How do you drill hardened steel!?!?!?!?!? I have a screw extractor that broke and is stuck in the screw and I need to drill It out, how would I drill out the hardened steel?????
@KEVINSAWESOME1 I could be wrong, but it probably depends on where you're drilling the hole, you don't want to do it too close to the blade, because if it gets too hot you can ruin your temper. It might also depend on how small your blade is, but I think if you're careful you can probably do it alright (I actually came here for the same reason, I'm drilling a second hole in this survival knife blade to make a spear)
Hi, I'm planning on drilling a hole through the bottom of my van's floor (installing a shower drain) using a hole saw. First off, would your basic $20 cordless 7.2 volt drill do the job, or does this need a fancier drill? Secondly, should I still add oil to the surface area where the pilot bit will first make contact with the metal? Thanks.
I need to drill through a 55 gallon drum - we use them out in the country for burn barrels - so you just drill holes here and there in the barrel for air. I have a 300 bit set and would like to use one of them and not have to buy something. I am new to all of this so if you tell me a particular bit a description of the bit will help me also. TYIA
@PeterJG1972 Same methodology. Aluminum is soft. It's easy to drill. just clamp it and take your time. Drill a test hole if you have a scrap of the material around.
@PeterJG1972 If you want a clean hole in soft metal, clamp it on top of a piece of scrap iron using mole grips and allow the drill bit to enter the iron to its full diameter. Done this way you should get a truly round hole. If done freehand against a bit of wood the hole will become oversize as the drill jiggles around as it breaks out. (the wood is not strong enough to keep the drill bit centered).
You'll need a 118 degree bit or if your drilling stainless or similar you'll need a 135 degree bit. Like he said go slow but provide lots of pressure. And cutting oil too.
@AsktheBuilder Wouldn't use a plasma cutter or anything which heats up too much on a tempered knife. It will mess up the tempering of the steel (it will cause the ferrite particles in the steel to grow, resulting in a weaker, more ductile knife).
@JustinBaker2567 Hi Justin, There is steel and there is hardened steel. For ordinary mild steel or even low carbon steel as used for lorry chassis ordinary "jobber" HSS drill bit will do OK if they are sharpened properly. For stainless and harder stuff HSSCo drill bits are better but they are somewhat brittle, there are also carbide drill bits. For big holes a "Rotabroach" magnetic drilling machine is superb. Finally if you want to drill holes in chrome-vanadium "Stellite" is the business
@Brandtalones Great question! I've got one for you: How come at your channel I can't find a video that you taped and uploaded showing us how to use a center punch?
@igbhd That's a great question. Here's why. A person who's never drilled steel would never know about a center punch. The Brandtalones fellow obviously is one who knows to use one and was being cute. He's just trying to puff his feathers.
So I go to his channel and there's nothing there. If he's an expert or knows the topic, then he should simply make his own video titled: Drilling Steel Using a Center Punch
You have no idea how many rude comments I delete each day that you never see.
cobalt,HSS or titanium bits can all drill steel just fine, and yes use cutting or tapping flid when drilling steel, and yes drilling slow in any steels is the best as it will prevent your drill form getting dull to fast, wood bits are not ment for metal this is true,i have tried it and well its not a good idea to use wood bits on steel but there are 2 types ones with brad points and ones with out,
cobalt?? Are you kidding. Just use a 118 degree HSS drill, the shorter the better(rigidity) don't be stingy with the cutting fluid, watch your RPMs and don't force the drill through the work piece. Unless you plan on drilling a buttload of holes don't waste your money on cobalt or carbide tipped drills. Always spot the hole you plan on drilling too, otherwise your drill and you are going for a walk.
@h23sirlude Because you should use coolant every time you drill into any kind of steel,, soft or hard tool steel. Im only a14 year tool and die builder..what do i know..lol...wow.. i need to make some machinist vids
Nice, but You know what is the "hard steel"??? Soft steels like near iron (mark st3PS5, st5 and others...), industrial steels is middle in-between soft anf hard steels(mark st20, st30, st45 and others), and "hard steel" how You call it- it is the instrumental steel (tool steel). Hard steels is the alloy, and from hard steel makeing gearwheels, punchs, bearings, drills, truck half axels... (mark 40H, H12M, 9HS,, 5HNM, HSS- R9, R18, R6M5, R18K5F2, and others....). Try drill hole in a bearing.
