Inspector507
Super Member
I bought my first Unibit in 1985 or so. I now have a bunch, different sizes. They are great.
Easy way to drill big holes (step bits)
- Thread starter bx24
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RonMar
Elite Member
You should try it Bird, they are pretty handy, particularly on sheet metal panels and boxes(metal thinner than the height of each step on the bit).
I don't think I have ever seen a 2 fluted one... Hole saws these days are also pretty impressive in their performance but can be a little more difficult to manage in a hand held drill.
I don't think I have ever seen a 2 fluted one... Hole saws these days are also pretty impressive in their performance but can be a little more difficult to manage in a hand held drill.
SPYDERLK
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Thats why I didnt buy em. The 2 flute ones chatter. Ill have to get some of the cheap ones to spell my Uni-Bits on grungy stuff.bx24 said:
larry
I agree with Ron Bird, you should try it. Like I mentioned, I was skeptical and so long as traditional methods worked, I was happy enough. When I got into a situation where I did not have the clearance to use a long 1/2 drill, I gave the flute a try.
As mentioned before, thin metals worked well (that I would have expected), but I was VERY impressed with the thicker plates given that I was not using anything more powerful than a cordless drill.
Give it a shot!
As mentioned before, thin metals worked well (that I would have expected), but I was VERY impressed with the thicker plates given that I was not using anything more powerful than a cordless drill.
Give it a shot!
DieselPower
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One word of caution I forgot to mention in my first post. Be cautious in sheet metal, it can catch and buckle/warp the metal. The first Unibit I got I purchased to drill holes in heavy OTR trucks to run CB antenna wires and heated mirror wires. The bit caught one day and it buckled the door sheet metal. 
Luckily I was able to pop it back out from the backside with a little help from a rubber mallet and bodymans bean bag. Thank God I got it out because it was a brand new truck that hadn't been delivered yet.
Luckily I was able to pop it back out from the backside with a little help from a rubber mallet and bodymans bean bag. Thank God I got it out because it was a brand new truck that hadn't been delivered yet. 
Kernopelli
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I'm glad this was posted. I have been considering buying a set for some time and was recently at a HF store in St. Louis and they were on sale. I talked myself out of them for fear that they would quickly dull. Looks like I'll get some after all, Thanks.
When I was doing my loader last year I was looking for a way to drill the holes for the pins, bolts, etc. in 1/4"-1/2" sheet and was trolling Ebay and saw a set of B&D bimetal hole saws that were really cheap. I had always assumed hole saws would only be good for thin sheet metal but out of necessity decided to give them a try anyway. WOW, I couldn't believe how good they work. I have since drilled countless holes with them and have been very impressed. I finally wore out one of the Black and Decker saws and went to my local Rural King and bought a Milwaukee brand to replace it. I bought just the "saw" and used it with the original B&D bit (that has yet needed to be sharpened) and all is good still yet!
When I was doing my loader last year I was looking for a way to drill the holes for the pins, bolts, etc. in 1/4"-1/2" sheet and was trolling Ebay and saw a set of B&D bimetal hole saws that were really cheap. I had always assumed hole saws would only be good for thin sheet metal but out of necessity decided to give them a try anyway. WOW, I couldn't believe how good they work. I have since drilled countless holes with them and have been very impressed. I finally wore out one of the Black and Decker saws and went to my local Rural King and bought a Milwaukee brand to replace it. I bought just the "saw" and used it with the original B&D bit (that has yet needed to be sharpened) and all is good still yet!
Paddy
Veteran Member
Bx24,
Good you brought this up. These drills are so handy if you are just tring to get a bigger hole. I have used them on material where the steps are smaller than than material. In other words I want a 3/4" hole but the 7/8" step will start to cut on top before the 3/4" is completely through. JUST stop in time before the 7/8" starts to cut. Use a rat tail file to clean the small rim left.
I got mine when the factory I worked at closed to move to (name the spot)and....every employee started grabing tools. I never thought it would be so handy. Carefull though, they can grab.
One last coment; never use a cordless tool where a corded drill can do the job with ease. Drilling plate steel can be done via cordless, but with much ware a tear!
Glad for your discouvery...Patrick T.
Good you brought this up. These drills are so handy if you are just tring to get a bigger hole. I have used them on material where the steps are smaller than than material. In other words I want a 3/4" hole but the 7/8" step will start to cut on top before the 3/4" is completely through. JUST stop in time before the 7/8" starts to cut. Use a rat tail file to clean the small rim left.
I got mine when the factory I worked at closed to move to (name the spot)and....every employee started grabing tools. I never thought it would be so handy. Carefull though, they can grab.
One last coment; never use a cordless tool where a corded drill can do the job with ease. Drilling plate steel can be done via cordless, but with much ware a tear!
Glad for your discouvery...Patrick T.
Kratos
Bronze Member
Thanks for the reminder. I bought a set from HF a year ago and never tried them. I was skeptical which is silly after paying for them. LOL
I will definately give them a try next time I am drilling a hole in something thin.
I will definately give them a try next time I am drilling a hole in something thin.
tnau664
Bronze Member
Bird said:I have a #1 Unibit (1/8" to 1/2") that I bought on the advice of my brother 6 or 8 years ago. It's still in the package; never been opened or used.
Hi Bird, put it in a Yardsale, I'll buy it.
I just bought my first set this year and can't believe I've been using 3 bits to drill one hole all these years. I also use mine on the drill press. I'll never be without them again.
Terry
