Steel drill bit question

jafsie

Would someone kindly tell me where to get a drill for drilling a piece of metal and what to ask for.

I know this sounds simple but I don't know one drill bit from another (except masonry bits I know what they look like) .

Thanks

tiggerbodhi

Any good tool supplier, B and Q if you really have to! but Screwfix and Wickes will be cheaper.

Assuming you are drilling Aluminium, Copper and Steel you need "HSS" bits (High Speed Steel) if you are drilling Stainless steel you usethe same but go slower and be prepared for blunting them!

When drilling with HSS bits it is best to drill a small pilot hole first then move up in sizes to the size you want, dont go straight for a 13MM hole for instance drill a 4mm, then 8 to make it an easier job, the bigger the drill bit the slower you need to go with the RPM of the drill.

Also worth adding a little oil as you drill if possible to the bit as it will help it cut and cool the bit.

HTH

jafsie

Tigger, could you give me a link to this item please on amazon or screwfix or wherever.

What you describe is what I thought I already have but it barely scratches the surface of the metal:(

Kiran

As above, what type of metal are you drilling and also what kind of drill are you using?

If you let us know the size someone can post a direct link for you

tiggerbodhi

jafsie wrote: »

Tigger, could you give me a link to this item please on amazon or screwfix or wherever.

What you describe is what I thought I already have but it barely scratches the surface of the metal:(

These are one set, there are lots! generally the better the make the longer they will last..

http://www.screwfix.com/p/hss-metal-boxed-drill-bit-set-metric-19-pc/15046

What are you trying to drill? it is possible whatever it is has been hardened or tempered and a normal HSS drill bit wont be able to scratch the surface...

greyteam1959

If you are trying to drill stainless steel you will need a special drill bit.
HTH

Stooby2

As everyone has said above, although I would step up 2mm a time not 4mm..start at 2mm, then 4mm etc.

Also, don't use the drill at full speed - a slower speed will keep the heat down and reduce the risk of blunting the drill bits.

cyclonebri1

mervyn11 wrote: »

If you are trying to drill stainless steel you will need a special drill bit.
HTH

No you don't, you need a sharp HSS drill and the correct technique.

General use HSS drills are known as "jobber" drill in the trade, check out cromwell tools catalogue.