Drill Holes In Sheet Metal

You start off by drilling a small diameter pilot hole and then drill gradually larger holes until you get.

Drill holes in sheet metal. Try a step bit step drill bits are designed to drill holes in sheet metal and other thin materials. To drill a round hole in thin sheet metal take a piece of cloth for example an corner of an old tea towel cut into squares an old flannel or anything you don t mind cutting into squares and throwing in the bin once you have your nice round hole. They re just the thing when you need a perfectly sized clean hole in a steel junction box electrical service panel or even a stainless steel sink. Since this is a small hole a normal drill bit will work well in the sheet metal without extra precautions.

Another bit that s great for metal specifically sheet metal or thin plate metal is a step bit which is a cone shaped bit that drills a variety of hole sizes. Electricians commonly use them for drilling holes in metal electrical boxes and housings. Drilling a hole in sheet metal with a twist drill is a rather straightforward operation. Tap your hammer to leave an indentation on the sheet metal.

Now drill the final hole at the desired diameter with the corresponding twisted drill bit but put a cloth between the bit and the metal. After you drill the hole it is possible to provide adequate corrosion protection for the drilled hole. Drilling into galvanized metal is no different than drilling a hole in standard carbon metal with the exception that the protective zinc coating does not protect the drilled hole. The pilot hole will help you positioning the drill bit and than just drill.