Drilling holes in stainless steel handrail

Kiran

I'm going to be fitting a stainless steel banister rail this weekend and having received the delivery yesterday I have discovered that I need to drill the holes for the handrail brackets to be secured. I already have cobalt drill bits and cutting paste from a previous job. Does anyone have any hints/tips/equipment ideas to make sure it all goes to plan?

TIA

cyclonebri1

As an ex engineer I can safely say s/s is alittle more difficult than most common steels, it rapidly work hardens when drilling.

What you need to do is run the drill slower than for mild steel, and above all use a sharp drill, and keep a heavy pressure on the drill. Lubricate with any available oil.

If the drill rubs due to being blunt or not holding pressur on the drill, it will heat and harden the steel.

High speed steel, titanium plated or cobalt/ tungsten carbide drills are are useable

paddyrg

Don't use diamond tools for steels - the carbon dissolves into the steel