I've tried to drill sheet metal before, but ended up with a very shiny cone shaped indentation. Was is from using wrong bit, or drilling a non-secure material?
You were using a cheap bit. Probably the right type, but not hardened correctly. Try a slighly better grade of bit than the cheapest you can find- they cut easily through steel.
No doubt. There is a great video here on YouTube made by a guy named Kevin Caron. His channel might be KevinCaron. But he shows cutting circles and holes with a plasma cutter. It's a VERY cool tool indeed!
What would you recommend for a nice set of cobalt bits, I have looked at grizzly, craftsman, and harbor freight but I'm unable to tell which makes the best highest quality bits.
I have watched several of your videos on here and think you explain everything wonderfully. I know it is not the same thing, but I watched your video on stainless steel drilling. Is it the same process with drilling through stainless steel spoons? I want to make a windchime with table ware. I also want to add that you gave a couple of pointers that no one else told me; so thanks in advance.
i am curious...my drill press is variable speed yet it seems to recommend the higher speed for metal whereas you say lower speed....why would the press say higher speed for metal?
with my machining experience, it just depends on what you are drilling, how big the drillbit is, and if you are using a coolant or not. its good to use oil on any drilling operation. as far as speed goes, there shouldnt be any vibration in the work or drill, if there is, make more rigid and slow the rpm's.
Thanks, just had a look at the drill I have. Its older, its a Makita 6012HD and says 1100/400 RPM, think thats good enough for the job? Can you recommend any drill bits?
Just wanted to say, did the drilling today. Was very easy and thanks for the help from your videos. I used a hammer to nail a little point where I was about to drill before I did the pilot hole.
I have a 3/8" thick steel plate I need to drill four holes in to the steel and I have access to a drill press and have the right cobalt 1/2" bit needed and oil. Can i use the drill press to cut my holes or no??
Plate steel is AISI 36, and is not considered a "hard steel" Hard steels are going to be the ten-hundred series or 5160 spring steels, A@, D2, and many others. One thing about drilling spring steels. Water is the standard method of heat treating spring steel......No oil! So when you use water as a lubricant on spring steel, you will have problems. Drill 1095, 5160, 1084, etc., with a sharp bit, and no water or oil as a lube for the bit. Oil is fine for plate steel. It is a mild steel.
Water is the way of quenching the steel, not heat treating. Also A2 is a special air hardening steel where it is quenched in air. Useful if you want little distortion in your part. I highy doubt anybody has a plate of chromium nickel tool steel laying around (a2, d2, o1. Even if you did have those grades, you would need to heat to about 1550*f then quench it to get real hardness out of it.
I use ordinary drill bits and water on harden steel like (lift springs on trucks or bed frames.) They are the hardest steel I know but it was easy. The bad part is that I have sharpen the bits after three or four holes. With cobalt or high quality HHS no resharpening was needed.
Start with a 3/16ths-inch bit. Use regular motor oil. If you were doing this commercially, there is a special oil that is used to protect bits that are drilling all day every day. But for one or two holes, regular oil will protect the bit.
Quick question about drilling in general, I've never used a drilling machine in my life, now I need to fix a chair that has a loose leg, how do I go about doing this? Meaning how do I attach the chair leg to the chair with the drilling machine? Any help would be great.
Great, and a very concise and clear explanation! Thanks.
HugeGene 5 days ago
Is a 3-in-1 oil ok? Also, why didnt you use a pilot hole
PUSSY100ish 6 days ago
How do you drill hardened steel!?!?!?!?!? I have a screw extractor that broke and is stuck in the screw and I need to drill It out, how would I drill out the hardened steel?????
ShortyzProductionz 1 week ago
hay thanks! i wanna drill through a knife and make two holes will it work? im making a butterfly knife and i dont think it will work..
