Drilling a Keggle

[BrewForMe]

For any noobs like me that will be drilling a hole in their keggle for a ball valve for the first time, don't be intimidated. I was worried to death because i thought stainless steel was going to be really hard to drill with a hole saw, turns out it isn't. SWMBO picked up a 7/8" Dewalt Impact Ready Hole saw (part # D180014IR) for me today. I measured (twice ) and center punched for the hole. Then, as a bead of sweat began to drip from my forehead, I started drilling slowly. 10 seconds later, my hole was finished. I am still amazed at how well this saw cuts. I am not sure if other methods work just as well or not, but I just wanted to let you know how well this did. Happy Brewing!

 

[passedpawn]

I used a step bit. I've done 4 keggles, plus 1 1/4 hoels for electrical elements. I will never use a step bit again on SS. What a pain in the ass.

You did right. Good luck with the rest of your build.

 

[joeybeer]

I second that passedpawn.. I burned up a $300 cordless drill with a step bit.. Pain in the a55

 

[Maltose]

Found a local machine shop who punched about 12 holes in my kettles for $20.

 

[TonySwank]

I didn't have too many issues using a step bit, just start with a small bit, go slow and use lots of oil. 7/8 holes typically took me about one minute, but I do have a really beefy drill. Cleaning up the edges took longer than drilling. Using a high quality step bit makes a huge difference.

I do really like the machine shop idea if you have one close.

 

[chipsah]

I also used a step bit. With the cheap a$$ bit I got from the local hardware big box it took FOREVER. I ordered the step bit from BargainFittings.com and it tore through the remaining kegs. Like others have said, slow going is the key and oil certainly helps.

 

[Grahambo]

95% of the time cordless tools should be avoided, they suck. My 10+ year old dewalt tears through SS like it's nothing with basically dull bits 3/16 to 5/16 to 7/16 etc.

 

[Jota21]

I second that passedpawn.. I burned up a $300 cordless drill with a step bit.. Pain in the a55

Festool?

What do you do for a living? I never understood the prices of some tools... Dont get my wrong, I'm only a DIYer but i spurge on things that will last, ie: Milwaukee, Makita, Dewalt, and Bosh, but $300 for a drill seems insane!

/threadjack

 

[passedpawn]

Festool?

What do you do for a living? I never understood the prices of some tools... Dont get my wrong, I'm only a DIYer but i spurge on things that will last, ie: Milwaukee, Makita, Dewalt, and Bosh, but $300 for a drill seems insane!

/threadjack

Milwaukee makes a very expensive LiIon cordless. Maybe that.

Cordless tools are great for many jobs; can't see how anyone can deny that. But when a lot of torque is necessary, you can't beat a high-amp corded drill with a large chuck.

 

[pm5k00]

There is nothing wrong with cordless drills, you should however be using one with at least an 18 volt battery. Also you should be using an impact drill as a standard will not go through Stainless Steel easily. FYI, I am a Sheet Metal Worker and work with galvanized steel, stainless steel, black iron, aluminum, and copper daily.

 

[NickN72]

maybe i'm just lucky, but i don't understand why everyone has so much trouble drilling a keggle. I have a cheapo 14.4 volt drill and it took me a whole 30 seconds to do. I had a dewalt bit, drilled about a 1/4 inch whole, then used a cheapo step bit i got in a 3 pack at menards for $12. Didn't use any oil or anything. I've done 2 of them and I had the valve on and done in less than 5 minutes each.

 

[Berniep]

There is nothing wrong with cordless drills, you should however be using one with at least an 18 volt battery. Also you should be using an impact drill as a standard will not go through Stainless Steel easily. FYI, I am a Sheet Metal Worker and work with galvanized steel, stainless steel, black iron, aluminum, and copper daily.

My 12 volt dewalt will easily drill several holes in a keggle on one charge.
I gave a 24 volt rigid but the 12 volt gets more use because it's smaller and lighter.
Never tried using the hammer function on metal.
If it's turning and it's not making chips you need to stop. Stainless work hardens immediately and becomes a drill bit wrecker if it gets smushed around by a dull bit.

 

[steppenwolph]

maybe i'm just lucky, but i don't understand why everyone has so much trouble drilling a keggle. I have a cheapo 14.4 volt drill and it took me a whole 30 seconds to do.

This was my experience as well, though I used a corded drill. It was even a previously used step bit. With the keg lying horizontal on the ground and my boy sitting on the keg to stabilize it, I was able to use all my upper body weight to push the drill. Lots of pressure, low drill RPM's. Got a nice clean hole in no time at all.

 

[Grahambo]

Cordless tools are great for many jobs; can't see how anyone can deny that.

Clearly you have never had to rely on one for day to day use. Great for doing one thing for 5 minutes. Useless in reality. Buy corded tools. Last longer, work better, cheaper. Period.

 

[passedpawn]

Great for doing one thing for 5 minutes. Useless in reality.

Uh... OK.

I've been around a long time, so I think I can say with confidence you are talking out your arse. While a corded drill is necessary for some jobs, cordless ones are great for many more.

Of course, for drilling SS, corded is the only way to go unless you want to burn up the cordless.

 

[lschiavo]

I have had the same cordless makita 14.4v I believe for about 4 years. I use it mainly for driving screws and use it at work as well as at home. I try to avoid using it for high torque work. Cordless tools are just not built for that. The best tool I have for high torque jobs is my Milwaukee right angle drill. Slow rpm and lots of power.

