google-site-verification: google6ccacb8c480189c4.html

Drill Stainless Steel The Easy Way

Customers Comments

5 Steps

BUY METRIC SIZES - Drilling stainless steelTo Drilling Stainless SteelCopy of BUY IMPERIAL SIZES - Drilling stainless steel

How to drill into stainless steel is a commonly asked question and for many drilling stainless steel can
be a daunting task. However it can be done easily and efficiently if you follow some simple steps and
consider the following questions which all amount to keeping the drilling surface temperature as low as
possible.

 

Step 1. Drill bit

When drilling into stainless steel the choice of drill bit will ultimately determine how successful you will
be. Cobalt drill bits are considered the best option due to their ability to withstand the high
temperatures created when drilling harder metals. 

Step 2. Speed

Many people have a tendency to drill at as high a speed as possible assuming that the faster the drill bit
is turning the quicker it will drill the hole. This is a big mistake, particularly when drilling stainless
steel. Stainless steel is not the hardest of metals in its natural form, however as pointed out by Chip
Lawson in his pieceKnow How: Drilling Stainless Steel’, stainless steel will ‘work harden’ fairly quickly
when heated, and one sure way to increase heat is to drill fast. Once the stainless steel is work hardened
it will become very difficult to drill.
There are many drill bit speed charts available quoting revolutions per minute, in reality not too many
people will be able to relate to these figures. Our advice would be to drill at as slow a speed as your
power drill will allow.

 

Step 3. Pressure

Another misconception is that maximum pressure will result in maximum results. Excessive pressure will
have the same effect as drilling at a high speed, it will cause unwanted heat build up. The best approach
is to start off with a light pressure increasing slowly until you achieve nice spiral cuts coming from the
cutting face. Once achieved do not exceed required pressure.

 

Step 4. Lubricant

It may seem obvious to some that when two metal surfaces are moving against each other under
pressure that lubrication is necessary. However many will drill metal without any form of lubrication. A
good drilling Lubricant will reduce the friction and assist in controlling temperature build up. There are
many types ofdrilling lubricant available including oils, sprays and pastes. Our advice would be to use
one rather than not using any.
 

Step 5. Take a break…

Even with a slow speed, reduced pressure and good lubrication heat build up is inevitable when drilling
stainless. It is important therefore to stop drilling from time to time to allow the drill bit to cool down.
We would recommend you do not drill for longer that 30 seconds without taking a break. As Allfasteners
say in their articleDrilling Stainless Steel the Right Way drill the material on short bursts. The larger
the drill bit size the faster the heat build up will be so this time should be reduced for larger drill bit
sizes.
BUY METRIC SIZES - Drilling stainless steel
Newsletter sign up - Drilling stainless steel
Copy of BUY IMPERIAL SIZES - Drilling stainless steel

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This