![]() ![]() ![]() For instance, the smallest size (1/8″ to 1/2″) costs 50% more, and the size I use most frequently after that (#4, 3/16″ to 7/8″) costs 37.5% more. I still use my older Irwin Unibits from time to time, but I’ve come to rely on Milwaukee’s step drill bits and consider them best of all.Ĭompared to these step drill bits, the new impact-rated bits are quite a bit pricier. They’re designed for cordless drill use and feature 3-flat shanks for reduced slippage. I have used Milwaukee’s dual-flute step bits for a while, and with zero complaints. I have NOT used these yet, but I consider their predecessor/non-impact step drills to be the best available. The spiral flute design is said to allow the bits to produce 2X faster holes.Īs shown, these Shockwave step bits have a 1/4″ hex shank. Milwaukee says the shank has an optimized ShockZone, which presumably means greater resistance to impact energy, and larger laser-engraved markings. These relatively new Milwaukee impact step drill bits have a “titanium aluminum nitride (TiAIN) coating for 5X longer life” and “Rapid Strike Tip” for fast and accurate starts. I’m hoping that some of you will talk about your experiences and preferences as far as impact-rated step drill bits are concerned, with these brands or others.ĭo you even care about impact-rated step drills, or are you (like me) still using drills for such drilling operations? Milwaukee Shockwave Impact Step Drill BitsĪbout a year and a half ago, Milwaukee came out with new Shockwave impact-rated step drill bits, describing them as the longest-lasting and fastest-cutting impact step drill bits available, and they’re made in the USA (with global materials). Perhaps one brand would dip their toes into these waters in, but several brands, and at around the same time? ![]() Top power tool accessory brands wouldn’t put energy into developing high-performing impact-rated step drill bits if there wasn’t a strong market for them yet. I don’t mind it so far, and haven’t seen any performance downsides yet, but I don’t know if it’d be willing to accommodate the current 38% to 50% bump-up in cost for two of my frequently-used sizes compared to my currently-favored non-impact bits. I have gradually gotten over my avoidance of using impact drivers with drill bits and other hole-making accessories, but I have not yet found myself requiring a quick-change impact-rated step drill bit. The couple of testing and quick project experiences weren’t habit-altering – yet – but could be the start of a process. ![]() Only recently have I been willing to try using impact-rated step drills as they are intended to be used – with an impact driver. Personally, I still use cordless drills for a great majority of my drilling and hole-making tasks. Using oil helps keep the drilling process smooth so lubricate the surface of the sheet metalĥ.Here, I want to take a quick look at what top cordless power tool accessory brands have to offer in the area of impact-rated step drill bits. Marking the step where you will stop is important so that you do not drill too deep and make a hole larger than the desired size.Ĥ. Ensure that the thickness of the sheet metal you are working with is the same or less than the step height.ģ. Cutting a hole in the piece of sheet metal will require you to use a bit with ¼” stepsĢ. High speed steel or HSS bits are perfect for drilling softer materials such as aluminum or plastic.ġ. If a range of hole sizes are required, step drill bits save a ton of time and effort since it eliminates the need to switch between different bits.Ĭarbide, black oxide, high speed steel, titanium. These are commonly used in metal fabrication, electrical work, plumbing, and automotive repair. Unibits are also effective on sheet metal. The angles change the material while the straight flutes pass right along without affecting the material. Step bits have straight flutes unlike the angled flutes of a normal drill bit. Regular drill bits will warp these thin pieces of metal when drilling. Other commonly used materials are plexiglass and thin pieces of wood such as plywood. These bits are mostly used to drill holes into sheet metal or thin material where the hole size may vary. Most bits have metric increments such as 1/8”, ½”, 1-3/8”. Because of the varying diameters of the bit, it is easy to drill various sized holes with the step drill bit. They are also referred to as cone drill bits, uni-bits, or multiple diameter bits. Step drill bits are a must have in your toolbox. ![]()
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