Secure the proper equipment.
Quality tools, such as drill bits, will make a difference in this process because of the degree of difficulty and the expense of the steel itself.
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2
Wear safety equipment to protect against slippage of drill bits and the metal shavings thrown into the air.
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3
Secure the steel to a flat, well-lit work surface with C-clamps or plastic grips.
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4
Measure carefully and mark the spot to drill.
Mark the spot to drill with a permanent marker.
Frame the drill target with duct tape to keep your focus and protect the adjacent area.
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5
Use a center punch to mark the target.
Hold the center punch perpendicular to the spot and wrap it firmly, but sharply, with a hammer to dent the steel in order to spot the drill and to prevent the drill bit from easily wandering from the mark.
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Prepare to drill
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Method Two of Three:
Drill the steel
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1
Drill a pilot hole by choosing a drill bit 1/2 of the desired diameter.
For example, if you want a hole with a diameter of 1 inch (2.54 cm) choose a .5 inch (1.27 cm) bit.
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2
Use simple lubricating oil to mark the spot and to reduce friction and heat.
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3
Hold drill perpendicular to target spot and drill hole.
Vary drill speed at start until drill bit gains purchase in metal.
Then, drill steadily and firmly through steel.
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4
Use vertical drill press for more accuracy and thicker pieces of steel.
Drill press operation frees one hand to oil drill point as necessary.
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5
Use knockout punch and/or hole saw for accuracy and efficiency in drilling larger diameters.
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Drill the steel
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Method Three of Three:
Clean up
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1
Wipe excess oil from the surface.
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2
File rough edges.
Use fine hasp and steel wool if the edges of hole will be exposed to view.
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3
Use fine to heavy hasp to file or deburr interior sides of hole.
