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Steel is a common metal used in a number of applications, such as appliances, architecture, and even decoration. For some jobs, you may need to make holes in the metal to achieve the effect you want. By using the right tools, prepping the metal, and drilling the hole, you can easily work a drill through any piece of steel you need.

Part 1
Part 1 of 4:

Marking the Steel

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  1. Use plastic clamps or metal C-clamps. Tighten the clamp or vice to your workbench so the metal is secure and will not move while you try to drill. If the clamp is loose, the metal could spin while you drill it and cause you harm.
    • If you’re working with a heavier piece of steel, you do not have to clamp it down.
    • If you’re drilling through a painted surface, put stir sticks or shims between the clamp and your piece of steel so the clamps don’t dent or scratch the metal.
  2. Measure out where you want to place the hole in the steel. Take the diameter of the drill bit into consideration when you place your hole. Make a dot on the steel with a pencil to mark where the location of the hole’s center.
    • Use a permanent marker if the pencil doesn’t show up on the steel.
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  3. Place the tip of the center punch on the mark you’ve drawn on the steel. Use a hammer to tap the punch slightly to make a small dent. This helps keep your drill in the right spot rather than it moving around while you try to make the hole.[1]
    • Use a nail if you don’t have a center punch.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 4:

Choosing and Lubricating the Drill Bit

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  1. If you're only drilling a few holes through steel, you can use a regular high-speed steel bit. If you're drilling a lot of holes, or through hardened steel, then a cobalt steel bit or black oxide bit is a better choice.[2]
  2. Place the drill bit in your drill and tighten it so it’s held firmly in your drill. The smaller drill bit puts less pressure on the metal and allows you to drill larger holes easier later on.[3]
    • For example, if you want the hole to be 12 inch (1.3 cm) at the end, start by drilling a hole that’s 14 inch (0.64 cm).
  3. Drill presses are heavy-duty machines that make sure your drill bit goes straight through the metal with the most accuracy. See if there is a workshop around you where you can use their drill press or purchase one for yourself.[4]
    • There are 2 different models of drill press that you can purchase. Choose a bench drill press for a compact option that will fit right on your workbench. Pick a floor model drill press if you plan on frequently working with larger pieces of steel.
    • If you plan on offering metal fabrication services to others, consider getting a drill press for the most accuracy.
  4. WD40 is for getting water out of rusted bolts. Place the lubricant on the end of the drill bit and on the sheet of steel you plan to drill. This helps protect the drill bit and the metal to make a smooth cut.[5]
    • Spray the steel periodically while you’re drilling to keep it lubricated and reduce friction.
    • Look for a 3-in-1 oil with a telescoping spout so you can lubricate the drill bit as it’s running.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 4:

Making a Pilot Hole

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  1. Before you start drilling, make sure you have eye protection to stop any metal shrapnel or sparks. The slivers of steel the drill can toss up are sharp and could cause damage to your eyes.
    • Consider wearing a long-sleeved shirt and closed-toe shoes before working with metal.
  2. Find the divot you created on the steel and place the drill bit in it. Make sure you hold your drill straight so you don’t make a crooked hole in the steel.[6]
  3. Use a low RPM setting and keep a steady pressure as you push the bit through the metal. Start and stop drilling often to give the steel a chance to cool down and lubricate the area. Drilling at a faster speed could damage the steel or the drill.
    • Use light, but steady pressure when drilling smaller holes so you don’t break your drill bit.
    • If you’re working with a softer steel, stay consistent at a medium speed so the metal shavings don’t melt.
    • Keep all your clothing away from the drill bit so it doesn’t get caught.
    • The pilot hole is usually smaller than the needed hole. Its function is to remove some of the material, making it easier for the larger drill bits to go straight later.[7]
  4. Keep a firm grip on the drill, but ease off a bit of the pressure. Squeeze the trigger on the drill in short bursts until the bit goes through the other side. Keep the drill bit spinning while you pull it out from the hole.[8]
    • The drill may catch on the steel and try to spin in your hands. Keep your face away from the drill in case this happens.
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Part 4
Part 4 of 4:

