Drill and Tap Hardox

[printcom]

I need to drill and if possible tap a M5 thread in Hardox. Is it doable or would it be easier to weld a nut on to it.

 

[Spark plug]

A good quality cobolt drill should go through ok, when tapping difficult hard metals I find it best to use the first tap until it’s difficult to turn then go a little further with the second and plug in turn, then repeat as necessary until your through.

I used to use this technique when tapping hardened linear bearing rails and although not the fastest it got the job done.

 

[Arclikeharrypotter]

All depends on what grade of hardox I think up to 500 you can get away with hss, or cobalt. Tap wise I've found dormer e102 to be very good when tapping hardox.

 

[cianh91]

It’s not as bad as you expect good quality tap and it taps no prob just make sure your tap is square to the hole . I tap a lot of hardox now m6 and m10 was worried bout it at first but once we tried it was fine . 12mm thick