When I first came across step drill bits I was actually quite confused about their use. Once I started looking into their uses I was really excited to invest in my own set of step drill bits. With experience, I have come to appreciate step drill bits even more with their multitude of uses.
If you are new to step drill bits, this article will answer each and every question in your mind.
How to use a step drill bit? You will use a step drill bit just like another drill bit with an exception of its purpose of use. For drilling with a step drill bit use a center punch to first mark the center. Now drill steadily with firm pressure. Step drill bits only work with thin metal sheets and can make holes of different sizes depending on the number of steps in your drill bit. You can also use it to enlarge or deburr an existing hole.
Drill bits are cutting tools used to create cylindrical holes, almost always of circular cross-section. Drill bits come in many sizes and have many uses. Bits are usually connected to a mechanism, often simply referred to as a drill, which rotates them and provides torque and axial force to create the hole.
What is a Step Drill Bit?
A step drill bit is a conical shape drill bit to make different size holes with one bit. It has multiple levels with increasing diameters from tip to end. It has a sharp groove at one side which acts as the cutting edge. The step drill bit is also used to enlarge or deburr holes. This drill bit is used particularly for metals but can also work with wood, plastic, etc.
A step drill bit with a straight flute is called a counter-bore step drill bit while a step drill bit with a twisted flute is called a countersink step drill bit. The flute or the groove profile serves as a channel system for collection and chip removal during drilling.
I have found the step drill bit to be a valuable tool with its ability to replace numerous twist bits, deburrers, and reamers. There are a number of reasons you should use a step drill bit for drilling into sheet metals.
I have compiled a list of reasons I recommend every DIY enthusiast to add step drill bits to their toolbox.
Multiple Diameters: With multiple diameters, a step drill bit saves you from the hassle of changing drill bits when you need to drill a lot of holes of different sizes. You can use a step drill bit to drill holes of different diameters.
Selt-tapping tip: Step drill bits have self-tapping tips, which allow you to drill without drilling a pilot hole in thin materials.
Flute: Flute on a step drill bit allows for easy removal of waste materials which prevents clogging as well as heating up of the drill bit.
Reaming: Step drill bit gives you smooth edges on the holes instantly thus eliminating the need for a reamer.
Deburring: You can also use a step drill bit to deburr the hole you have drilled by lightly touching each side of the hole with bevel of the next step.
And although step drill bits have a range of benefits, there are a few downsides as well.
Twist Drill Bit
The twist drill bit is the type produced in largest quantity today. It comprises a cutting point at the tip of a cylindrical shaft with helical flutes; the flutes act as an Archimedean screw and lift swarf out of the hole.
History
The twist drill bit was invented by Steven A. Morse of East Bridgewater, Massachusetts in 1861.The original method of manufacture was to cut two grooves in opposite sides of a round bar, then to twist the bar (giving the tool its name) to produce the helical flutes. Nowadays, the drill bit is usually made by rotating the bar while moving it past a grinding wheel to cut the flutes in the same manner as cutting helical gears.
