Step drill bits

***Corey*** · 10-25-2008, 09:41 AM

I need to enlarge the 3/8" hole on my ARB bumper to 1/2".
The ARBs are drilled to accept a CB antenna mounting stud.
Ham radio antennas use 1/2" studs, at least the mount I am getting for my antenna does.

Here are two step drill packages.
One is $60, the other is $10.
Do you get what you pay for, or since this will not be used very often, is it a good choice to take a chance on the cheaper one?

$60 one from my local Lowe's

$10 one from Harbor Freight, which is also local to me

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tc · 10-25-2008, 09:52 AM

A step drill bit is the ONLY way to drill sheet/plate! You will definitely find use for it once you have one!

I think those Irwin ones will require a 1/2" chuck for the larger sizes - your drill is probably 3/8".

To be honest, I would go with the HF ones. If they burn up, go buy another set! Being that they are TiN coated, they'll probably last long enough to where you wouldn't be buying six sets over your lifetime.

wino$41 · 10-25-2008, 10:11 AM

Ditto that. I've used this (the one from harbor freight) on my TJM bumper no problem. Once you use it though you'll find all types of things to use it on.

***Corey*** · 10-25-2008, 10:14 AM

Thanks guys, mine is 1/2" too.
http://www.yotatech.com/50364681-post42.html

Guess I will call them up to see their hours.
They are on the same street I live on, just 12 miles or so North of me.

akaphilly · 10-25-2008, 10:21 AM

i've been usin my harbor freight step drills for over a year. definatly worth it

**Yoda** · 10-25-2008, 12:08 PM

We use the Irwin ones at work.

I have a set I could have loaned you today when I went for my strike check. I also have a 1/2" drill if you would rather use that.

But for $10 the HF set should be fine.

yotasavg · 10-25-2008, 12:13 PM

i have the HF ones. had em about a year, i find uses for them too.

olharleyman · 10-25-2008, 12:20 PM

I can loan you one if you want to wait a week for shipping lol but really like everyone else said $10 you will more then get your moneys worth I have the IRWIN set and use the hello of of them fabrcating on motorcycles and they work great just remember to start a small piolot hole so you don't burn the tip up on them.

***Corey*** · 10-25-2008, 12:24 PM

Thanks guys, I am going to hit HF tomorrow morning and get the $10 set.
That is $50 more I can put towards my Yaesu 857D

schmooot · 10-25-2008, 03:52 PM

The cheaper ones will dull the center part much faster, I find with my cheap one I have to get the hole started with a small bit and then I can use my step drill to make a larger and cleaner hole

***Corey*** · 10-25-2008, 03:56 PM

I will see how long the HF ones last.
But I already have the stock hole in the ARB bumper, just need to enlarge it.
I think the reason ham antennas use a larger hole for the base is so the mounts can hold a much larger antenna than a CB one.

My future antenna after I try out the one that is on order now.
Asat-120 by Yaesu.

TC4RNR · 10-27-2008, 10:32 AM

Harbor Freight all the way. i've used them so so many times no problem at all. get a center punch and good 1/4" drill bit if you need drill a new hole, the step drill isn't good for drill polit holes no matter who makes it.

***Corey*** · 10-27-2008, 10:34 AM

Just got back, picked up the Harbor Freight ones, they look to be pretty good quality for less than $10.

She was surprised to see me in and out of the store in under two minutes.
Most spend a long time gawking up and down the isles, but not me today.
I really did not have anything else to look at while I was there.

**DeathCougar** · 10-27-2008, 01:33 PM

Looks like you already made you purchase...but I would have suggested the Irwin bits. Last a lot longer, and higher quality. I bought 2 when there were buy one get one free at my local lowes. $50 or so.

ocdropzone · 10-27-2008, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corey

Just got back, picked up the Harbor Freight ones, they look to be pretty good quality for less than $10.

She was surprised to see me in and out of the store in under two minutes.
Most spend a long time gawking up and down the isles, but not me today.
I really did not have anything else to look at while I was there.

