SDS bits for drilling in metal?

[grim_d]

an impact masonary drill wont drill metal

Yes it will. I've done it.

It's definitely not efficient and not terribly good for the carbide tip...and you mostly rub your way through but in a bind it can be done.

Edit: just to make sure, I've just this minute drilled a 5mm hole in some 2mm sheet using a standard masonry bit. I wouldn't want to punch a 16mm hole in 10mm plate to be fair so I guess it depends on the situation and the desperation.

 

[ajlelectronics]

I have a set of SDS metal drill bits. They are 3-10mm (I think) and came with a Makita battery drill set I bought at Christmas.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MAKITA-H...-Hammer-Kit-/183829767711?hash=item2acd1ba61f

 

[ajlelectronics]

Just the set of bits... https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Makita-P...294977?hash=item1ef4b18ac1:g:L98AAOSwL35cc8t2

 

[Yamhon]

well you said all options

this will do you then

https://www.toolstation.com/hand-dr...MIgoKL-7qx4wIVR7TtCh0y0ANaEAQYAiABEgKY9fD_BwE

May actually have one of those in the garage :-)

Will give the SDS chuck adapter a go, otherwise I'll bite the bullet and pick up a new DeWalt combi, there are a few enticing offers at Screwfix it seems.

 

[daedalusminos]

Not sure what diameter hole you're drilling, but a step drill would probably be the best option if hand drilling.

 

[mart]

for this price why dont you buy a drill and also get yourself some steel drill bits as well

https://www.argos.co.uk/product/7106062?&cmpid=GS001&_$ja=tsid:59156|acid:444-797-0832|cid:596310901|agid:28594123885|tidla-182969927125|crid:95887239565|nw:g|rnd:12861193723906577133|dvc:c|adp:1o8|mt:|loc:9046688&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIofyjmrWw4wIVzbTtCh3Y2gSWEAQYCCABEgLVBfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

In the reviews someone describes the forward/reverse lever as very flimsy & likely to snap off. Still, it is a 500 watt drill for 15 quid and a one year guarantee. If it breaks take it back. I wouldn`t have thought you would have much hassle with the staff at Argos. If it is online purchase only, then that is a bit of hassle returning something compared to nipping to shop.

 

[The_Yellow_Ardvark]

You can get wood augers to fit SDS drills.

Not seen normal bits, but screwfix do a cheep adapter to convert.
AVOIDE IT.

I just got lucky at Cash Converters, have a look you may get something in there.

 

[Farside]

I've been using an SDS drill with chuck to drill steel for years. Admittedly, usually clearance holes for bolts, and only very rarely something where a bit of precision would matter, like tapping holes, but I've had no bother with it. It's a hand-held drill, and if you're expecting precision from any kind of that, well, heh.
Like everything, deep ends how you use it and how much you expect from it.
For rough (ie, not precision) engineering, it's fine.

 

[Munkul]

I can't see how you wouldn't have a regular drill/driver for everything but masonry. Faster, more efficient, more accurate, lighter on the arms... I've never seen any craftsman only have an SDS drill and try bodging everything else

 

[mart]

For anyone doing a lot of steel drilling in their workshop, a drill press is very good. I found a drill bit will cut a lot easier than in a portable drill. I assume it is due to the bit being pretty vertical when drilling.