Drilling and Cleaning the Final Hole

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  1. Repeat the process with a drill bit for the size you want the final hole. Place the center of the bit in the existing hole and slowly drill through it again, lubricating the metal when necessary. Pulse the drill bit when you reach the end of the hole.[9]
    • For very large holes, gradually work up towards the diameter you want. It may take 3 or 4 different bits before you have the hole size you want.
    • If you see smoke while you’re drilling, either slow down or use more lubricant.
    • Some drills may have a level built into their body, but if not, use a level to make sure you’re drilling your hole straight.
  2. The steel and the drill will be hot to the touch by the time you’re finished. Give the bit at least 5 minutes to cool before changing it to a larger bit or putting it away.
  3. Use a shop cloth or a brush to wipe away any residue from drilling. Throw the shrapnel in a sharps container or separate bin. Make sure the steel is completely dry and free of debris when you’re finished cleaning it.
    • Never wipe the metal shrapnel with your bare hands since it is sharp and could cut you.
  4. Use a medium or heavy rasp on the surface of the steel to remove any sharp edges around the hole. Work lightly so you don’t damage the rest of the steel. If your rasp fits inside the hole you drilled, you can also smooth the inside of the hole for a clean and uniform look.[10]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What type of drill bit is best for hard steel?
    Christopher Thomas Christopher Thomas is a Metallurgist based in Birmingham, Alabama. With 16 years of experience working for Commercial Metals Company, Christopher specializes in designing modern infrastructure, metal recycling, fabrication, performance steel, and construction services. His company is responsible for creating high-end structures, from the AT&T Stadium in Dallas to the Pentagon. Christopher holds a BS in Metallurgical Engineering from the University of Alabama.
    Christopher Thomas
    Metallurgist
    Expert Answer
    Drill bits that are titanium coated are not typically good for steel; instead, they work better on softer metals. However, cobalt alloy bits that contain at least 5% cobalt or tungsten carbide bits are best.
  • Question
    What is the fastest way to drill metal?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    For faster drilling, use a drill press rather than a hand drill. However, it’s still important that you set the drill to the appropriate speed based on the type of metal and the size of the hole you’re trying to make. Consult your user’s manual to select the correct speed.
  • Question
    How do you drill steel with a hand drill?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Use a sharp cobalt drill bit that’s designed to cut steel. Make sure the metal you’re drilling is held securely in place (e.g., with a vise), and never try to drill a piece of steel while holding it in your hand. Use low speeds and make sure the bit and metal are well lubricated with oil (such as 10W30) to prevent overheating. Always wear appropriate safety gear, such as work gloves and safety glasses.
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Tips

  • Sandwich thin sheet metal between two 12 in (1.3 cm) pieces of plywood with clamps to make clean holes.
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Warnings

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Things You’ll Need

  • Drill bits
  • Hand drill
  • Safety glasses
  • Piece of steel
  • Work table
  • Clamps
  • Pencil
  • Hammer
  • Nail
  • WD-40 or lubricant oil
  • Shop cloth
  • Metal rasp
  • Fire extinguisher

Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about drilling steel, check out our in-depth interview with Christopher Thomas.

About This Article

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Co-authored by:
Metallurgist
This article was co-authored by Christopher Thomas and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Christopher Thomas is a Metallurgist based in Birmingham, Alabama. With 16 years of experience working for Commercial Metals Company, Christopher specializes in designing modern infrastructure, metal recycling, fabrication, performance steel, and construction services. His company is responsible for creating high-end structures, from the AT&T Stadium in Dallas to the Pentagon. Christopher holds a BS in Metallurgical Engineering from the University of Alabama. This article has been viewed 248,553 times.
45 votes - 87%
Co-authors: 16
Updated: August 18, 2024
Views: 248,553
Categories: Metalworking
Article SummaryX

To drill steel, you'll need to mark it with a divot, then drill a couple of holes to make it easier. Start by making a divot with a hammer and center punch, which stops your drill bit moving around when you start the hole. Make sure you wear protective glasses whenever working with metal, since shards can easily get in your eyes. As steel is so tough, drill a pilot hole first, which should be half the size of your final hole size. Hold the drill straight and apply slow but firm downward pressure. When you’re close to breaking through, squeeze the trigger in short bursts until it goes through. Leave the drill for a few minutes to let the bit cool down, then exchange it for the final size you need. Finally, drill a larger hole where the smaller one is. For more tips, including how to mark your steel and lubricate your drill bit, read on!

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