Can I use this drill bit on stainless?

Can I use this drill bit pictured to drill a 1/2" hole onto a 1mm thick stainless pot or is the best and really only bit to be used a titanium or carbide step bit?

I am trying to economically get a 10 gallon HLT and drilling my own hole into a concord stainless pot from eBay is a way to do it. They offer this bit for $9. Also, can I use olive or vegetable oil as my lubricant?

I don't know how that would react trying to dri the steel. A steep bit realy is the way to go. I like to use 3n1 oil or a car oil when cutting steel vegetable oil might smoke up and gunk up. But I haven't tried it.

That looks like something used to machine cast iron or aluminum.

Get a step bit from Harbor Freight. They work great.

+1 on harbor freight bit. I bought a 2 pack of step bits for 17 bucks and they work great

I got the step bits from HF and I was amazed at how well they worked. You can't go wrong there, although you will need a small 1/8 bit for a pilot hole as well...

Agreed with the pilot hole. Making one with a standard drill bit prior to using the step bit will prolong its life. And go get yourself some actual cutting oil/grease. Your bits and your pot will appreciate it. And remember, slow and steady will win the race.


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You can use penetrating oil in lieu of cutting oil.

Thank you all! For double the cost the HF step drill bit sounds like the way to go. Even though it is double the cost, it is definitely something I bet I would do better with and still cheaper than Lowe's or Home Depot's step drill bits.

I'll get cutting oil as well. I've drilled a fair amount of holes in glass but I could do that under constant running water without issue. I assume my standard Makita drill bits will be fine to use to drill the pilot hole?

That bit, BTW, looks like my hole saw bits. It looks like it could tear the crap out of metal and if it is like a hole saw, it could really "splinter" the steel. I just wasn't sure if my instinct was right on this one.

plenty of liquid soap works well for lubricant when drilling stainless as well.

When you got to drill the pilot hole, make sure you either use a center punch or take the bit separate from the drill and lightly hammer a ding to mark where you want to start the drilling. Wouldn't want your bit to move from where you want the hole


- ISM NRP

IvanTheTerribrew said:

When you got to drill the pilot hole, make sure you either use a center punch or take the bit separate from the drill and lightly hammer a ding to mark where you want to start the drilling. Wouldn't want your bit to move from where you want the hole


- ISM NRP

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The drill bit will probably shatter if you do this.

bja said:

The drill bit will probably shatter if you do this.

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+1 center punches aren't that expensive.

Airplanedoc said:

+1 center punches aren't that expensive.

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A nail might wok too.

IvanTheTerribrew said:

When you got to drill the pilot hole, make sure you either use a center punch or take the bit separate from the drill and lightly hammer a ding to mark where you want to start the drilling. Wouldn't want your bit to move from where you want the hole


- ISM NRP

Click to expand...

Yes, and a big scratch down the side of your keg is not something that will look appealing.


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I have a center punch so I will use that. Thanks for the tip, I wouldn't have thought about that to be honest. I'm calling HF today to see if they have the bits in store. I live nearby a couple of them.

The concord bit looks promising and I like drilling ss with hole saws except they never give a reliable hole size. That one looks to have a consistent tooth pattern rather than the jagged set teeth of a normal hole saw