KEVINSAWESOME1 1 month ago
@KEVINSAWESOME1 I could be wrong, but it probably depends on where you're drilling the hole, you don't want to do it too close to the blade, because if it gets too hot you can ruin your temper. It might also depend on how small your blade is, but I think if you're careful you can probably do it alright (I actually came here for the same reason, I'm drilling a second hole in this survival knife blade to make a spear)
Spirosaur 1 month ago
Thanks for that, I used it today on my shaft! Slow speed, never occurred to me!
kayaking4autism 1 month ago
Would a cobalt bit work for hardened steel like one would find on a knife blade?
SrJoben 1 month ago
what kind of bit and drill do i need to use for drilling through tool steel (Iwant to add a lanyard hole to a pair of plyers)
BuiltFarmStrong 2 months ago
Hi, I'm planning on drilling a hole through the bottom of my van's floor (installing a shower drain) using a hole saw. First off, would your basic $20 cordless 7.2 volt drill do the job, or does this need a fancier drill? Secondly, should I still add oil to the surface area where the pilot bit will first make contact with the metal? Thanks.
yamsack1 5 months ago
@yamsack1 Yes and yes.
AsktheBuilder 5 months ago
@TheRiverMiss
If your in the country improvise,just shoot holes in it,problem solved
thegame1723 7 months ago
Thank you really useful
MrAivariokas 7 months ago
I need to drill through a 55 gallon drum - we use them out in the country for burn barrels - so you just drill holes here and there in the barrel for air. I have a 300 bit set and would like to use one of them and not have to buy something. I am new to all of this so if you tell me a particular bit a description of the bit will help me also. TYIA
TheRiverMiss 8 months ago
Do you need a cobalt drill bit to drill through steel?
BeastmanWatchUrMouth 8 months ago
you can always just use hss (high speed steel) bit they are more cheaper than a carbite bit but they do the work also
TheBodvarg 9 months ago
Nice video,thnaks
How would you go about drilling a 8mm hole in 2mm sheet aluminium?
PeterJG1972 9 months ago
@PeterJG1972 Same methodology. Aluminum is soft. It's easy to drill. just clamp it and take your time. Drill a test hole if you have a scrap of the material around.
AsktheBuilder 9 months ago
@AsktheBuilder
do not use heavy oil use no oil or cerosine and use speeds of about 2500rpm
TheBodvarg 9 months ago
I use a few drops of water on aluminum for a cleaner bore. Oil seems to make aluminum too slippery to get started.
campeau29 8 months ago
@PeterJG1972 If you want a clean hole in soft metal, clamp it on top of a piece of scrap iron using mole grips and allow the drill bit to enter the iron to its full diameter. Done this way you should get a truly round hole. If done freehand against a bit of wood the hole will become oversize as the drill jiggles around as it breaks out. (the wood is not strong enough to keep the drill bit centered).
techdavey1000 3 months ago
You'll need a 118 degree bit or if your drilling stainless or similar you'll need a 135 degree bit. Like he said go slow but provide lots of pressure. And cutting oil too.
diehardmercfan 10 months ago
Can you cut through really hardened steel, like a tempered knife?
JustinBaker2567 10 months ago
@JustinBaker2567 Yes you can. Any steel can be cut. It may take special blades, saws, shears or a plasma cutter.
AsktheBuilder 10 months ago
@AsktheBuilder Wouldn't use a plasma cutter or anything which heats up too much on a tempered knife. It will mess up the tempering of the steel (it will cause the ferrite particles in the steel to grow, resulting in a weaker, more ductile knife).
MrJonagikster 5 months ago
@JustinBaker2567 Hi Justin, There is steel and there is hardened steel. For ordinary mild steel or even low carbon steel as used for lorry chassis ordinary "jobber" HSS drill bit will do OK if they are sharpened properly. For stainless and harder stuff HSSCo drill bits are better but they are somewhat brittle, there are also carbide drill bits. For big holes a "Rotabroach" magnetic drilling machine is superb. Finally if you want to drill holes in chrome-vanadium "Stellite" is the business
techdavey1000 3 months ago
what do people use to drill holes in the steel blade handle in knifemaking?
Microglia1 11 months ago
Valuable pointers for a beginner in this vid.
Would like to add; Using a "high grade machine shop cutting oil" (vs WD40, etc) will really help extend the life of those expensive drill bits.
