Step Bits (Uni Bits), Do You Use Them? If so, please advise.

[-Brent-]

I've got a project where a step bit would come in handy. I've never used or purchased one but I have heard conflicting comments about them. Prices vary and I'm looking to get something decent.

Thanks for your advice in advance!

Brent

 

[qwik]

I've got a nice one (Greenlee I think), I use for mouting switches and grommets all the time. It's up to 1.125".

 

[zilla68]

I've used them and own many of them, only issue I ever have is when the small end gets dull, it makes it really hard to drill thru anything

 

[Shock-Therapy]

I picked up the two pack from Harbor Freight, they have lasted me a couple years so far without any issues. Seems to me they were around $20 for the pair. I use them a couple times a week in sheet metal and plastic.

 

[Mickey O]

I've been using them since the early eighties, used to build a lot of electrical/electronic panels and I used them to make the hole for the knock-out punches. They're great for single layer sheet metal and the likes, if you're going through multiple layers they can break easily, I've broken only one of them in the last 30 years. There was a local garage sale where a guy was selling Swedish made ones, in 3 sizes, for a couple of bucks so I stocked up.

 

[jakemac]

I have some older Irwins that have done well. Surprisingly, I recently picked up the HF three pack and they have been holding up just as well. I'da never thunk it.

 

[the gypsy]

Hi Brent,the only thing I can say is buy the Unibit(single flute) not the imitations with a double flute. They have a tendency to bind. I have used them and they work very well. Just remember that the unibit steps come quickly if you are not careful. Make sure to mark the size you need to avoid boring a larger hole than you need. I hope this helps.

 

[jayoldschool]

I bought a Mastercraft set from Canadian Tire last year. Used them frequently on my 65 C10 bed/box rebuild this summer. Great time saver. Used them with a cordless impact, worked great!

 

[tarbellb]

I do lots of metal fabrication, and I would rate a step bit (uni) as one of my "must have" tools.

They are amazing at making semi accurate holes in plate steel less then ~3/16" (or anything thinner then the size of steps in bit). If I need anything larger then 1/8" diameter, then I start the hole with a small pilot bit, 1/8th or so, then use a step bit.
Super fast, and also leaves a nice chamfer if you want. No de burring.

I would absolutely recommend at least getting a HF 3pc set to see if it does what you want. If you like them, I personally think the more expensive ones (Morse, Irwin USA, Bosch, Greenlee) are better, and last longer.

Go for it!

 

[bob from indiana]

I use Irwin unibits in electrical control panel building. They do a fine job on sheet metal and will drill stainless if you run them slowly and use lube/ coolant. They are a time saver for my type of work.

 

[TDLMOMOWERS]

I have a 3 piece set that I got from Partsmaster. They weren't cheap, but they work very well, even after years of use. Don't force them and use some good light lube and they will last a long time. I use mine for automotive sheet metal work and light fabrication.

 

[MikeF2316]

I've just started using step drill bits, I always thought they were gimmicky - until I used one. I like them, I just don't always remember I have them. The nice thing is you can use the next step to deburr.

 

[kenburkholz]

Step bits will give you a round hole in sheet metal where as a regular twist drill will give you a ragged figure eight hole in larger sizes. Ken.

 

[mrjaw14]

There's times where only a uni-bit will do. I have some and they are great

 

[e-tek]

Step bits rule - a great invention.

 

[beatcad]

for my whole life I've done it the right way. centerpunch, than a small pilot hole, than a little larger drill bit, than a little larger bit, than finally the size bit(hole) I want. that's what my dad tought me. it takes a little longer(more steps) but it gets better results.
I've seen guys use uni-bits but never really gave 'em much credence.
a month or so ago I was at H-F and a 3 pack was cheap enough so I gave it a shot.
I used it to make holes to mount a grinder to a bench. it was perfect.
i'm sold on using them for something that aint precision.

 

[nonhog]

Picked up HF 2 bit last night. Try it out tomorrow. Decent reviews. $17.00

 

[rsanter]

They are good for sheet metal work, they are good for enlarging exsisting holes in sheet metal

Bob

 

[240sxguy]

Must have tool for sure. I love em'

 

[venturesomerite]

I don't use them super often, but I do have a nice set of Irwin ones and always use cutting oil with them. They are handy when you need one.

