.

I guess I'm a spendthrift. $10 more for a tool that works better, lasts longer and removes a step (pilot hole) is a no-brainer for me...

 

[Professional Tool User]

For something that I don't use that much, I would go for the cheap ones. My Canadian Tire ones work fine. Even if you are using them on the job, theft and cost effectiveness are a concern.

 

[Rlfd213]

I always use the cheap ones. I drill a small pilot hole and then use the step bit.

 

[Ohmthis]

Two flutes is key.

I buy Lenox Varibits. They are the absolute best. I routinely hog through 1/2” stainless with mine.

X2 on this! I have Lenox that ha e drilled thousands of holes. That being said, I have the 3 piece set from HF and they have worked well. I still reach for my Lenox most of the time, but when I’m at the lake house or anywhere I’ve taken my portable box, the HF get used.

 

[SeisMec]

I guess I'm a spendthrift. $10 more for a tool that works better, lasts longer and removes a step (pilot hole) is a no-brainer for me...

Wasn't recommending the Warrior bits, just describing them. Would love to know what bits you're talking about that are only $10 more.

 

[cstmg8]

Seems like a fair warehouse deal

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

 

[brothernov]

Thanks for all the help guys, I love this forum. Stay well!

 

[sberry]

I got Greenlee, got a Lenox or 2 and got HF. Got a couple of the exact same design/models and long since cant tell them apart anymore. If that 5 pc set for under 20$ doesn't work replace it with one for 40$.

 

[foghorn1966]

This^^^
"Yes they do wear out, typically just one step. Not easy to sharpen but doable."

tarbellb... Care to elaborate on how you do that?

 

[rlitman]

tarbellb... Care to elaborate on how you do that?

I haven't had one wear out on me yet (I pretty much only use mine on plastic and sheet aluminum), but I would assume they are very easy to sharpen. The geometry is basically the same as an HSS lathe thread cutter where you only need to sharpen one face. In this case, you would only sharpen the cutting face on the notch. I'd do that with an angle grinder and some care.

 

[dr_clyde]

tarbellb... Care to elaborate on how you do that?

Most sharpening shops that handle end mills and other machining cutters can sharpen step drills.

 

[PFSard]

Here's a link to a Project Farm video (posted Jun 15, 2020) :

Which Step Drill Bit is Best? Let's find out! DeWalt, Milwaukee, Bosch, Irwin, Diablo, Makita, Bauer

 

[DHCrocks]

Those Dewalts look badass.

 

[MileHighRover]

Can’t believe it took 26 posts before Project Farm’s video was linked.

 

[mbshop]

It all depends on what you need them for and how often you use them. My mac 3 piece titanium coated set are over 25 years old. But i dont use them often nor do i abuse them. On hard steel i will actually drill a hole first. I used to have a bit that was made from cobalt but it went with the shop when i sold it. So yea, buy better than what you expect to use. And yes, the dewalt one looked dang good.

 

[PhantomEB]

Love them. Still find I got to do a pilot hole to get my old ones working, new kit in amazon cart. I think soon enough I will only Be using up my drill bit set until all gone.

 

[RonnieC]

Can’t believe it took 26 posts before Project Farm’s video was linked.

Well seeing as the first 25 were from before Project Farm's video posted, I can believe it.

 

[Luciferi]

That video was one of the dumbest ever. After using your first step bit, you realize that they really aren’t meant for starting holes. And why not use some lubrication

How about a real test where you enlarge 100 holes in chromoly and then another 100 in aluminum and see which one lasts the best.

 

[danielbuck]

yeah, they definitely perform better with a pilot hole drilled. I don't mind drilling pilot holes, regular twist drills can be sharpened easily enough, why wear out the tip on a bit that can't be sharpened as easily?

Personally, I like this style with the longer sections of each size, and fewer steps, better than the ones that have shorter sections and more steps. It just seems easier for me to hit my desired size and not overshoot it.

Like this, either straight, or twisted. I wish they made this type in a larger configuration too.

 

[70Mach1]

well seeing as the first 25 were from before project farm's video posted, i can believe it.

lol.

 

[Skin]

That video was one of the dumbest ever. After using your first step bit, you realize that they really aren’t meant for starting holes.

The reason why people avoid starting holes with them is because they ruin the tip and they can't any longer. As far as being the "dumbest video ever". No. Pretty much on the opposite spectrum of dumb especially when it comes to the norm of a YouTube video. If you did one better post it up otherwise you don't have a leg to stand on.

People getting bitter because a premium made Chinese drill performed so much better than US or Swiss competition.