Drilling hole through 12mm steel

lagi

Need to drill a hole through a piece of 12mm steel, later today. Would i be able to do this at home with a normal drill or will i have to find somewhere to do it for me?

Asking now has steel hasn't arrived yet and might need to ring around.

Andy_L

What diameter is the hole?

wallbash

Short answer ... yes:D

Going on my experience of drilling lots of holes in RSJ 's , they must be around 12mm ??

New drill bit and let the 'drill' take strain.

Steve_xx

Yes you should be able to drill it. But in case you don't realise, you will need drill bits suitable for drilling metal, ie wood or masonry drill bits will not do.

smartpicture

I've been trying to drill through 6.5cm wirth of UPVC door for three days now, which I was told was a thin layer of plastic over aluminium, and I'm struggling.

I need a 13mm hole, and bought a HSS super-strength drillbit from B&Q. However, I've now resorted to using ordinary metal drill bits from size 4 upwards, gradually increasing the size of the hole bit by bit. I've managed to get about half-way through so far, but it's been a struggle. Is this a lost cause, or something only burly muscle-bound types should attempt?

wallbash

something only burly muscle-bound types should attempt?

Will admit to be a 9 stone weakling
So its not muscles. But its easier if you can put some weight behind it

Would have thought a NEW HSS would work

gradually increasing the size

good idea

Vibrant

Hi,
Don't put too much pressure on the drill bit and lubricate it with oil, otherwise it will overheat and damage the bit.
Starting with a small bit and increasing in size is good practice.
If your drill is multi-speed, use a slower speed, around 500rpm is ok, faster isn't always better.

smartpicture,
aluminium is quite soft and easy to drill, so it's probably an alloy, or even steel (see if the waste is magnetic). Don't push too hard, it doesn't cut any quicker, it ruins the drill bits and you could have an accident if the bit breaks.

MX5huggy

smartpicture wrote: »

I've managed to get about half-way through so far, but it's been a struggle. Is this a lost cause, or something only burly muscle-bound types should attempt?

You are drilling all the way through with the smaller size drill arn't you.

ormus

a sharp bit is essential. and a slow speed drill is generally better. a fully charged battery drill with variable speed is safer than a mains drill.
when a mains drill jams, it can do you a serious injury. take care now.

27col

Slow speed, smaller pilot drill, lubrication, good quality HSS drill bits. These are the requirements. If necessary use several smaller drills, gradually coming up to the 12 mm. As ormus says, try to ensure the drill does not jam. It could spin right out of your hand, or injure you by twisting your wrist.

smartpicture

Thanks for all the tips everyone. I must admit, I just assumed faster was always better / stronger. And I've never heard of lubricating the drillbit, I presume you mean with something like the 3-in-One oil I use on squeaky hinges, or maybe someting like WD40? Sorry for being a bit blonde. I will try again tonight with renewed vigour!

Although drills come with with instructions, and I've read them all the way through, they don't seem to tell you the things a novice like me really needs to know!