I bought two sets when I was there just in case.

Corey are you feeling OK? Nothing else to look at while you were there? You should go see a clinic

My wife hates it that there is a HF store 3 miles away from me

***Corey*** · 10-27-2008, 01:55 PM

'Coug, I will see how these last, I may get the Lowe's later.

Robb, I did not want to cloud my mind with more purchases

Soon I will be dropping a load on a new LCD TV, and also a load on HAM gear for the rig.

**aviator** · 10-27-2008, 03:28 PM

Can't comment on HF never seen them but I've used the Greenlee step bits and they are the shiznit... just be careful they can grab and either torque your wrist off or chew up the finish on what you're working on. Use a little cutting oil and it should go nicely and help keep a good edge on the bit longer. Motor oil also works if you don't have cutting oil handy. Also they can "take off" all of a sudden and you wind up with a bigger hole then you had in mind so be careful of that too.

ocdropzone · 10-27-2008, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corey

'Coug, I will see how these last, I may get the Lowe's later.

Robb, I did not want to cloud my mind with more purchases

Soon I will be dropping a load on a new LCD TV, and also a load on HAM gear for the rig.

Corey-

We are thinking too about an LCD for the family X-mas gift...Ham gear would be cool...What kind? I would love to get one but I am thinking about one of the SPOT emergency locators if this quarter's bonus is big enough after taxes would be better for me (hiking etc), already blew part of it on a 15lb Ultimate Air set up

***Corey*** · 10-27-2008, 03:49 PM

I have a ham thread here.
http://www.yotatech.com/f97/two-meter-ham-155889/

I have changed my mind quite a bit on the gear.
So far I have a Diamond antenna for 2 m and 70 cm work coming this week along with the coax and ARB bumper mount.

But down the road I am looking at the ASAT-120A antenna which is made for the Yaesu 857D radio I will get when the strike is over.
Gotta get a duplexer for the antenna too, since one antenna will hook up to the two ports on the radio.

***Corey*** · 10-29-2008, 12:46 PM

The drills worked like a charm.
In fact it was like drilling into butter

http://www.yotatech.com/f97/two-mete...l#post50957696

10-25-2008, 09:52 AM	#2 (permalink)
tc Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Longmont, CO Posts: 8,372	A step drill bit is the ONLY way to drill sheet/plate! You will definitely find use for it once you have one! I think those Irwin ones will require a 1/2" chuck for the larger sizes - your drill is probably 3/8". To be honest, I would go with the HF ones. If they burn up, go buy another set! Being that they are TiN coated, they'll probably last long enough to where you wouldn't be buying six sets over your lifetime. __________________ Check out www.coTTORA.org to hook up with great Toyota 'wheelin' folks! Current - 93 4Runner: 3VZ 33"x10.50" no lift ARB F/R 96 Impala SS: My own personal cop car Previous - 89 2WD Pickup 22R, Fabtech "Ivan Dan" lift, 31x10.50, IASCA World Finals 4th Place Stop with the mods and get on the trail! Pix at www.4wheelingoh.shutterfly.com/action

10-25-2008, 10:11 AM	#3 (permalink)
wino$41 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: spokane, wa (then), mesa, az(now) Posts: 60	Ditto that. I've used this (the one from harbor freight) on my TJM bumper no problem. Once you use it though you'll find all types of things to use it on. __________________ 96 4runner, V6 SR5, Rubicon rock sliders, SS 1.1 lift, SS bumper, TJM front bumper, Hella lights, CBI tire carrier, 285/75/16 Nitto Terra Grappler, coco mats, katzkin interior.

