Stainless steel have a tendency to "work-harden", due to which drilling such metallic sheets gets very difficult. This normally happens while either cutting or drilling or bending the metal, the heat that is generated hardens it. Usually heat generated while drilling causes the steel sheets to harden faster than any other type of metal work.

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There are ways to drill stainless steel sheets, especially those which have been work-hardened. With the help of controlled buildup of heat and using proper drill bit that is designed to be used on harder metals, the drilling work can get quite easy. Here are the steps to drill hardened metal sheets:

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1. First of all, choose a cobalt drill bit that matches the required hole size in the chuck of a drill motor.

2. Next would be to coat the surface of stainless steel sheets and the tip or the end of the drill machine with cutting fluid. This fluid is a kind of lubricant that is primarily used for machine processes and metal work.

3. The most important step is how to run the drill motor effectively. Set the end of the drill bit on the surface of the metallic sheet and push it firmly. Then push the trigger of the machine to slowly turn the drill bit. However, ensure that there is no smoke coming out from the drilling area. In case you see smoke then apply further cutting fluid to the area. After the process is over, lighten the pressure from the machine and slowly remove the drill bit from the surface of the steel sheets.

4. Then apply the same cutting fluid to the tip of countersink drill bit which needs to be attached to the drill motor. Put the tip into the drilled hole and quickly tap the trigger of the drill machine to clear the bur around the edge of the hole.

5. Finally, wipe off the cutting fluid from the surface of the sheet.

Stainless steel sheets are used extensively in a number of industries.

Steps To Drill Stainless Steel Sheets

Chuck Drill