Skip to main content
Please enter your postcode to check available services

Mastering the Art of Drilling Steel: A Comprehensive Guide

If you’re planning on working on one or more projects that use metal pieces, there may come a time when you need to drill into them. Given metal’s harder composition, it’s not easy to drill a hole that’s precise and clean the way you would when drilling through wood or masonry. So, how do you drill through steel correctly? Our comprehensive guide answers this question and offers helpful advice regarding safety precautions, preparation for drilling, and much more.

Equipment and tools required Thick steel’s density and durability creates various difficulties when you try to drill through it. To do it correctly, you need special equipment and tools, faster drilling speeds, more torque, and specialised drill bits. Let’s take a closer look at what you need: A powerful drill machine: Using one of the best drills for drilling steel is essential. Choose a machine with high torque, adjustable speed settings, and a solid build that can withstand the difficulties of metalworking. High-quality drill bits: Ensure you purchase high-quality drill bits that are made for drilling stainless steel and other metals. The best drill bits are made from cobalt, high-speed steel (HSS), or carbide, as they offer superior durability and heat resistance. Coolants and lubricants: It’s important that you use lubricants and coolants to reduce heat build-up and increase your drill bits’ lifespan when you drill into hardened steel. Cutting fluids can dissipate heat and reduce friction significantly. Cutting oil and tapping oil are two examples of coolants and lubricants that you can use.

Equipment and tools required

Thick steel’s density and durability creates various difficulties when you try to drill through it. To do it correctly, you need special equipment and tools, faster drilling speeds, more torque, and specialised drill bits. Let’s take a closer look at what you need:

  • A powerful drill machine: Using one of the best drills for drilling steel is essential. Choose a machine with high torque, adjustable speed settings, and a solid build that can withstand the difficulties of metalworking.
  • High-quality drill bits: Ensure you purchase high-quality drill bits that are made for drilling stainless steel and other metals. The best drill bits are made from cobalt, high-speed steel (HSS), or carbide, as they offer superior durability and heat resistance.
  • Coolants and lubricants: It’s important that you use lubricants and coolants to reduce heat build-up and increase your drill bits’ lifespan when you drill into hardened steel. Cutting fluids can dissipate heat and reduce friction significantly. Cutting oil and tapping oil are two examples of coolants and lubricants that you can use.

Safety precautions Whether you’re going to be drilling stainless steel or another metal, safety must come first. Ensure you follow these basic safety precautions: Protect your eyes and ears: Use safety goggles or a face shield to protect your eyes from metal shavings and other particles. Use earmuffs or earplugs to reduce the dangers associated with noise. Respiratory protection: Use a mask or respirator to prevent dust and tiny particles produced during the drilling process from entering your lungs. Hair and clothing safety: Long hair, loose clothing, and gloves can get caught or wrap around the drill bit as it spins, which could cause serious injury. Keep long hair tied back securely and avoid wearing loose clothing or clothing with hanging parts when drilling.

Safety precautions

Whether you’re going to be drilling stainless steel or another metal, safety must come first. Ensure you follow these basic safety precautions:

  • Protect your eyes and ears: Use safety goggles or a face shield to protect your eyes from metal shavings and other particles. Use earmuffs or earplugs to reduce the dangers associated with noise.
  • Respiratory protection: Use a mask or respirator to prevent dust and tiny particles produced during the drilling process from entering your lungs.
  • Hair and clothing safety: Long hair, loose clothing, and gloves can get caught or wrap around the drill bit as it spins, which could cause serious injury. Keep long hair tied back securely and avoid wearing loose clothing or clothing with hanging parts when drilling.

How to drill steel

Now that we’ve covered the equipment you require and the safety precautions to take when you drill into hardened steel or other metals, let’s find out how to drill steel properly, safely, and effectively.

Prepare for Drilling Secure the piece of metal: Place the metal piece you want to drill on a sturdy surface and secure it using at least two clamps or a vice. Centre punching and marking: Mark the steel where you intend to drill it using a marker or scribe. After making a mark, make a small indentation in the centre of the hole with a centre punch to act as a drilling guide and prevent the drill bit from moving off its intended path. Choose the correct drill bit: Choose the appropriate drill bit for the steel’s thickness and the desired hole size. You might need to start with a smaller drill bit size and increase it progressively. Ensure the drill chuck is screwed down securely.

Prepare for Drilling

  1. Secure the piece of metal: Place the metal piece you want to drill on a sturdy surface and secure it using at least two clamps or a vice.
  2. Centre punching and marking: Mark the steel where you intend to drill it using a marker or scribe. After making a mark, make a small indentation in the centre of the hole with a centre punch to act as a drilling guide and prevent the drill bit from moving off its intended path.
  3. Choose the correct drill bit: Choose the appropriate drill bit for the steel’s thickness and the desired hole size. You might need to start with a smaller drill bit size and increase it progressively. Ensure the drill chuck is screwed down securely.

Drilling the Steel Drill a pilot hole: Use a drill bit that’s smaller than the hole you ultimately want to drill in the metal to drill a pilot hole. The pilot hole will act as a guide, making it easier to use larger drill bits. Gradually increase drill bit size: After drilling the pilot hole, gradually increase the drill bit size until you reach the desired hole diameter. Doing this methodically will help to preserve your drill bits’ lifespan and avoid excessive heat build up. Apply consistent pressure: Apply firm, consistent pressure to keep the drill bit engaged with the steel. Do not use too much force, as this could lead to the drill bit overheating and breaking. Use coolants and lubricants: Use coolants and lubricants occasionally throughout the drilling process. This will help to reduce friction, remove heat, and ensure smooth drilling. Deburr and smooth edges: Use a file or deburring tool to remove burrs and smooth the hole’s edges. Clean and examine the hole: Clean the drilled hole to remove any metal shavings or other debris. Examine the hole for flaws or inconsistencies that could affect its usability. Adjust or re-drill, if necessary.

Drilling the Steel

  1. Drill a pilot hole: Use a drill bit that’s smaller than the hole you ultimately want to drill in the metal to drill a pilot hole. The pilot hole will act as a guide, making it easier to use larger drill bits.
  2. Gradually increase drill bit size: After drilling the pilot hole, gradually increase the drill bit size until you reach the desired hole diameter. Doing this methodically will help to preserve your drill bits’ lifespan and avoid excessive heat build up.
  3. Apply consistent pressure: Apply firm, consistent pressure to keep the drill bit engaged with the steel. Do not use too much force, as this could lead to the drill bit overheating and breaking.
  4. Use coolants and lubricants: Use coolants and lubricants occasionally throughout the drilling process. This will help to reduce friction, remove heat, and ensure smooth drilling.
  5. Deburr and smooth edges: Use a file or deburring tool to remove burrs and smooth the hole’s edges.
  6. Clean and examine the hole: Clean the drilled hole to remove any metal shavings or other debris. Examine the hole for flaws or inconsistencies that could affect its usability. Adjust or re-drill, if necessary.

Choose the steel professionals

Here at IMS, our steel is precision cut to meet your requirements. We offer standard and custom products as well as a variety of services such as drilling, punching and cropping steel. Shop our range of steel online and contact us to learn more about how we can assist you.

Posted by Verkeer
7th September 2023

Back to news