SDS reamers & Step drills-advice sought

[mart]

Is there any advantage in buying a step drill as opposed to using different drill bits?

Can you get reamers & step drills with SDS shanks?

What increase could I reasonably expect to enlarge a hole diameter by when using a reamer , and are reamers a good option compared to using different sized drill bits?

I ask because I have never used a reamer or step drill.

 

[English Steve]

Hi Mart.

Reamers are only for finishing a hole you have already drilled. They remove minimal material and their purpose is to produce an accurately sized hole of good surface finish as would be required in a bushing or similar. For example - I always used to ream the phosphor bronze small-end bushes on competition bikes after fitting them into the conn rods to ensure the correct fit on the gudgeon pin.

I have not used step drills, but assume they would only be of use on thin materials and doubt if they would be very accurate. Also, you won't be able to re-sharpen a step drill so if one of the smaller dia segments gets blunted the entire tool is scrapped.

It all depends on what you need to do, but for my own preference I use a decent set of Dormer or similar quality drills.

Regards

Steve

 

[Robotstar5]

Also, you won't be able to re-sharpen a step drill so if one of the smaller dia segments gets blunted the entire tool is scrapped.

You can sharpen step cutters, they have 2 grooves lengthwise in body, just run sharpening stone / grinder down these, same applies to cone cutters.

 

[Hitch]

Step drills and cone cutters are good for large holes in thin sheet, where a holesaw perhaps isnt accurate enough.


As for sds shanked ones, i cant say i have seen them, but that doesnt mean theyre not made.

Have a look at G&J Hall website for a start.

 

[English Steve]

You can sharpen step cutters, they have 2 grooves lengthwise in body, just run sharpening stone / grinder down these, same applies to cone cutters.

My mistake. As I said, I've never used one but now I know

Thanks for the info.

Steve