Drilling holes in SS

[tedsimmons2]

I need to drill a 0.375 hole in a stainless steel hose clamp - two hose clamps actually. Anyone have any suggestions on the best way to do this? In the past the drill bit dulled long before I completed the hole. Thanks. Ted

[Rick Kirchner]

you'll have better luck punching it.

Otherwise, low speed, high feed, and if you don't get a chip going the steel will harden under the bit and you are done.

[drdestructo]

Rotobroach bits cut stainless like butter. Next best, but requiring a pilot hole is a unibit.

If you invest in a set of rotobroach bits you won't regret it.

Russ

[starkejt]

What Rick said, plus use a GOOD quality, sharp drill bit. There is a world of difference between a cheap import drill bit and properly ground bit made from quality HSS.

[Tim FF19]

What Rick said. I wouldn't try to cut it dry either. Try some oil with sulphur if you have it, or something like Castrol Moly-Dee. Multi grade motor oils and gear lubes often have additives you don't want but it's still way better than cutting dry.

Per Rick and worth repeating:
Otherwise, low speed, high feed, and if you don't get a chip going the steel will harden under the bit and you are done.

[R. Pare]

When trying to drill through thin stock like a hose clamp, try clamping them between 2 thicker sheets of stock of some sort - 1/8 -3/16" aluminum will do nicely. Otherwise the drill will have a tendency to grab the edges of the hole as soon as it breaks through and rip everything apart.

You can also punch through using a 3/8" carbide endmill or a carbide drill.

[formulasuper]

When trying to drill through thin stock like a hose clamp, try clamping them between 2 thicker sheets of stock of some sort - 1/8 -3/16" aluminum will do nicely. Otherwise the drill will have a tendency to grab the edges of the hole as soon as it breaks through and rip everything apart.

You can also punch through using a 3/8" carbide endmill or a carbide drill.

"try clamping them between 2 thicker sheets of stock" Now that is a good idea! Richard, you're the man.

[tedsimmons2]

A big thank you to Richard Pare for his excellent advice. I now have two perfectly drilled holes. Thanks.