Recommended Drill Bit for SS

[kevin58]

I attempted to drill a pilot hole in a Bayou Classic SS kettle to install a sight tube and it quickly became apparent the drill bit I was using wasn't going to be adequate for the job. I just have a set of Dewalt bits. Any recommendations for going about this without messing up my nice new SS kettle? Carbide?? Any particular brand (that won't break the bank)??

 

[Tipsy McStagger]

Something with cobalt in it would help.This one is a little pricey but would do the job.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Greenlee-7-8-in-3-Cobalt-Step-Drill-Bit-34403C/305421664

 

[Spartan1979]

Be sure to use a sharp bit and something to cool the bit while you drill.

 

[passedpawn]

Look for bits made of Valyrian Steel. They'll go right through it, and any white walkers that come up on you while brewing. Could happen.

But seriously, must keep the work cool. Put any type of oil on it to reduce friction and heat.

 

[MaxStout]

And keep adding oil as you are drilling. If you see smoke, you're running too hot. Take your time and keep the metal from overheating.

 

[bigdawg86]

A small pilot hole followed by a step bit will likely work ok... SS work hardens very fast so like others said go slow... Other options are a punch, or a tungsten carbide hole saw, but those still need a pilot hole.

 

[user 205607]

I used one of these on the same kettle. I started with a pilot hole first to keep the step bit from dancing and used 3n1 oil for lubricant. Took about 5 minutes.

https://www.amazon.com/Capri-Tools-...ools+step+bit&qid=1555450296&s=gateway&sr=8-2

 

[Rodent]

I always use a fresh, sharp bit and keep it loaded with beeswax at the interface. once the bit warms a bit, it's easier to melt the beeswax onto the tip

 

[Jag75]

A small pilot hole followed by a step bit will likely work ok... SS work hardens very fast so like others said go slow... Other options are a punch, or a tungsten carbide hole saw, but those still need a pilot hole.

This is exactly right. I just did it this way and worked like a charm

 

[kevin58]

Cobalt bit and a quality step bit are what I've decided on. Although the Valyrian is probably the way to go those bits are hard to find and very pricey.

 

[tellyho]

I bought a cheapo harbor freight step bit set for my thermo port. Worked fine. I'm probably 4 years in and no issues. I think we get kind of worked up about this stuff - leaving burrs, uneven holes. Not sure we need to worry as much as we do.

I bought a punch for my heating element, but if I were to do it again, I'd probably just use the step bit.

 

[passedpawn]

I bought a cheapo harbor freight step bit set for my thermo port. Worked fine. I'm probably 4 years in and no issues. I think we get kind of worked up about this stuff - leaving burrs, uneven holes. Not sure we need to worry as much as we do.

I bought a punch for my heating element, but if I were to do it again, I'd probably just use the step bit.

No way, not me. Those large element holes were a bitch with a unibit. I'd buy punches, or at least a bimetal hole saw.

 

[Blazinlow86]

I risked it and used a brand new hole saw for both my elements and it actually worked great. It went thru like butter. For my smaller holes I used a stepbit but as others have noted it takes forever to get thru at first. Cheers

 

[snarf7]

Screw the cobalt bits, those usually suck and take forever to get thru anything. If you want to be able to quickly punch holes in metal (even thick steel), you need carbide bits. Here's a set I got off amazon that works well. Just be careful with them, they are harder so more brittle, don't bear down on the drill or move it around, just keep it straight, steady pressure and let the bit do it's thing

 

[kevin58]

So I finally made a trip to the hardware store and picked up a cobalt pilot bit and new step bit. The cobalt bit went through the stainless steel like butter and the step bit just the same. Amazing the results you can get using the right tools.Thanks for the tips.

 

[gunhaus]

For MOST metals we use in the shop, including all our stainless jobs, and even some fairly hard material like heat treated 4140 we use plain old good quality carbon tool steel bits. The key to properly drilling a hole is to start the hole with an inexpensive CENTERING drill, THEN switch to a conventional drill bit that is sharp. Trying to start an accurate hole with ONLY a drill bit is a fools errand. These bits are available in a huge range of diameters and can be purchased for a couple bucks each in the more common sizes #0-#5 or so. As a bonus they last a LONG time with minimum abuse. Try Wholesale Tool or McMaster Carr as sources. Usually you can buy a set of several size bits for 10-15 bucks and they will likely last the DYI a lifetime.

 

[50calshooter]

It isn't so much what the bit is made of. It's more about the ability to keep it sharp and well lubricated while you are drilling. Start with a properly sharpened bit and drill a pilot hole. Use thread cutting oil to keep it cooled down and lubricated. I myself use a set of hole saws made for hard metals like stainless. They are pricey ($80.00 for a small set) but work great and I use them for other jobs too.

 

[fusa]

Something with cobalt in it would help.This one is a little pricey but would do the job.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Greenlee-7-8-in-3-Cobalt-Step-Drill-Bit-34403C/305421664

I agree with this, Greenlee step bits make a huge difference. Much easier to drill and less burrs to remove.