Step bit vs. hole saw... Discuss...

[Anthony_Lopez]

Thanks much guys... I don't really like hole saws, however I'm sure some people do. I got what I wanted out of this discussion. I'll check out that part number. Thanks!

 

[Bernie Brewer]

Let's take it easy on the disparaging comments. I use step bits at the suggestion of my father, a seasoned aircraft mechanic and inspector, who often deals with sheet metal fab. We've both had similar irritating experiences with hole saws and prefer to use step drills for most sheet metal applications. While hole saws may have served you well, they are not necessarily the panacea of sheet metal hole making in the "professional" world.

Easy there big fella. I wasn't trying to dis anyone. Honest. I have no experience whatsoever with the applications that you describe, and if the Unibit works better for those apps, great. And I apologize for that. I will say, though, that 90% of the time, an electrician or plumber is going to grab the holesaw before the Unibit. I love Unibits. I own a couple. But they have their applications, and so do holesaws. As far as the average homeowner goes, they're not going to use them very often, so why recommend spending upwards of $50 for a tool you're probably never going to use again when a holesaw will do the job for less than $10? To each their own. Sorry if I ruffled your feathers.

 

[McKBrew]

Wouldn't it be like totally cool if someone could invent a step hole-saw? I can't believe you guys have spent this much time arguing about the best way to drill a hole. Shouldn't some of you be at work right now? (McKBrew looks over shoulder to see if boss is lurking).

I like my step bit, only because my hole saws are all too big for homebrew related DIY, and I haven't found it necessary to buy smaller ones yet.

 

[Yuri_Rage]

Easy there big fella.
...
so why recommend spending upwards of $50 for a tool you're probably never going to use again when a holesaw will do the job for less than $10?

No worries...I just want to make sure we get all the info out there without creating a rift between professionals and so-called "DIY-ers."

With regard to recommending an expensive step bit, I was actually recommending the cheap Harbor Freight bits until the OP mentioned wanting quality, reusable equipment. For a few uses, the HF step bits or Home Depot hole saws are fine. For repeated use and abuse, you can't get away with either of those options.

 

[Jared311]

Just outta curiousity, why are you guys saying 7/8" bits. The coupler from mcmaster that I'm looking at is 1 and 1/16" OD.

No worries, I bought the same couplers and they will work fine. We just have to drill a bigger diameter holes. I suggest picking up the 1" bimetal holesaw blade from lowes. Then drill a hole in a 2"x4" and clamp that down on the keg on both sides so the hole aligns with where you plan to drill. Then just spray a little oil drill slowly and you should be good to go.

 

[brewhead]

yea step bit - like $30 at lowes

 

[TerapinChef]

Just a note on using food grade oil as your drilling lubricant....
Rapeseed oil, which is most commonly known as canola oil (or close enough for our purposes) was not very heavily used until engines were invented. It's use as an industrial lubricant far superceded it's culinary attributes. And I'd rather see you drill metal with it than cook with it....but when it comes to food I'm a bit of an EAC

 

[Anthony_Lopez]

from what I saw from Lowe's website the biggest step bit they sell goes to 7/8".
Obviously, that may vary instore. Since the 7/8" OD couplers are available, where'd you guys source them from? Most homebrew websites don't list an OD for the 1/2" NPT couplers.

 

[Beerrific]

from what I saw from Lowe's website the biggest step bit they sell goes to 7/8".
Obviously, that may vary instore. Since the 7/8" OD couplers are available, where'd you guys source them from? Most homebrew websites don't list an OD for the 1/2" NPT couplers.

Are you looking for something like this?

It calls for a 7/8'' hole. This thread had me looking around too.

 

[Anthony_Lopez]

cool... i'll have to check around tomorrow. Thanks for the link

 

[sigmund]

According to my little chart, the OD of 1/2" Schedule 40 pipe is .840". A 7/8" hole should be good.

 

[bigben]

Step bit is better..

But I had no problem drilling my keggle with a hole saw. In fact it was extremely easy, and cost $7 for an arbored hole saw at Lowes.

 

[HarvInSTL]

http://www.harborfreightusa.com/html/emails/19/RetailB/Images/22a.jpg

 

[sause]

AH COOL!! A $40 Air Angle Drill!!!!