Thread cutting oil for drilling a hole?

coshoo · Oct 1, 2017

Have to drill a 3/4' hole in my loader bucket to mount a round bale spear. Awkward place, have to use a 3/8 drill, can't get much pressure in it- should I use thread-cutting oil, or is that just for when you can get a lot of pressure on the drill and might get it hot? Don't want to get it all goopy and have the bit just slide around instead of cutting.

Elmo · Oct 1, 2017

It will make your drill cut better and not dull so quick. It don’t take too much cutting oil. Center punch the hole first. If you have a oil can that will squirt the oil a little bit at a time it will be fine.

Steve@Advance · Oct 1, 2017

Yes, use oil.

Step drill it, start with about a 1/4" first.

If you can find a bigger drill it would be better. Slow and a lot of pressure is the trick.

kevinthefixer · Oct 1, 2017

Unless you need a precise hole, it's a whole lot easier to hold a cutting torch than try to shove a hand drill through a bucket.

JMS/.MN · Oct 1, 2017

Sometimes you can use a bar or 2x4 to exert extra pressure on the drill. Either hook it under something, or wrap a chain around it and anchor it somewhere. Helps to have a helper when doing that. Any oil will do.

Janicholson · Oct 1, 2017

A Lenox brand hole saw will tax the drill far less than a standard twist drill. Renting an angle 3/4 inch drill would be my drill choice. Burning the hole would be first. Jim

coshoo · Oct 1, 2017

Thanks, everybody- I got it done, and it did work better with the oil.

old popper · Oct 1, 2017

I'm too late, but keep in mind a product called Mystic Metal Mover. It works great for drilling, even in stainless.
(bought it thru my welding supply store)..Airgas.

WGM · Oct 1, 2017

It may be a whole lot easier to burn a hole rather
than drilling a hole but it shows lack of pride in
workmanship.

37chief · Oct 1, 2017

I can make a fairly good hole with a cutting torch. About the second time my 3/4 inch drill took me for a ride, I think there must be a better way. I cut the hole a little smaller, and pound a round punch into the hole until the bolt slides through. If I can get the piece under my drill press I prefer that for a nice round hole. stan

macec3(TX) · Oct 1, 2017

Since several suggested using a cutting torch, when I burn a hole, I keep a tapered pin and a hammer handy. After burning reheat the area around the hole and drive the tapered pin in it. Really helps the make it round.

Northvale PA · Oct 1, 2017

If I am drilling a 3/4" hole I start with a 1/8" bit, go to 1/4", then 3/8", then half. Finally the 3/4" bit. Takes more time but less muscle.

WayneLee · Oct 1, 2017

(quoted from post at 15:44:31 10/01/17) I'm too late, but keep in mind a product called Mystic Metal Mover. It works great for drilling, even in stainless.
(bought it thru my welding supply store)..Airgas.

his is good stuff. It makes drilling a walk in the park.

BarryfromIA · Oct 1, 2017

When the drill bit catches in the hole when enlarging the hole from the previous smaller bit, the drill needs to be sharpened with less relief behind the cutting edge. The relief controls the rate at which the drill advances into the part.

Mark - IN. · Oct 1, 2017

You know? I never thought of that. I've always drilled a pilot hole and then went straight to the size I wanted. A couple of years ago I put a piece of thick angle iron with two hooks welded on it on a loader on my little Deere for lifting. I drilled five pilot holes through the angle iron and bucket and then went straight to the 5/8" holes for the bolts. I don't remember which one it was, but the bit grabbed and locked and the 1/2" drill jerked and spun hard and may have broken a bone in my hand or wrist. I don't recall which but I never went to see a doctor and couldn't use it for a couple of months, and gingerly when I did. Had I done it your way, that probably wouldn't have happened. And I always drill steel a little, stop and oil it generally with straight 30, sometimes 90. Never tried bar oil though.

Mark

jeffcat · Oct 1, 2017

Another reply says to back it up and a small pilot hole. Good ideas. That heavy wood back up must be Tight with no slop. The best thing is go very slow so that you can maintain control. I use straight antifreeze as the drilling lube. Put on a couple of drops, drill a couple of seconds, a few more drops, repeat. It really works. The other thing would be to have a garden hose dribble on it.

tom stalker · Oct 2, 2017

Most proper cutting fluids will make a significant difference for drilling and tapping
Many out there to choose from.....some are made for specific metals such as stainless, aluminum, etc
As stated earlier, step drilling will make things easier

Case Nutty 1660 · Oct 2, 2017

use a variable speed drill and just make the bit turn and a all the pressure you can apply, I use thread cutting oil or Rapid Tap for "lube" I can drill Very hard metal using this method and Not create heat and cause the metal to get harder, you can also drill a smaller hole and use a die grinder with burring tip to size the hole

PJH · Oct 2, 2017

Hole saw? Don't waste your money on a cheap one - ask for the best at a GOOD hardware store.

kevinthefixer · Oct 3, 2017

(quoted from post at 20:38:33 10/02/17) Hole saw? Don't waste your money on a cheap one - ask for the best at a GOOD hardware store.

The trick to a hole saw is SLOW IT DOWN.

Thread cutting oil for drilling a hole?

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