cut tap or form tap works best on 304 stainless

However, it does not apply to stainless steel because it hardens pretty quickly when heated during high-speed drilling. Many individuals drill at a faster rate, believing this will give them the right finish and will speed up the process. For example, carbon steel taps are commonly used for softer materials, while high-speed steel taps are used for more rigid materials such as stainless steel. You should select your tap based on the sort of material you'll be threading into. Hand taps and machine taps create internal threads in holes, allowing a bolt to be screwed into them. In addition, cobalt drills provide strength to prevent bit breakage as well as flank and crater wear. Heat resistance to friction is crucial in drilling stainless steel because it reduces the work hardening rate. Cobalt boosts strength and considerably improves the heat resistance qualities of steel. It also reduces flank and crater wear.Ĭobalt drill bits are created specifically for heavy-duty use on high-tensile metals such as stainless steel. It is recommended to use a Titanium tipped HSS bit because it decreases friction, minimizing work hardening produced by high heat. High-Speed Steel bits or twist drills, are designed for stainless steel and can be machine or hand drilled. It will save you money on broken parts and uneven holes and speed up the work. Having the right materials, such as drill bits and taps, is critical when drilling stainless steel. Drill at the correct RPM depending on drill bit diameter and material.To restrict movement, secure the object being drilled in a vice or clamp.Tighten the chuck firmly and retrieve the chuck key before turning on the drill.Never attempt to adjust the drill chuck while the power is switched on.Keep any cords away from the cutting area while you're operating the drill.Maintain appropriate ventilation by keeping drill air vents free.Use personal protection such as safety goggles or a face shield.Once you've determined what size hole you'll need to drill and tap, you'll need to mark and measure the location of your hole.īecause safety is essential, you must ensure the following before drilling and tapping: The drill hole should be smaller than the bolt diameter because the tapped threads will increase the diameter of your hole. Successful drilling and tapping of stainless steel boil down to four factors:īefore drilling, you must first determine the size of the hole required for the eventual tapping. Employing the correct techniquesĪlthough stainless steel is not as hard as high carbon steel, tapping stainless steel by hand or drilling stainless steel using a power drill can be challenging if you do not use the correct tools and techniques.

In addition, chips will accumulate and clog your stainless steel tap, leading to tap failure and breaking. The heat will concentrate on the side of the stainless steel taps making it harder for you to turn it.

Work hardening also applies when tapping stainless steel by hand. This toughening of stainless steel due to heat is a phenomenon known as work hardening.Įventually, the drill will have to work harder, which will reduce the lifetime of the drills you are using for stainless steel and increases the risk of breaking. If the cutting speed (RPM) is too high and the feed is too slow, the drill will rub the stainless steel instead of cutting it, generating heat and toughening the work material. Why is Stainless Steel Harder to Drill and Tap? If you have been working with stainless steel for a long time, you will know that high speed and brute force may not work well when using stainless steel. However, stainless steel can become hot and challenging for drilling and tapping if your cutting tools are not used properly. As a result, it is one of the most common materials for building, DIY projects, decorative elements, transportation, and storage. Stainless steel is a versatile material that is well-known for its durability and anti-corrosive characteristics.

Cut tap or form tap works best on 304 stainless