The best drill bit for hardened steel bolt is not easy to come by. Most combinations of drill and drill bit may not give the best outcome. Your surface will remain rough and hard, with so many material imperfections.
Using a lousy drill bit should leave you with a clear message that you cannot use a single drill bit for every drilling project irrespective of the material the drill passes through.
For a perfect job, look into the performance of both the drill and the drill bit. Look into the durability of the tools when it comes to handling steel surfaces. Analyze the material on the drill bit and confirm if it can go through a hardened steel bolt.
An appropriate drill bit is that which directs its waste away from the user as the drilling continues. It would be best to look for a drill bit for a hardened steel bolt that uses reverse action to remove a broken bit inside the material to preserve a smooth working surface.
Drilling a Hardened Steel Bolt
Step 1: Identify the bolt type
Identify the bolt type because it will lead you to the best drill you can get for the work. Once you know the kind of steel beforehand helps in formulating the best drilling strategy.
Step 2: Identify the drill bit to use
Drill bits that can drill hardened surfaces are many. Choose the best that will give an easy time when handling. Look into other factors such as costs, ability to work with other metals, and durability.
Step 3: Choose a drill
Drilling hardened steel requires an investment in a suitable drill. The best option would be variable speed settings because some hardened metals respond differently to variable drilling speeds.
Step 4: Have a lubricant ready for use
The best metal lubricant makes drilling through hardened bolts less tedious. Lubricants reduce the build-up of heat and prolong the life of the drill.
Step 5: Wear suitable personal protective equipment
Make sure your eye is covered, wearing gloves and earplugs to protect you after a long day’s work.
Step 6: Apply the right pressure.
Use enough pressure when drilling because too much of it produces excess heat on the metal surface. A wrong application of pressure may lead to uneven surfaces or holes.
Tips for Drilling and Tapping Hardened Steel Bolt
- Select an ideal bit for that particular type of bolt because you do not want to struggle drilling through metal with the wrong bit. You can do a small test and eliminate the ones that tapper if unsure.
- Control the heat when drilling. Drop some lubricants and take pauses at intervals to regulate the heat. The drilling speed should be at a comfortable speed setting, which helps keep the heating down.
- Preserve the life of your drill bit by placing the steel material on top of a block of wood. This prevents the bit from becoming blunt by hitting another hard surface after piercing through the bolt.
- You can use an emery cloth to widen the hole. Fold the cloth into the half with the abrasive side facing inwards. The technique reduces noise levels while working, and it leaves the piecework smooth.
- Minimize the vibrations, which may be problematic when removing the drill. Too many vibrations cause cracks, chipping, etc. when working with steel surfaces.
- Set the speed and ensure your drill bit is sharp as the drill gets the correct feed to make the work impressive. Combining the sharpness and accuracy of feed produce clean holes when working with steel
- Letting the tools cooldown is a skill that you should use. Maintain short drilling sessions while sustaining adequate pressure.
- Safety when dealing with drills on any surface is recommended because when a drill bit snaps, it might come back at you. Metal shards may also hit you when bouncing off the metal.
Final word
A drill for hardened steel bolts uses specific types of drill bits built to bore holes through steel and other hard materials. Prepare yourself with the right tools and protective gear for a successful operation. Drilling such surfaces can be a burden if you fail to make the right decisions.