View Full Version : Cut stainless steel
donnawy0
Apr 30, 2008, 08:44 PM
How do I cut holes in a stainless steel sink?
KISS
Apr 30, 2008, 09:22 PM
How big? 1/8"? 3"? How Many? 1? 10? 500?
donnawy0
May 1, 2008, 05:29 AM
I need 4 holes, not sure what size, it's for a faucet to be installed with the kitchen sink. For some reason the holes are not pre cut.
KISS
May 1, 2008, 07:00 AM
Punches are the way to go, but they are expensive. Guessing $30 to $40 each.
Hole saws are the next bet.
Stainless work hardens which means that if you heat it up too much the steel changes to an impossible hard to cut alloy.
Thus it's important to keep the bit cool and use lubercation. Sort of a plunge/cool/plunge operation.
A small pilot hole will need to be drilled into the stainless. Cobolt bits are best. You can use an automatic center punch to mark the center and then drill with a 1/8" cobalt bit. The hard part will be keeping the bit from wandering.
MOWERMAN2468
May 3, 2008, 04:44 AM
Holesaws would be more readily available.
meltrol
Dec 30, 2010, 07:08 AM
I use "chassis punches." Years ago they were used to punch holes in radio, TV, etc. chassis for mounting tube sockets. Now I use them when I need to make burr-free, round holes in sheet metal, including stainless sinks. I know Harbor Freight sells them for a very reasonable price (made in China I'm sure). Fortunately I have a Harbor Freight store locally I can visit. You can also buy from Harbor Freight on the internet.