Step Drill Bits

[dreasoner]

I need to replace my step drill bits. I have checked online and saw all kind if choices. I want something for electrical work for 1/2" to 1" conduit sizes. I'm guessing 2 drill bits would be best. A bit from 1/8" to 7/8' and the other to pick up the larger sizes. Any input would be appreciated.

 

[36truck]

Buy high quality bits not cheap china ones. I have some Lawson & lennox step drill bits both work great. Can't beat them for sheetmetal work. I've also drilled PVC pipe with them makes a nice clean holes.
Here's some of Irwin Unibits on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004THZ0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Evilelroy]

Greenlee makes nice step bits.

 

[jakemac]

I'll probably be harassed for saying this, but ...........

For the cost vs quality, I like the HF step bits. Are other brands better quality, yes. But they come at a higher cost. The HF bits are longer lasting than you would think, and at the price you can afford to keep several extras on hand for the price of one of the named brands. That means you can keep working if your bit fails, gets misplaced, or burns up instead of holding up the job while you run out to buy another expensive bit.
JMO

 

[alpaca]

I'm with him^^^^

I have a larger neiko step bit also that goes up to 1 1/4" I think. It's a good bit... better than HF. Paid like $9 on amazon.

 

[kunkernator]

I'm with him^^^^

I have a larger neiko step bit also that goes up to 1 1/4" I think. It's a good bit... better than HF. Paid like $9 on amazon.

I have he whole Neiko set ($30 or so for 4 bits off Amazon). LOVE THEM! I have used the **** out of them in sheet metal and they are still sharp. Best $30 I spent in a while. IMO Irwin ones are overrated.

 

[1950mercury]

I'd use carbide tip hole saws with the spring in the drill bit they are awesome.. I have a klien? (I think) set. Or get the shallow course tooth whole saws. Once you use either of them you won't want to use a uni bit ever again... Both types auto eject the waste

 

[Ainsley]

I like the greenlee step bits. Get one that goes from start to 7/8 to punch holes for 1/2" conduit.

 

[tarbellb]

Ive owned several of the better brands, Irwin, Greenlee, Lenox, and also the HF.

Yes you will get longer lasting performance out of quality USA made bits, but the HF offer a lot of bang for the buck.

I have a nice set and a beater set (HF) that I use in sketchy situations.

Irwin still makes a very good Uni. That and Lenox. Triple packs are your best buy.

 

[dreasoner]

I appreciate the input guys. 1950 mercury, I use the step bits in a lot of tight quarters along with my Greenlee slugbusters to punch holes in electrical panels. I have had problems with hole precision and control of holesaws but I will look at your recommendation.

 

[fireguy]

I use Lennox, at present they seem to be the best, especially since most of my metal work is Stainless. Greenlee make the best slugbusters. Greenlee step bits are ****.

 

[Fordman7795]

I worked for a company that tried to cheap out on a lot of tools. The norm in my industry was dewalt drills, metabo grinders, miller welders etc. This particular contractor had craftsman drills, MIT grinders and harbor freight step bits. The HF step bits broke just about every other hole. After 3 months on a 1 1/2 year job we the workers convinced the contractor to step up (pun) and buy higher quality tools. They ended up supplying us with lenox bits and they magically stopped breaking.

 

[Sine Swept]

I will agree with all the above. For thin gauge sheet metal, the cheaper ones will work just fine. Starting your hole with a center punch makes for a much easier time. I have a nice Irwin bit that I leave on a 8" extension. For anything over 1/2" I have a super clean Ideal bit that I found in a pawn shop.

I drill plenty of firewalls and was getting lots that I could not get a punch and hammer in close enough to leave a dimple. Solution - 3 foot threaded rod with a sharpened point on one end.

 

[Ign]

I appreciate the input guys. 1950 mercury, I use the step bits in a lot of tight quarters along with my Greenlee slugbusters to punch holes in electrical panels. I have had problems with hole precision and control of holesaws but I will look at your recommendation.

...and hole sawing w an impact driver makes more sense than you'd think:

 

[MJD1]

I bought some off eBay called Drill Hog. Really good product, made in USA and lifetime warranty. Haven't had to warranty any yet after drilling hundreds of holes.

 

[Zeke]

HF step bits are great for handy type projects and sheet metal in the home garage. Out on the jobsite doing electrical work you may run into a few metals that are hard and will break anything but a high quality bit. The metal elec boxes are soft enough but some of the panels seem pretty tough. I have a nice manual punch set for those. When you hear the plug 'snap' you know it was a hard panel.

 

[firworks]

Do you have any local tool auctions? I just got like 4 step drill bits for 2$ along with a metric **** load of counter sink bits for 2$ this morning.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I'll probably be harassed for saying this, but ...........

For the cost vs quality, I like the HF step bits. Are other brands better quality, yes. But they come at a higher cost. The HF bits are longer lasting than you would think, and at the price you can afford to keep several extras on hand for the price of one of the named brands. That means you can keep working if your bit fails, gets misplaced, or burns up instead of holding up the job while you run out to buy another expensive bit.
JMO

Yup. Cutting oil and a HF bit (now 3 years old) have cut through all the steel and aluminum I've needed it to.


FWIW: I drill a pilot hole first, then ream it out with the unibit.

 

[tarbellb]

I bought some off eBay called Drill Hog. Really good product, made in USA and lifetime warranty. Haven't had to warranty any yet after drilling hundreds of holes.

MJD1- can you elaborate on the Drill Hawg, I have seen them all over Ebay for pretty good prices.

What are you working on typically, do you have experience with other brands of step bits, would you consider them worth the price?

Thanks!

 

[MJD1]

I have used Irwin, Lennox and the old ,original unibit. They seem to drill as well or better than those. I haven't broken or wore one out yet but I have drilled a lot of holes with them. Plastic, steel, aluminum and some thinner stainless. On steel and definitely stainless I like to drill a pilot hole, 7/32 or 1/4". I use cutting oil or a tube wax type lubricant, mainly Walter cool-cut. For the price of one Irwin you can get a set of drill hawgs. I haven't warrantied any but the seller gives you a serial numbered card for warranty purposes. A lot of the items are " make offer" which I did and got a 29.99 set for 20$. I think you would be satisfied with those bits. I see they have a spiral set which I will be buying in the future.

 

[K-Dog]

I have the Neiko set too.
For the money they are kinda amazing. I have only broke one and that is because it fell off the frame machine (about two and a half feet up ) and landed point first ( still loaded in the drill )
Otherwise they are fantastic and long lasting.

 

[sberry]

I have them all, the HF ones got mixed with the good ones and now we cant tell the difference. Until I used them I would have said no way but I wouldn't even bother with pricey ones anymore.