10-25-2008, 10:14 AM	#4 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 26,071	Thanks guys, mine is 1/2" too. http://www.yotatech.com/50364681-post42.html Guess I will call them up to see their hours. They are on the same street I live on, just 12 miles or so North of me. __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser Built for 4wheelin', expedition, camping, and overlanding use PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse Part II ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge Blog About Roof Top Tents ☺ FJC Magazines Online Review Of My Tent ☺ 2009 Specialized Rockhopper Pro

10-25-2008, 10:21 AM	#5 (permalink)
akaphilly Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Cape Cod Posts: 282	i've been usin my harbor freight step drills for over a year. definatly worth it __________________ http://cardomain.com/ride/2526416 84 p/u, 94 22re, header, RUF's f150 rears, all-pro triple x member, duals, e-locker, lsd front 35mtr 96 limited 4runner, trd s/c exhaust trans cooler, toytec coilovers, fj80 rears, budbuild front skid 285/75 procomp mt

10-25-2008, 12:08 PM	#6 (permalink)
Yoda Super Moderator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: North Bend, WA Posts: 2,664	We use the Irwin ones at work. I have a set I could have loaned you today when I went for my strike check. I also have a 1/2" drill if you would rather use that. But for $10 the HF set should be fine. __________________ David TLCA 14788 71 Landcruiser FJ-40 TBI 327, TH-350, Warn 8000, disk axle swap. 76 Landcruiser FJ-40 project/parts (haven't decided)

10-25-2008, 12:13 PM	#7 (permalink)
yotasavg Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Chico Republic, NOR*CAL Posts: 1,625	i have the HF ones. had em about a year, i find uses for them too. __________________ -Andrew 94 4Runner 3.0 Auto. I got mods Now Back in Action!

10-25-2008, 12:20 PM	#8 (permalink)
olharleyman Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: maryland Posts: 3,291	I can loan you one if you want to wait a week for shipping lol but really like everyone else said $10 you will more then get your moneys worth I have the IRWIN set and use the hello of of them fabrcating on motorcycles and they work great just remember to start a small piolot hole so you don't burn the tip up on them. __________________ 1990 4 runner 5 Speed Pro Comp Stage II 4" Lift 6" coils rear Aussie Locker front 5.29's Front And Rear 35 x 12.5 x 15 MT's Micky Thompson Classic II Wheels Super Charged 3.4 on the way 1993 SAS 4runner 22re 5 speed 4" front 5"rear 5.29's 35 x 12.5 BFG KM'S Dick cepek DC 1's 88 stock 4runner 3.0 auto for now 1955 Harley Davidson Springer Stock 1955 Hardtail Frame 4 Speed Kick Start Only 1998 Harley Custom Dresser 107 rwhp 139 ft.lbs.trq.

10-25-2008, 12:24 PM	#9 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 26,071	Thanks guys, I am going to hit HF tomorrow morning and get the $10 set. That is $50 more I can put towards my Yaesu 857D __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser Built for 4wheelin', expedition, camping, and overlanding use PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse Part II ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge Blog About Roof Top Tents ☺ FJC Magazines Online Review Of My Tent ☺ 2009 Specialized Rockhopper Pro

10-25-2008, 03:52 PM	#10 (permalink)
schmooot Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Prince George, BC, Canada Posts: 81	The cheaper ones will dull the center part much faster, I find with my cheap one I have to get the hole started with a small bit and then I can use my step drill to make a larger and cleaner hole

10-25-2008, 03:56 PM	#11 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 26,071	I will see how long the HF ones last. But I already have the stock hole in the ARB bumper, just need to enlarge it. I think the reason ham antennas use a larger hole for the base is so the mounts can hold a much larger antenna than a CB one. My future antenna after I try out the one that is on order now. Asat-120 by Yaesu. __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser Built for 4wheelin', expedition, camping, and overlanding use PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse Part II ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge Blog About Roof Top Tents ☺ FJC Magazines Online Review Of My Tent ☺ 2009 Specialized Rockhopper Pro

