hi-
i want to install an under-the-sink liquid soap dispenser in our stainless steel sink. how do i drill a hole in the stainless steel? not having ever seen a stainless steel repair kit, i think i want to get this one right the first time.
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Shaped C4 charges, a plasma cutter or thermite. If those aren't readily available, a stepped drill bit will work in a pinch. Keith C
I'd go with the C4 though.
Slow speed, high pressure.
Small hole followed by a reamer. Same as for Titanium.
how do i drill a hole in the stainless steel?
Well, a bit like every thing else, measure twice before putting tool to work.
Locate the center as precisely as possible. Use a center punch to set the center (piece of wood as a backer not a bad idea; having the sink itself as secure as possible also good). Now, your life will be considerably easier if you have a step drill--drill a hole big enough for the lead point on the step drill, then advance slowly until the correct diameter is reached (put a hank of tap on the step too large can prevent an uh-oh).
No step drill is a bit more fussy, especially after how long it takes to find a metal-cutting hole saw of the correct diameter (don't aks how I know).
Now, ifyou happen to be on good terms with an electrician, said worthy might just have (or have access to) a set of panel punches. You just need a pilot hole to clamp the punch in place, and rood to swing a mallet (did I mention that's a hugely good idea to have a well-supported sink?)
Bit of oil to help cutting is almost always good.
But, SS is not too terrible at all to bore holes in.
If you're friends with the right electrician, he will have a hydrfaulic punch so you wont need to swing a mallet."Put your creed in your deed." Emerson
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
I have only one criticism.
Don't use a center punch as that "tool hardens" the stainless & makes it tougher to drill through.
“The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.” —Albert Einstein
center punch as that "tool hardens" the stainless & makes it tougher to drill through.
But, against that tiny bit of hardening, there's that comfort of not having the pilot hole bit wander across that slick, smooth, stainless (which for a first-timer can happen). If he has no CP, an awl will suffice (if much better to be somebody else's awl <G>).
That, and OP is likely to have a sharper (less-used) drill bit than the worn-out beater "we" might use (since it's here, in the bag or toolbox, and not out in the index in the truck . . . )Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
What kind of electrican's hole punches are you talking about that need a mallet.I have had seen have a male and female die with a bolt that goes through them. Tighten up the bolt and it stamps out the hole.Some use a wrench. Others have a hydraylic ram that pulls the bolt..
.
A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
Drill a pilot hole and then use an industrial-grade knock-out tool to cut the finished hole. Greenlee sells them. Your local rental agency might have them, too.
Dinosaur
How now, Mighty Sauron, that thou art not brought
low by this? For thine evil pales before that which
foolish men call Justice....
Stainless isn't bad...especially a sink. Just drill a pilot, maybe 1/8th inch and drill slow or you'll burn up the bit. Then a step drill works nicely. Just drill slow.....
I have done a lot of 16 and 18 gauge sinks and used a regular bit. Not a problem.
Just go buy one of the neat single hole faucets, use the other two holes for hose and soap. If you do not have hose now you would probably have two holes.
My knockout cutter uses a socket or wrench to make the hole, no hammer. Do need a pilot hole. Believe you do need to lube/cool the drill bit. Surprised no-one has mentioned that.
Supposedly a good bi-metal holesaw will do it.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2143375_drill-through-stainless-steel.html
If you're cheap like me, you can mark your hole, and drill a series of smaller holes around the circle. Follow up with a file or dremel tool to knock off the sharp points.
If you want the primo, these are what we get a lot of use with.
http://www.hougen.com/cutters/sheetmetal/Holcutters.html
“The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.” —Albert Einstein
You get one shot so make it count. I'd go for the KO punch if I was you. I worked as a machinist for a few years so when I drilled mine with a bi-metal hole saw I knew what I was doing, getting into, and used proper cutting oil.
The rental is cheaper than a new sink.
mikeymo,
I didn't read all the ideas here but so far most are wrong!
Stainless steel is softer than regular steel.. If you can drill in regular steel you can drill in stainless steel..
To make stainless steel they add nickle to the steel and that makes it stainless. it also makes it softer..
Drilling steel.. center punch in the correct location. Don't skip that step! Make sure the drill bit you use is sharp. Drill a pilot hole and then drill according to the diameter of the whole you want to make. over about 3/4 of an inch you'll find the hole a drill bit makes isn't really round so then you go to a hole saw.. regular metal cutting hole saw will work fine..
add nickle to the steel and that makes it stainless
Chromium is added to make it "stainless". It also makes it harder than cold rolled steel.
Depending on the alloy, nickel may be added for formability.
step drill...
wax for a lubricant...
mantain a steady pressure...
keep the speed down... as in way down...
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