Hope this helps & Thanx 4 posting
DonTerhune1200cc 1 year ago
i am not being rude or sumthing
a center punch has 2 things working
1 market the place where u need to dril
2 keep it there when u dril
its more like a method for helping
thierryxxthierry 1 year ago
how much torque the drill will require to drill thought metal...?
tunes362 1 year ago
@tunes362 put it on the clutch setting with the picture of a drill bit.
Penguinboy1995 1 year ago
thanks for informing us i want to make a make something after Christmas this will help a lot.
devinwalker47 1 year ago
Where's your center punch?
Brandtalones 1 year ago 10
@Brandtalones Great question! I've got one for you: How come at your channel I can't find a video that you taped and uploaded showing us how to use a center punch?
AsktheBuilder 1 year ago
@AsktheBuilder question for you
why you giving someone a telling off when there only asking you a simple question
igbhd 1 year ago
@igbhd That's a great question. Here's why. A person who's never drilled steel would never know about a center punch. The Brandtalones fellow obviously is one who knows to use one and was being cute. He's just trying to puff his feathers.
So I go to his channel and there's nothing there. If he's an expert or knows the topic, then he should simply make his own video titled: Drilling Steel Using a Center Punch
You have no idea how many rude comments I delete each day that you never see.
AsktheBuilder 1 year ago
@AsktheBuilder ok
igbhd 1 year ago
@AsktheBuilder
Good video if you feel like drilling random holes into steel. Otherwise, use a center punch.
spin467 1 year ago
cobalt,HSS or titanium bits can all drill steel just fine, and yes use cutting or tapping flid when drilling steel, and yes drilling slow in any steels is the best as it will prevent your drill form getting dull to fast, wood bits are not ment for metal this is true,i have tried it and well its not a good idea to use wood bits on steel but there are 2 types ones with brad points and ones with out,
KevinMillard68 1 year ago
Tanks, Muchas Gracias,
claudiovazquez76 1 year ago
You must add a lot of pressure or medium pressure?
TheAL3xGR 1 year ago
cobalt?? Are you kidding. Just use a 118 degree HSS drill, the shorter the better(rigidity) don't be stingy with the cutting fluid, watch your RPMs and don't force the drill through the work piece. Unless you plan on drilling a buttload of holes don't waste your money on cobalt or carbide tipped drills. Always spot the hole you plan on drilling too, otherwise your drill and you are going for a walk.
alderaforall 1 year ago
would i do the same when drilling a hole into aluminum?
slipknotmatt123123 1 year ago
@slipknotmatt123123
Yes, but aluminum soft and you can go much faster.
antifactionprogman 1 year ago
any body used automotive coolant to drill? i use it every time i drill into metal.
h23sirlude 1 year ago
@h23sirlude Because you should use coolant every time you drill into any kind of steel,, soft or hard tool steel. Im only a14 year tool and die builder..what do i know..lol...wow.. i need to make some machinist vids
william4art 1 year ago
Nice, but You know what is the "hard steel"??? Soft steels like near iron (mark st3PS5, st5 and others...), industrial steels is middle in-between soft anf hard steels(mark st20, st30, st45 and others), and "hard steel" how You call it- it is the instrumental steel (tool steel). Hard steels is the alloy, and from hard steel makeing gearwheels, punchs, bearings, drills, truck half axels... (mark 40H, H12M, 9HS,, 5HNM, HSS- R9, R18, R6M5, R18K5F2, and others....). Try drill hole in a bearing.
FactoryDragon87 1 year ago
he is spot on. take advise all DIY ers
P.S. keep pressure on the drill that will let the bit bites into the steel you r drilling
enilyksnor 1 year ago
need a bit mor oil...try using rocol, and that is sheet...4.76 or 3/16 can be easily bent
rick371 1 year ago
what if im trying to drill a hole at an angle?
syphonboa 1 year ago
and pilot holes !
teaismylife247 1 year ago
dude you forgot to marking out with a centre punch !
teaismylife247 1 year ago
Thanks for the video, this is very helpful for a project of mine.
dros420 1 year ago
Thanks, that is what I needed to know. I'm drilling a 3/16 steel.
kdweste 2 years ago
Most wood drill bits are now designed to be suitable for use on metals, but I wouldn't like to chance wasting a bit.
decelectronicsltd 2 years ago
that was cool :)
MrBadassButch 2 years ago
Amazing fingernails!
