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Using A Step-bit Drill

Discussion in 'The Tool Shed' started by ronnie victor, Jun 1, 2017.

  1. Jun 1, 2017
    ronnie victor

    ronnie victor Member

    raleigh, nc
    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2015
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    126
    Have any of you used a step-bit drill to make a relatively large hole in a jeep body? I ask because I want to put in a cut-off switch in the fender well on my '66 CJ-5 F4, locating it approximately where the battery is inside the hood. There is already a hole in the fender well about 1/4" diameter that was likely ''stock", as I don't remember ever drilling it, and I want to enlarge it to about 5/8" to get one end of the cut-off switch thru the hole and lock it in place with the nut that came with the switch. Some Googling revealed that a step-bit drill may be the answer for enlarging holes (it's cone shaped, continually providing a larger and larger hole during drilling), and it is relatively low in cost.

    Is this the tool to use to create a 5/8" hole in the jeep tub? If so, any pointers to offer?..... or maybe an alternative method? -- thanks
     
  2. Jun 1, 2017
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    Nov 22, 2003
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    8,102
    It will work fine for you, easiest/fastest way of doing it actually. Just be careful not to go one size to large.

    H.
     
  3. Jun 1, 2017
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    WA
    Joined:
    Aug 18, 2014
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    X2

    Step bits are awesome.
     
  4. Jun 1, 2017
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
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    Jul 18, 2013
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    5,593
    x3 - I like that even the cheapo ones I get from HF seemed to de-burr the hole nicely while drilling.
     
  5. Jun 1, 2017
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Aug 10, 2003
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    Use a Sharpie to highlight the step you want to stop at. Like Howard says, you don't want to over-run the step.

    Step-drills are specifically designed for sheet metal. The only better way is with a chassis punch, and each punch only makes one size hole.
     
  6. Jun 2, 2017
    ronnie victor

    ronnie victor Member

    raleigh, nc
    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2015
    Messages:
    126
    Excellent , everyone! I appreciate all your comments and suggestions. I'll buy a step-bit this weekend and get to work.
     
  7. Jun 2, 2017
    tymbom

    tymbom Member

    Siskiyou Co.
    Joined:
    Jun 13, 2012
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    814
    I only use regular drill bits to start a hole these days... Step bits rock
     
  8. Jun 2, 2017
    Admiral Cray

    Admiral Cray I want to do this again.. Staff Member

    Bainbridge...
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  9. Jun 2, 2017
    wheelie

    wheelie beeg dummy 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor

    York, PA
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    I've had pretty good success using a small step bit for drilling out spot welds.
     
  10. Jun 3, 2017
    durangotang

    durangotang Member 2022 Sponsor

    Not Western CO
    Joined:
    Mar 17, 2010
    Messages:
    501
    My advice for making sure you get the right hole size is to wrap masking tape around the step above what you need... just drill up to the tape.
     
  11. Jun 3, 2017
    tarry99

    tarry99 Member

    Northern California
    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2012
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    3,784
    These Rotobroach cutters really work well in sheet metal and even up to 3/8" plate...........not distortion at all on sheet metal.

    Rotabroach Cutter Kit - Metric
     
  12. Jun 6, 2017
    WYOMIKE

    WYOMIKE Oct 1971 pic

    Parkman, Wyoming
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  13. Jun 7, 2017
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Florida Keys
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    4,170
    X2 on the Blair cutters for spotwelds. They are the only thing I have found that cuts only one side of the spotweld, leaving the second layer with only a nub to grind off. I didn't know they had metric sets, and my SAE set was less than $40 a few years back. These, and step drills can accomplish the same job, but each has its own application.
    -Donny
     
  14. Jun 16, 2017
    Unkel Dale

    Unkel Dale delivery on my Jeep from Ft. Campbell, Ky.

    Pittsburgh, Pa.
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    Do use tape as a stopper to NOT oversize the hole
     
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