Step Drill Bits

[lynnbilodeau]

Any reason to buy expensive step drill bits?

Seems like they all work well until they don't. Then ONE of the sizes just quit cutting. When they go bad, they go fast.
Are there some that actually last.
I am normally drilling metal; anywhere from sheet to 1/4 inch steel. Rarely need to drill anything thicker.

Been using something like this: https://www.amazon.com/IRONANT-Drill-Titanium-Coated-Portable/dp/B09GX8QGQ3?tag=atomicindus08-20

They are cheap enough that when one goes bad, I just replace them.

However, IF there were a really high quality step bit set that will last a LONG time, I might be interested.

 

[Tynee]

my only contribution here is I wouldn't buy another set of Warrior step drills from HF if I only needed to cut the cheese... There HAS to be a better option out there than them.

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

Depends on your needs I suppose, but those linked are not TiN coated, they are electroplated with a decorative yellow coating that they name "titanium" in china. The real coating alone costs more than $10
And also in China "HSS" has a long list of grades you can choose from these days they still call HSS. They would not be M2.

Not to say some of the dollar store brands that advertise things like TiN, M2 or M35 cobalt aren't impossibly priced either, but still food for thought

 

[slowtwitch73]

Love my Irwins.. had them for years,, no issues, lots of use.

 

[308guru]

I've used both Milwaukee and Irwin step drills with pretty good success and longevity.

If you know what size you ultimately want, and don't care to spend time making lots of chips getting there with a step drill, try out the carbide hole cutters. You didn't mention your application, but they are awesome for sheetmetal and come in many sizes.

3/4" Carbide-Tipped Hole Cutter | Greenlee

Find product features, specs, documentation and where to buy information for 625-3/4 3/4" Carbide-Tipped Hole Cutter

www.greenlee.com

 

[T444e]

I have a couple Irwins I had for over 10 years. Still cut fine. Granted I don't use them on a regular basis, but they have had a fair amount of use over the years, and only use them in sheet metal or to enlarge a hole. They are a must have for me.

 

[charbar]

Personally I've had better luck with Dewalt branded ones than Irwins. Although they all **** eventually. Supposedly you can sharpen them, I've never tried it myself. Wouldn't be able to with the Dewalts though because they have a spiraled flute instead of a straight one like most step drill bits I see.

 

[GeoBruin]

Project Farm did a piece on step bits. As usual, take the results for what they're worth to you.

 

[sparky 1971]

I use step bits quite often, but it's always to enlarge an existing hole, and rarely is it in anything thicker than the sheet metal used for panel boards. A long time ago, in the days before carbide cutters I would drill my knockouts with a step bit but learned to drill a 1/4" pilot hole first, it's the tips that go bad on the step bits. Oh yeah, I mostly use Lenox because that's what the supply house carries but have used Klein and Milwaukee with some success.

 

[Notgrownup]

I buy the cheap warrior brand fro HF until the Bauer ones lass cheaper go on sale