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