View Full Version : drilling SS sink?
dellphinus
03-16-2008, 05:34 PM
Greetings,
I need to drill a 1 1/4" hole in a stainless sink, to install a filtered water tap. Is a standard bi-metal hole saw, low speed, the way to go, or is there a specail bit/hole saw just for this purpose?
Thanks,
DP
Redwood
03-16-2008, 05:59 PM
I use punch sets to make holes in stainless... Very tough stuff!
dellphinus
03-16-2008, 06:46 PM
I use punch sets to make holes in stainless... Very tough stuff!
I was afraid I'd get an answer like that- I hate to pull the sink to punch it- could I drill up thru the counter and get enough clearance to get the punch on? ANd how big is the hole neeed for the punch bolt? (I'm assuming the punch is like a Greenlee used in electrical work?)
Bob NH
03-16-2008, 06:56 PM
What makes stainless tough is that it work-hardens. Slow speed so that you get a good cut, with VERY HEAVY pressure, is usually necessary for drilling. A drill press is usually the best way.
Since you will be installing a device that probably has a flange with some overlap on the hole you may not need a perfect hole. You could try a Dremel tool with an abrasive cutting wheel.
An abrasive hole saw might also do it. A toothed saw on thin metal can be very difficult once it gets through in a small area.
Redwood
03-16-2008, 06:58 PM
That is what I use! You don't need to pull the sink, Just have long arms or, a second set of them.
cwhyu2
03-17-2008, 04:25 AM
I have used a lenox hole saw once or twice,but the punch is the way to go.
Another vote for a punch. Stainless can wreck a hole saw.
jimbo
03-17-2008, 06:51 AM
A Greenlee hole punch would not require removing the sink.
Are you describing an undermount stainless steel sink which means you have to drill through the countertop and the sink? If so, then the item probably has a large enough flange so it would cover the larger hole needed for the mandrel on top, and then the die would be on the bottom.
dellphinus
03-17-2008, 04:38 PM
Hole punch it is! Thanks all! (And yes, it's a standard self rimming undermount SS sink, just one hole short.
And come to think of it, there's no counter under the fixture deck on the sink, so maybe just the punch.
Actually, you know- wife wanted a new sink anyway- maybe I'll save myself a little work, and score a few points...