EnticingHairFella 2 years ago
Thanks, video helped alot.
fleng 2 years ago
I found this video to be very helpful, especually using wood underneath to save the bit. Thanks for sharing!
AmazorMann 2 years ago
I've tried to drill sheet metal before, but ended up with a very shiny cone shaped indentation. Was is from using wrong bit, or drilling a non-secure material?
AlmostCommon 2 years ago
You were using a cheap bit. Probably the right type, but not hardened correctly. Try a slighly better grade of bit than the cheapest you can find- they cut easily through steel.
hammej1 2 years ago
@hammej1 It isnt so much the quality of the drill as it is the relief angle, the proper speed and feed
william4art 1 year ago
wusses use drills, real men use plasma cutters and sheer strength
sumgui 2 years ago
Lame. Not everyone can afford a plasma cutter. I'm sure when you started out you used a drill. So what does that make you?
AsktheBuilder 2 years ago 5
haha, only kidding mate. Yeah, drilling a hole is alot cleaner than plasma cutting one.. especially if the hole is only tiny.
sumgui 2 years ago
No doubt. There is a great video here on YouTube made by a guy named Kevin Caron. His channel might be KevinCaron. But he shows cutting circles and holes with a plasma cutter. It's a VERY cool tool indeed!
AsktheBuilder 2 years ago
Comment removed
alexkills4fun 2 years ago
cheers, this will help me with my electronics exam, casing design and manufactoring section
woollerland 2 years ago
What would you recommend for a nice set of cobalt bits, I have looked at grizzly, craftsman, and harbor freight but I'm unable to tell which makes the best highest quality bits.
Halo2maniaccc 2 years ago
Price can be a good barometer. Higher cost often equates to better steel.
AsktheBuilder 2 years ago
harbor freight looks really good , but im hesitant because of the price are they good?
FASANORACING 2 years ago
I have watched several of your videos on here and think you explain everything wonderfully. I know it is not the same thing, but I watched your video on stainless steel drilling. Is it the same process with drilling through stainless steel spoons? I want to make a windchime with table ware. I also want to add that you gave a couple of pointers that no one else told me; so thanks in advance.
sueellenphillips 2 years ago
Thanks! You can drill the spoons. Same process. Use a sharp bit. Clamp the spoon in position so it doesn't move.
AsktheBuilder 2 years ago
i am curious...my drill press is variable speed yet it seems to recommend the higher speed for metal whereas you say lower speed....why would the press say higher speed for metal?
jhawkod 3 years ago
I think you're at the wrong place to ask that question. :->
You should contact the drill press manufacturer. I give you my answer. Get there's and see who you like better.
AsktheBuilder 3 years ago
with my machining experience, it just depends on what you are drilling, how big the drillbit is, and if you are using a coolant or not. its good to use oil on any drilling operation. as far as speed goes, there shouldnt be any vibration in the work or drill, if there is, make more rigid and slow the rpm's.
kawasakikillerr 3 years ago
I think you may use just about any oil you wish, there are always better oils... but if you're in a pinch--use cooking oil.
MartyNoir 3 years ago
What kind of oil can you use? Thx
johnlazik 3 years ago
You can use special cutting oils that are low sulfur. But if you are just doing one hole, regular motor oil will protect the bit.
AsktheBuilder 3 years ago
Would the same bit work for circular poles?
jfizzle81095 3 years ago
I can't see why not.
AsktheBuilder 3 years ago
make sure u centre punch the still 1st
huwz78 2 years ago
I need to drill about 1-2mm of aluminum. I would think this should be easier than drilling hard steel if I do the same steps you do?
chucktaggart 3 years ago
Correct. Read the other comments about clamping your work! Very important.... you will have no problems drilling aluminum with a sharp bit.
AsktheBuilder 3 years ago
Thanks, just had a look at the drill I have. Its older, its a Makita 6012HD and says 1100/400 RPM, think thats good enough for the job? Can you recommend any drill bits?
chucktaggart 3 years ago
That drill will work. Any sharp metal bit. Look at the video once more.
