How to Drill Metal
Select the right bit for the job., Secure a loose piece of metal you're drilling by clamping it to your workstation or setting it in a vice., Mark the position you need to drill with a pencil., Set the center in place on the pencil mark., Place your...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Select the right bit for the job.
High speed steel (HSS) bits will work for most kinds of metal, as will carbon steel bits coated with titanium nitride (TiN).
For very hard metals, use a cobalt steel bit. -
Step 2: Secure a loose piece of metal you're drilling by clamping it to your workstation or setting it in a vice.
This step is not necessary if drilling into a large, heavy steel object like a wall or stud. , Measure this area with precision, since it's harder to patch a mistake in metal than to patch one you've made in wood. , Hit it lightly with the hammer to mark your drill point and create a starting divot. , The chances are small, but the sparks thrown by drilling metal can sometimes start small fires.
A nearby fire extinguisher will help you keep a small fire from getting out of control. , You may also want to wear a long-sleeved shirt with a closed collar as well. , Make certain it's set level to the drill angle you want.
Newer drills will have integral leveling bubbles to help with this. , For hard metals, drill slowly and steadily.
Soft metals will require a faster speed because the metal shaving may melt if you go too slowly.
Even with soft metals, don't us a speed higher than medium. , Keep the bit spinning until you've removed it entirely from the metal. , -
Step 3: Mark the position you need to drill with a pencil.
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Step 4: Set the center in place on the pencil mark.
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Step 5: Place your fire extinguisher within arm's reach.
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Step 6: Put on your safety goggles to protect your eyes from thrown debris.
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Step 7: Set the drill in place on the divot.
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Step 8: Apply steady pressure to drill metal.
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Step 9: Remove your bit immediately when you reach your desired depth.
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Step 10: Finished.
Detailed Guide
High speed steel (HSS) bits will work for most kinds of metal, as will carbon steel bits coated with titanium nitride (TiN).
For very hard metals, use a cobalt steel bit.
This step is not necessary if drilling into a large, heavy steel object like a wall or stud. , Measure this area with precision, since it's harder to patch a mistake in metal than to patch one you've made in wood. , Hit it lightly with the hammer to mark your drill point and create a starting divot. , The chances are small, but the sparks thrown by drilling metal can sometimes start small fires.
A nearby fire extinguisher will help you keep a small fire from getting out of control. , You may also want to wear a long-sleeved shirt with a closed collar as well. , Make certain it's set level to the drill angle you want.
Newer drills will have integral leveling bubbles to help with this. , For hard metals, drill slowly and steadily.
Soft metals will require a faster speed because the metal shaving may melt if you go too slowly.
Even with soft metals, don't us a speed higher than medium. , Keep the bit spinning until you've removed it entirely from the metal. ,
About the Author
Denise Lane
Specializes in breaking down complex crafts topics into simple steps.
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