The friction that occurs between the tip of the drill bit and the angle iron surface creates heat. This accelerates the rate at which the drill bit dulls. The more the drill bit dulls, the more it generates heat. Therefore, you should drill cautiously while controlling heat buildup to keep the drill bit sharper for long.
How to Drill Through Angle Iron Without Making Mistakes
While angle iron has the surface of other metals, drilling holes through it is quite tricky. Angle iron is made from thin metal sheets with strong surfaces. Drilling in the direction of the fibers also causes the drill to bind up, and you can easily lose control. Follow these steps to drill through the angle iron successfully:
1. Sand and Paint the Angle Iron
The first step is sanding and painting the angle iron. Use an orbital sander or 80-grit paper to sand down the surface of the angle iron. This should be done meticulously. Therefore, go over the surface of the metal sheet at least twice, both front and back. You should then paint the angle iron pieces using a primer followed by your preferred paint color once the primer dries. Silver is the most preferred color for angle iron.
2. Drilling Through the Angle Iron
With the surface ready, you can drill holes in the angle iron. A carbide-tipped masonry drill bit is the best option for drilling angle iron. Ensure that the drill bit has an 80-degree sharpened tip. Using this drill bit gives you maximum control while minimizing pressure on the angle iron. This reduces incidences of cracks or other damages. Ensure that you stand directly above the metal surface as you start drilling. This makes it easy to keep any reactions from the drill in check.
3. Finishing
Tap the sides of the drilled angle iron using a hammer to prevent sharpness or protrusion commonly caused by metal shards left after drilling. You should then apply a machine coolant to clean the new angles. This leaves an ultra-smooth surface that can be used for any purpose.
Tips on Drilling a Hole Through Angle Iron
While following the steps mentioned above, observe the following tips:
- Always use protective gear – metal workers should always have protective gear while at work, especially when handling dangerous procedures, such as angle rolling. Must-have protective gear for angle iron drilling, include gloves, eye protection, and steel-toed boots. Protective gear protects you from unexpected outcomes, such as sparks that can burn your face and the dangers of a flying metal piece.
- Make a dimple – drill bits can easily wander as you start drilling. To avoid drilling the wrong position, mark where you want to drill by creating a hole using a center punch. The dimple limits the drill from wandering.
- Use the right drill bit – you should only use drill bits made from high-grade steel that has been tempered correctly when working on angle iron. You should also stock up enough drill bits if your preferred bit breaks down.
- Don’t drill if you are not sure – if you are not sure about drilling angle iron, don’t proceed with the project. Unfortunately, you can’t reverse a poorly drilled metal surface, regardless of its material make. Drilling angle iron might appear simple at first. However, it can quickly become complicated depending on the material make.
- Lubricate bits to last longer – use a multipurpose oil or cutting fluid to lubricate the bit, especially when drilling holes larger than 1/8’. This reduces friction and heat buildup.
- Clamp the metal bar – you should never hold the angle iron with your bare hand when drilling. Use at least two clamps to secure your workplace.
- Deburr the hole – don’t forget to remove burrs or sharp edges that form during machining.
Conclusion
Though it seems simple, drilling through angle iron comes with some challenges. Whether you are a beginner or an expert DIY, acquainting yourself with the basics of angle iron drilling can help. You should also choose the right drill bit and wear protective gear. Visit our website if you’d like to learn more about angle iron. We hope this article has given you an understanding of how to drill through angle iron. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions. Thank you so much for reading!