 

[gwunsch]

Agree these are a must have item. I kick myself when I use regular bits for metal, since these are quicker and I really have not noticed them becoming dull. Mine are cheap harbor freght's I am sure the quality of the Irwin's is much better.

 

[Loscaldazar]

Thought they were gimmicky until I needed them and got the HF ones. Make beautifully centered holes in some very LARGE sizes too.

 

[mrtoolfool]

I've used them for years. Used correctly they are great.

Most of mine are Uni-bit brand and I have a couple Greenlee bits.

In thinner material you can't beat them. The work great in plastics too.

I use them a lot for drilling mounting holes for switches, etc. When a big bit might "grab" and break the item I am drilling.

They make both multi hole bits and single hole size bits.
The single hole size ones I have are for electrical knock-out size.

The larger ones will require a pilot hole as most of them don't have a "small drilling tip"

A lot of times I will start with a small pilot hole then use the uni-bit to make it larger.

And as mentioned earlier, they do a great job at deburing too.

 

[Hopalong604]

Bought a set of 3 titanium bits from HF on sale for $6.99 a last year. Probably the cheapest tools in my box but worth a lot more.

 

[The Cobbler]

use them rarely but nice to have when you need them. I just used one today to drill out a COUPLE OF 1/4" phone plugs so I could get 14 gauge wire into the opening for PA speaker set up. I went in just a hair deeper to the next size to make a bit of a chamfer for the cable

 

[Outlawmws]

I use them regularly, but not as often ans regular drill bits, as I don't try to use 'Em where inappropriate....

As mentioned, knock out holes, (especially if you need one enlarged) and the like are where they shine.

One use I haven't seem mentioned, is de-burring the inside of a piece of EMT thin wall conduit after cutting with a tubing cutter. They do this perfectly!

 

[Gregg33]

I have a U.S. made Klein.. Used it for Dzus button holes on the race car and also to make holes in electrical boxes. They work better than drill bits in thinner metal imo.

 

[WildwoodChuck]

I have the HF set I like them for sheet metal.

 

[Danglerb]

So Cheap at HF, no point in not having a set. I notice some here mention the set of two and I recall people actually liking the cheaper when on sale set of three.

 

[92GreenYJ]

Another big fan here with a few of the HF bits. I have two of both sets and use the hell out of them. As others have said, I punch, drills a small pilot, then use the step bit to get to the size I need. Use the bit to debur both sides of the hole too. I LOVE these things. And the HF ones hold up incredibly well for the price. Only issues I e had is with the smaller ones occasionally snapping the tips off on thicker steel if I don't drill a pilot first. They don't like making the first cut. But even then the bits are still useable for the larger size holes.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Another vote for the HF set. Metal fab here, run it in drill press and hand drill a lot. Irwins and Greenlees price difference does not make up for the small amount of quality....HF is way more bang for the buck.

 

[toolman1967]

I use them all the time. The Irwin and Unibits last quit a long time. Remember to slow down as the bit bite gets bigger, otherwise you will dull the cutting edge. There will be quite a bit of sharp edges on the back side, be careful and deburr that area when you are done.

Tim the Toolman

 

[jeffmoss26]

The only tool I will use for drilling into the top of a metal stud for running voice/data cable. 7/8 hole, snap-in grommet, good to go. Also use them for mounting various electronic switches in panels.

I do need to figure out of the leading end of mine can be sharpened.

 

[1950mercury]

Has anyone sharpend the tips with any success

 

[Thephranc]

I love the HF 3 count set but they didn't go to a large enough size for O2 sensor bungs so I had to get the $40ish on at Lowes.

 

[doan]

Has anyone sharpend the tips with any success

I usually drill a pilot hole that is about the size of the tip on the step bit.

 

[TireTracks]

I use them on any holes I have to make in thin sheet metal.
Don't have to worry about the drill press winding the piece around the bit like a regular twist drill.

 

[sberry]

I like the statement above. So cheap at HF anymore that its foolish not to have a set.

 

[Subyroo651]

Here comes 8,381

 

[Krokodil]

Up to what thickness plate are these bits good for?