Going by how hard a steel I-beam is, you could be convinced that it is impossible to drill holes into it. Let’s burst your bubble and inform you that drilling through this fixture is possible, provided you have the right set of tools for doing so.
If you are wondering where to find the best drill bit for steel I-beam, you are in the right place. This article will guide you through the top units in the market and show you how you can narrow down your pick from the options available.
Let’s get into the business of the day and review the products.
Comparison Table of High-Quality Drill Bits for Steel I-Beam
You can save a lot of time by choosing from the units we have reviewed below. This way, you won’t have to look anywhere else for the perfect tool.
Our Top 5 Drill Bits for Steel I Beam
1. Neiko 10197A High-Speed Drill Bit
- Material: High Speed Steel
- Finish: Titanium
- Pieces: 5
- Cutting Angle String: 135 Degrees
- Shank Type: 3-Flat
- Feature: Made of super strong HSS steel for added durability and bit life
Then, each bit is made of HSS steel, hinting at usefulness for a long time to come. On top of that, the tools are so well-made that only a small amount of pressure is enough to drill through the toughest surfaces.
Other notable features include a 3-flat shank for an awesome grip and a two-flute design for faster operation and smoother results.
Lastly, the units come with a durable aluminum box for convenient storage.
Customer Reviews
- A complete set
- Durable
- Easy to use
- Poor packaging
2. Bosch Cobalt M42 Drill Bit Set
- Material: 8% Cobalt alloy
- Pieces: 14
- Diameter: 1/16″ – 1/2″
- Shank Type: 3-Flat
- Feature: Cobalt alloy that delivers 10x life vs. standard bits
Other than that, the tools have impressive heat resistance, making them well-suited for high-temperature applications.
Let’s not forget the hardened tip that can drill into tough, abrasive materials with relative ease.
Customer Reviews
Home Depot Rating- Reduced bit walking
- Fast material removal
- Long lifespan
- Fragile storage box
3. Lichamp HSS Cobalt Drill Bit Set
- Material: Cobalt Steel
- Diameter: 1/16″ – 1/2″
- Pieces: 29
- Cutting Angle String: 135 Degrees
- Shank Type: Round
- Feature: Designed for drilling masonry, block and brick
Let’s also touch on the high-quality build whereby the M35 HSS and the 5% cobalt make the units wear-resistant plus can withstand very high temperatures up to 1100-degrees F without breaking apart.
Next is the design which includes a 135-degree split point tip and twist that gives them faster-cutting speed. Additionally, there will be little or no skating during drilling into the steel I-beam.
How can we leave out the 3-flute design that allows for faster chip removal and makes your work easier?
Customer Reviews
- Sturdy storage box
- Well-made
- A complete 29-piece set
- Too expensive
4. Stroton Cobalt Step Drill Bit
- Material: M35 6% Cobalt Steel
- Diameter: 4-32mm(15 steps)
- Pieces: 1
- Cutting Thickness: Stainless Steel Sheet (Hand Drill ≤2mm, Drill Press ≤5mm)
- Feature: This step drill bit is made of Premium Cobalt (80,000 dollars per ton)
These are some of the aspects you get in the Stroton step drill bit, and we attribute this to the high-quality cobalt build.
Away from that, this unit is versatile, and besides steel, you can comfortably use it to drill through other materials such as wood and aluminum.
Who wouldn’t like how fast the bit works and will drill 3-times faster than the ordinary units in the market? This means that you can get more holes in less time.
Customer Reviews
- High-quality steps
- Faster drilling
- Sturdy and durable
- Not available in a set
5. Dewalt DW1361 21-Piece Titanium Drill Bit Set
- Material: Titanium
- Diameter: 1/16″ – 1/2″
- Pieces: 21
- Tool Flute Type: Spiral
- Feature: Proprietary Pilot point tip delivers speed and clear, burr-free holes which help reduce bit walking
The first thing we notice is that the storage box has a clear lid to allow you to view the contents easily. So, no nasty surprises for you. In addition to that, the box features a clip latch to tightly lock it so that the contents do not spill out during transportation.
If you are worried about bit-breakage during drilling, the patented web taper should calm your nerves due to the rigidity that it gives the units. Further, the pilot point tip pretty will be helpful in reducing bit walking due to the clear holes you will end up with.
Customer Reviews
Home Depot Rating- Storage box for bit organization
- A complete set
- Versatile
- No warranty cover
Buying Guide to The Perfect Drill Bit for Steel i Beam
Due to the wide variety of brands available in the market, you may have a hard time and use a lot of time finding something that meets your drilling needs. However, you may narrow down your search by paying attention to some key issues as we shall highlight in the section below:
I) Material
The material used in putting the piece together will determine its performance and efficiency for the task at hand. Common materials used in making these units include High-speed steel (HSS), carbide, and cobalt.
All the materials are distinct and have their set of pros and cons. For example, carbide is perfect for drilling through-hardened steel, but it is too brittle and may break apart halfway through the operation.
II) Bit Design
Here, we mostly look atthe bit’s flute design as it will affect the kind of holes that you will end up with. Further, it will also tell you if you’ll be having flying objects during the operation, which is something that everyone tries to avoid.
You get two designs to choose from, parabolic and 30-degree designs, with the latter perfect for rigid surfaces such as the steel I-beam.
III) The Coating
The coating affects the unit’s durability and the kind of performance that it will deliver. A coated unit will be protected from rust and corrosion and serve you for longer. The most common coatings that you’ll find include black oxide and TiCN.
IV) Length
When it comes to drilling through tough materials, a shorter bit will serve you well due to its rigidity. If you use a longer unit in a tough operation, it may break before you are done with the project.
V) Angle
The normally accepted angle for drill bits is 118-degrees but for more efficient and faster drilling into your steel I-beam, you should go for a 135-degree unit.
FAQs on the Best Drill Bit for Steel I-Beam
If we left out any crucial part of the topic, we hope to cover it in this section containing some of the common queries on the accessory.
Q: Should I sharpen my bit regularly?
A: Yes, you should as it is a creative way of boosting its durability. Even if you are not familiar with how the process is done, there are many online tutorials to give you all the guidance you need.
Q: Which one is more effective in drilling through my Steel I-Beam between cobalt and titanium bits?
A: Although both units are designed to cut through-hardened steel, cobalt units are too expensive, and not everyone can afford them. So, our advice is that you go for a cobalt bit with titanium coating, and no surface will be too tough to drill through.
Q: Is the length of the bit an important factor to look out for?
A: Yes, it is, and it will determine the kind of drilling performance that the unit will give in the long run. When dealing with tough surfaces such as the steel I-Beam, a shorter bit is the best picksince it is rigid enough to prevent breakage during use.
Our Top Pick
Even though all the units on our list are of top quality, we felt that the Neiko 10197A High-Speed Drill Bit is better than the rest. This is a 5-piece set of different sizes so that you can easily find one for your drilling needs.
Other than that, all the products are well-made, have a convenient 3-flat shank design and come in a storage box for convenient storage.
Final Word
If you ever need to drill holes into your steel I-Beam, you now know which ones to choose and use for the job. All the information presented in this article is valid and will tell you all you need to know about each unit, both positives and negatives.
In the end, you should be able to make the right decision and end up with a product that will deliver what you were hoping for.