AsktheBuilder 3 years ago
Can you use something like WD-40 for lubricant?
chucktaggart 3 years ago
Just wanted to say, did the drilling today. Was very easy and thanks for the help from your videos. I used a hammer to nail a little point where I was about to drill before I did the pilot hole.
chucktaggart 3 years ago
Congrats!
AsktheBuilder 3 years ago
cutting speed x 4 / diameter = rpm
minnunderground2 3 years ago
mr tim, well my dad got some tools from my grandpa and he gave me a drill and a sawzall well the drill is
Skil 18V Cordless 3/8" 2-Speed Drill/Driver w/ Bit Index
and the specs are
Voltage 18V
Charger Time 1 Hour
No Load RPM 0 - 350, 0 - 1,250/min
Chuck Capacity Up to 3/8" Keyless Chuck
is that good? or not?
Durken316 3 years ago
It's not a bad tool.
AsktheBuilder 3 years ago
I have a 3/8" thick steel plate I need to drill four holes in to the steel and I have access to a drill press and have the right cobalt 1/2" bit needed and oil. Can i use the drill press to cut my holes or no??
mikeybagz 3 years ago
Yes. SLOW drill speed. Clamp the plate so it doesn't spin.
AsktheBuilder 3 years ago
Plate steel is AISI 36, and is not considered a "hard steel" Hard steels are going to be the ten-hundred series or 5160 spring steels, A@, D2, and many others. One thing about drilling spring steels. Water is the standard method of heat treating spring steel......No oil! So when you use water as a lubricant on spring steel, you will have problems. Drill 1095, 5160, 1084, etc., with a sharp bit, and no water or oil as a lube for the bit. Oil is fine for plate steel. It is a mild steel.
GCRU486 3 years ago
Many thanks for this useful comment. I really appreciate it when a person like you shares the really good secrets about a topic. Thanks again!
AsktheBuilder 3 years ago
Water is the way of quenching the steel, not heat treating. Also A2 is a special air hardening steel where it is quenched in air. Useful if you want little distortion in your part. I highy doubt anybody has a plate of chromium nickel tool steel laying around (a2, d2, o1. Even if you did have those grades, you would need to heat to about 1550*f then quench it to get real hardness out of it.
minnunderground2 3 years ago
Using a center punch can help the bit from "walking" when you start.
trailbusterbrute 3 years ago
I use ordinary drill bits and water on harden steel like (lift springs on trucks or bed frames.) They are the hardest steel I know but it was easy. The bad part is that I have sharpen the bits after three or four holes. With cobalt or high quality HHS no resharpening was needed.
JustMakingComments 3 years ago
thanks very helpful
brr147258 3 years ago
what size bit and what kind of oil should i use
brr147258 3 years ago
Start with a 3/16ths-inch bit. Use regular motor oil. If you were doing this commercially, there is a special oil that is used to protect bits that are drilling all day every day. But for one or two holes, regular oil will protect the bit.
AsktheBuilder 3 years ago
tim, are the titanium drill bits okay for steel. please respond.thanks
Skunk980 3 years ago
I would think so. Look at the label before you buy it.
AsktheBuilder 3 years ago
I am building a gokart what kind of drill should I use ?
samanthms123 4 years ago
It doesn't matter what drill you use.
AsktheBuilder 4 years ago
Thanks!
Emericaskates94 4 years ago
hey i can drill but i make things out of wood and when i use screws the head strips how can i prevent this please message back
Emericaskates94 4 years ago
Try drilling a pilot hole.
AsktheBuilder 4 years ago
thanks very useful
tulpang 4 years ago
You are welcome. I missed my appointment the day before with my manicurist.
AsktheBuilder 4 years ago
Quick question about drilling in general, I've never used a drilling machine in my life, now I need to fix a chair that has a loose leg, how do I go about doing this? Meaning how do I attach the chair leg to the chair with the drilling machine? Any help would be great.
solidnem 4 years ago
The fix does not include a drill. Why not re-glue and clamp the leg in place? Use yellow carpenter's glue.
AsktheBuilder 4 years ago
use duct tape, its the manly way!
brettsmith20 4 years ago