 

[dmfa200]

Working with power tools has been a part of my job for the last 21 years.
You should never have to use excessive force when using a power tool. If excessive force is necessary, then your using the wrong tool, a worn tool, or just abusing the tool.
I'm not criticizing anyone, just trying to inform.

 

[milesvdustin]

I have the milwaukee m18 cordless drill/driver, and it has served me well so far.

 

[jeepinjeepin]

Clearly you have never had to rely on one for day to day use. Great for doing one thing for 5 minutes. Useless in reality. Buy corded tools. Last longer, work better, cheaper. Period.

I rely on 2 cordless drill/drivers for daily use. I am a mobile mechanic working for my local school system. I have a hitachi hammer drill but no generator to run it on the side of the road. My small 12v Li ion and 19.2v drills are used nearly everyday. Good bits, sharp drill bits, and a fresh battery makes the difference.

 

[Malticulous]

The key to using a cordless drill all day is (good) batteries. On some jobs I can use them constantly all day and I need three batteries and two chargers. It still beats pulling a cord all day. If you want the battery to last don't drain it past 50%. But than that has nothing to do with drilling stainless steal. I'd pull out the corded 1/2 inch Milwaukee for that. If it jammed that thing would twist my arm off.

 

[Stevo2569]

There is nothing wrong with cordless drills, you should however be using one with at least an 18 volt battery. Also you should be using an impact drill as a standard will not go through Stainless Steel easily. FYI, I am a Sheet Metal Worker and work with galvanized steel, stainless steel, black iron, aluminum, and copper daily.

I use impact corded and air drills as well as cordless versions and I dont see why you would want to use a impact on thin sheet metal. I use them for high torque situatons like bolts, lags and screws not drill bits.

 

[Berniep]

Clearly you have never had to rely on one for day to day use. Great for doing one thing for 5 minutes. Useless in reality. Buy corded tools. Last longer, work better, cheaper. Period.

I have not but I know several folks who rely almost entirely on cordless tools In very heavy use. Maintenance and construction. They wouldn't be using them if the tools didn't perform.

 

[pm5k00]

I use impact corded and air drills as well as cordless versions and I dont see why you would want to use a impact on thin sheet metal. I use them for high torque situatons like bolts, lags and screws not drill bits.

when using your non impact drill for drilling holes and that bit gets caught up in the metal and jerks your arm around , then you'll see why.

 

[passedpawn]

when using your non impact drill for drilling holes and that bit gets caught up in the metal and jerks your arm around , then you'll see why.

Man, I thought my arm was gonna get ripped of many times while cutting. You are exactly right.

 

[Stevo2569]

when using your non impact drill for drilling holes and that bit gets caught up in the metal and jerks your arm around , then you'll see why.

Been there done that. Heard of a firm grip. I work for a living. An impact drill will slow speed and raise torque when needed. Ever use a lathe or mill? Increase speed , lower feed. That means lower the pressure on the drill. Let the tool do the work, not you. If you use an impact or any drill for that matter( depending on the thickness of the metal) it could deform it instead of removing it with too much feed. Know your tools and they will do the job they were meant to do. Ever heard of a impact drill press? No,Me Neither.

 

[Stevo2569]

To elaborate on my last post, when you get close the the end of the hole, ease up dramatically and finish smooth. Other wise you'll end up deforming the metal and you'll need to file the edges, not to mention as quoted about ripping your arm off

 

[pm5k00]

Been there done that. Heard of a firm grip. I work for a living. An impact drill will slow speed and raise torque when needed. Ever use a lathe or mill? Increase speed , lower feed. That means lower the pressure on the drill. Let the tool do the work, not you. If you use an impact or any drill for that matter( depending on the thickness of the metal) it could deform it instead of removing it with too much feed. Know your tools and they will do the job they were meant to do. Ever heard of a impact drill press? No,Me Neither.

I know my tools as I work with an impact drill everyday (just like every other sheet metal worker in this country) and it doesn't deform the metal. Yes the metal can get deformed if your pushing too hard, but that's the case with any drill. With even pressure you can drilling into as light as 28 gauge steel without any damage to it. Working with sheet metal for a living over the last 10 years I've learned how to get things done the right way and the fast way, and guess what.... it's the same way.

 

[Stevo2569]

I know my tools as I work with an impact drill everyday (just like every other sheet metal worker in this country) and it doesn't deform the metal. Yes the metal can get deformed if your pushing too hard, but that's the case with any drill. With even pressure you can drilling into as light as 28 gauge steel without any damage to it. Working with sheet metal for a living over the last 10 years I've learned how to get things done the right way and the fast way, and guess what.... it's the same way.

Well I don't work with sheet metal everyday. But I have drilled millions and millions of holes, and if I'm drilling through sheet metal, I'm grabbing my Rigid corded drill(not impact), so we will just disagree I guess. Cause I don't like to do extra work cleaning a hole deformation cause I don't know how to use the right tool. So if your scared or to weak to hold the drill, use an impact drill( rated by most manufacturers for high torque operations, not high speed). Or if your a real man and do quality work use the right tool for the right job.

 

[hillhousesawdustco]

So if your scared or to weak to hold the drill, use an impact drill( rated by most manufacturers for high torque operations, not high speed). Or if your a real man and do quality work use the right tool for the right job.

Haha, you kids are too much. Believe it or not, there might be more than one way to drill a hole.

 

[Stevo2569]

Haha, you kids are too much. Believe it or not, there might be more than one way to drill a hole.

No there is only one way, my way. Just messin around.