In relation to the project I have going on, I need to use much bigger bits and replace the ones I have already destroyed..

Has anyone used these bit before? Nitrade Steel Step up bits..


Will they punch through some thick stuff and actually go through the metal without a heavy arm?

 

Depends on how thick we're talking. I have had great results in most sheet metal work I have done, both mild steel and stainless. Mostly no thicker than 16 gauge though. I ran one into some 12 gauge mild steel to cut a 3/4" hole, and it cut well but it wore it down some. Could be because my step bits aren't the best quality though. IIRC, they're Irwins?

 

I know a lot of people that have used step bits, including myself, and I would reiterate what Alvin said. I'm not sure how well that set from Harbor Freight will hold up as I've never purchased anything from them before.

 

Yeah, I was looking for a one time project use. I need to get those holes drilled out on my crossmember which is pretty thick, and granted in a perfect world, a really nice set of bits would be nice, but got to budget as I am sure to have more unexpected surprises come up.. These holes I have to get drilled will be in about 3/4 inch diameter, so if these step bits work good for 15 holes, I will be happy! Then later on when I am not spending so much on parts, I can get a nice set of bits.

I realized we have a harbor frieght here not too long ago, and its been awesome to get some much needed supplies while not going broke! LOL!

 

How much do they get for those Unibits?

A crossmember is what, maybe 12 gauge or 3/16"? The one you use will probably be in pretty rough shape after 15 holes. If they are all 3/4", why not just get a 3/4" Silver & Deming bit which Harbor Freight probably has too. Then drill a 1/4" pilot, step up to 1/2", and then ream with the 3/4".

I have never been a fan of Unibits, but they do have their place in sheet metal. Not sure this is the right application.

 

I didnt find their Silver and Demming bits online.. I will look again! I have been using the progression process in drilling holes up to that diameter, and then I lost my 3/4 right halfway down the bit! Grrr! I will check that out.. Thank you!

 

They probably won't call them S & D, since that is a tradename. So you might have to be creative with your search.

I have no idea if they carry them or not.

 

Ok.. Cool! I get the idea.. I was also looking at the nitrade bits, which is something I have a few of, and not too many issues with them dulling out too quickly. These uni-bits by the way, are going for about $10.

 

I have used step bits from snap on and they work great for mild steel fabrication like others here have said. I have used them to enlarge washers that are a 1/4 inch thick though . If I was doing a large hole in a frame or something simular I would start with and 1/8 or 1.4 inch bit and work up from there. 1/4, 3/8,1/2 etc. It really saves your bits by cutting down on heat. Also a little drill oil will go a long way to making your job easier and keeping your bits from burning.

 

LOL! Yeah.. I loved the smoke I was creating using the oil! It was very slow going and painful, but I did get those holes drilled. That was some thick steel I was going through, and large diameter holes on top of it.

Now that part of the project is complete, for the future, I can go do a little more shopping and bring my bit collection up a little! I was just amazed at how much of a challenge it is finding a large diameter bit!

Thank you for the tips!

 

> Will they punch through some thick stuff and actually go through the metal without a heavy arm?

I have used them on 1/4" truck frames, it will work, though eventually you will kill the bits and you do need a heavy hand. Use cutting oil, it makes a difference.

 

You know, thats a two fold answer.. They do start nicely into the surface and if a person doesnt need a large diameter hole, they work wonderful, but when you start getting into the much larger diameters, it slows down quite a bit and gets very hot. This was on a 1/4" thich truck frame. Now maybe I damaged the bit on ring 5-6 (1/2 diameter or so) which caused it to chew a lot slower, but everything smaller in diameter, it made like a hot knife through butter! Perhaps I could have used more oil? Hard to say!

I will say however, that they are a long lasting bit compared to other bits I have used. They dont snap or break. I punched 24 holes though a 1/4" thick steel frame, all diameters greater then 1/2", and the bit can still work. I do like they way the bit starts off. If you forget to hammer a punch mark for starting, on a standard bit, it tends to travel the surface and away from where you need the hole. This bit didnt travel.

If you are looking for a clean hole BTW, this bit wont do it on thicker surfaces. Granted you may only need a hole 1/2" in diameter on a 1/4" thick frame, but as you start to get the 1/2" part through, then next size is starting a bigger diameter hole. I did like the fact it was a no nonsense bit though.. It didnt break like many of the others I had did!

 

I find the coatings to be more of a hype than anything.

Good step bits cost around 40 or more dollars.

 

best drill bits I've ever used are the Snap=On Thunder Bits..
expensive a ***** but them things cut through ungodly material with a great amount of ease..

 

True to both...

It is a coating that is a hype, which is why I had to use sooooo much oil during drilling! If not, that bit gets real hot real quick, and the coating comes off in a heart beat!

Snap-On does have some pretty nifty bits.. But that price is what keeps it on hold for purchase for me as well! I really needed a quick bit at the time, and didnt want to be on hold till next pay period, LOL!