10-27-2008, 10:32 AM	#12 (permalink)
TC4RNR Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: used to be so. cal. now Indy Posts: 643	Harbor Freight all the way. i've used them so so many times no problem at all. get a center punch and good 1/4" drill bit if you need drill a new hole, the step drill isn't good for drill polit holes no matter who makes it. __________________ http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w...gca/agreed.jpg 94 4Runner, SR5 3.0V6, 4WD, 5spd: SOLD 99 4Runner, SR5, 3.4L 4WD, 5spd. LC80 wheels, SS 1.2 lift, Marlin 1200 Clutch, ARB front bumper, BruceTS rear bumper, roof busket, hitch mount tire carrier, Tundra Brakes, Brembo rotors, BudBuilt skid, Lightforce 240 Blitz, PiAA HID, Stubb's HD-SKO sliders. ScanGauge II 04 4Runner SR5 V6 4WD. 265/75/16 BFG KO, FJC coils and silver Bilstein shocks, Scion H/U.

10-27-2008, 10:34 AM	#13 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 26,071	Just got back, picked up the Harbor Freight ones, they look to be pretty good quality for less than $10. She was surprised to see me in and out of the store in under two minutes. Most spend a long time gawking up and down the isles, but not me today. I really did not have anything else to look at while I was there. __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser Built for 4wheelin', expedition, camping, and overlanding use PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse Part II ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge Blog About Roof Top Tents ☺ FJC Magazines Online Review Of My Tent ☺ 2009 Specialized Rockhopper Pro

10-27-2008, 01:55 PM	#16 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 26,071	'Coug, I will see how these last, I may get the Lowe's later. Robb, I did not want to cloud my mind with more purchases Soon I will be dropping a load on a new LCD TV, and also a load on HAM gear for the rig. __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser Built for 4wheelin', expedition, camping, and overlanding use PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse Part II ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge Blog About Roof Top Tents ☺ FJC Magazines Online Review Of My Tent ☺ 2009 Specialized Rockhopper Pro

10-27-2008, 03:28 PM	#17 (permalink)
aviator Super Moderator Staff Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: COTKU,Ontario,Canada Posts: 7,469	Can't comment on HF never seen them but I've used the Greenlee step bits and they are the shiznit... just be careful they can grab and either torque your wrist off or chew up the finish on what you're working on. Use a little cutting oil and it should go nicely and help keep a good edge on the bit longer. Motor oil also works if you don't have cutting oil handy. Also they can "take off" all of a sudden and you wind up with a bigger hole then you had in mind so be careful of that too. __________________ Silver 1994 Hilux Xtra cab 4x4 3.0 K&N cone filter, ported MAF, advanced timing, oversize exhaust, free flow cat, "rumble" muffler custom covered SR5 seats, map lights, factory AC tv4184 style black interior conversion started mods to come... header, custom centre console, stereo upgrade tinted windows Founding member 1972TLC fan club - Get well soon Mary Toyota Hilux... Get in or Get out of the way.

10-27-2008, 03:49 PM	#19 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 26,071	I have a ham thread here. http://www.yotatech.com/f97/two-meter-ham-155889/ I have changed my mind quite a bit on the gear. So far I have a Diamond antenna for 2 m and 70 cm work coming this week along with the coax and ARB bumper mount. But down the road I am looking at the ASAT-120A antenna which is made for the Yaesu 857D radio I will get when the strike is over. Gotta get a duplexer for the antenna too, since one antenna will hook up to the two ports on the radio. __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser Built for 4wheelin', expedition, camping, and overlanding use PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse Part II ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge Blog About Roof Top Tents ☺ FJC Magazines Online Review Of My Tent ☺ 2009 Specialized Rockhopper Pro

10-29-2008, 12:46 PM	#20 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 26,071	The drills worked like a charm. In fact it was like drilling into butter http://www.yotatech.com/f97/two-mete...l#post50957696 __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser Built for 4wheelin', expedition, camping, and overlanding use PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse Part II ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge Blog About Roof Top Tents ☺ FJC Magazines Online Review Of My Tent ☺ 2009 Specialized Rockhopper Pro

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