Fully Detached Posted May 28, 2016 Share Posted May 28, 2016 I need to pop into Wickes this afternoon to pick up some stuff for a project. Basically I need to drill through some steel angle and counter sink the holes, and I also need to buy the suitable drill bits for the job. Can anyone recommend what to go for to drill through this stuff: http://www.wickes.co.uk/Wickes-20mm-Hot-Rolled-Steel-Angle-1000mm/p/188289 I've got a drill stand which should hopefully be good enough for the job - I don't need anything super accurate, but I don't know if a standard metal bit will go through that stuff, and also what I need to counter sink it (bigger drill bit, or proper counter sink bit?). Any suggestions very much appreciated - you wouldn't want to keep a man from completing his table saw sled, now would you? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest eight Posted May 28, 2016 Share Posted May 28, 2016 I need to pop into Wickes this afternoon to pick up some stuff for a project. Basically I need to drill through some steel angle and counter sink the holes, and I also need to buy the suitable drill bits for the job. Can anyone recommend what to go for to drill through this stuff: http://www.wickes.co.uk/Wickes-20mm-Hot-Rolled-Steel-Angle-1000mm/p/188289 I've got a drill stand which should hopefully be good enough for the job - I don't need anything super accurate, but I don't know if a standard metal bit will go through that stuff, and also what I need to counter sink it (bigger drill bit, or proper counter sink bit?). Any suggestions very much appreciated - you wouldn't want to keep a man from completing his table saw sled, now would you? Standard HSS drill bit, countersink with bigger drill bit, I would have thought. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrPin Posted May 28, 2016 Share Posted May 28, 2016 Why not ask at Wickes? They sell the stuff, and nobody here can do DIY. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fully Detached Posted May 28, 2016 Author Share Posted May 28, 2016 Standard HSS drill bit, countersink with bigger drill bit, I would have thought. Thanks, I'll give that a try. I've been spending a bloody fortune on odds and sods of late so good to know I should be able to do it reasonably cheaply. Why not ask at Wickes? They sell the stuff, and nobody here can do DIY. Yep, doesn't necessarily mean they know anything about it though. Anyway, this place is filled to the brim with DIY experts. Well, compared to me they are anyway Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dgul Posted May 28, 2016 Share Posted May 28, 2016 Standard HSS for drilling. I'd recommend a proper countersink bit. The trouble with using an oversize bit is that it could bite in and take too much material out - and you've not got that much to play with. If your holes are big enough (to generate heat) then use cutting fluid. If you've not got any then use wd-40 - it isn't a good cutting fluid, but will help slightly. Use a centre punch. I know you're not interested in accuracy (particularly), but it will give a guide to the bit and help it bite. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fully Detached Posted May 28, 2016 Author Share Posted May 28, 2016 Standard HSS for drilling. I'd recommend a proper countersink bit. The trouble with using an oversize bit is that it could bite in and take too much material out - and you've not got that much to play with. If your holes are big enough (to generate heat) then use cutting fluid. If you've not got any then use wd-40 - it isn't a good cutting fluid, but will help slightly. Use a centre punch. I know you're not interested in accuracy (particularly), but it will give a guide to the bit and help it bite. Excellent, thanks - I have WD40 so I'll give it a squirt and take it steady. I've also got punches - go me! Right, I'm off to go and buy. Reg Prescott eat your heart out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrPin Posted May 28, 2016 Share Posted May 28, 2016 Remember the unwritten rule of Wickestopia! You go in for one plumbing part and come out with £100 of tat you will never use. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fully Detached Posted May 28, 2016 Author Share Posted May 28, 2016 Job done, and not too shabby if I may say so. Thanks chaps! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happy_renting Posted May 28, 2016 Share Posted May 28, 2016 I assumed there was a typo in the thread title and the OP was repairing the Angel of the North sculpture. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fully Detached Posted May 28, 2016 Author Share Posted May 28, 2016 I assumed there was a typo in the thread title and the OP was repairing the Angel of the North sculpture. Well little acorns and all that, I don't want to go trying to run before I can walk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SNACR Posted May 28, 2016 Share Posted May 28, 2016 Why not ask at Wickes? They sell the stuff, and nobody here can do DIY. Other better DIY retailers are available. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steppenpig Posted May 28, 2016 Share Posted May 28, 2016 DIY Did you remark the Pin's slight? I assume it was intended at you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest eight Posted May 28, 2016 Share Posted May 28, 2016 Other better DIY retailers are available. Wickes is my favourite, I must admit. Although I do have a soft spot for the throwback independent oddball ones that you find off the high streets of forgotten towns. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
man o' the year Posted May 28, 2016 Share Posted May 28, 2016 Is Wickes still like that near you? Used to be the best for hardware and timber etc but last time I went in all they sold was kitchens and bathrooms (Longwell Green brsitol branch). B&Q was the only way forward. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrPin Posted May 29, 2016 Share Posted May 29, 2016 Is Wickes still like that near you? Used to be the best for hardware and timber etc but last time I went in all they sold was kitchens and bathrooms (Longwell Green brsitol branch). B&Q was the only way forward. I am familiar with Longwell Green. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fully Detached Posted May 29, 2016 Author Share Posted May 29, 2016 I am familiar with Longwell Green. Heh, me too I prefer Wickes to anything else locally, at least if I have to use a big retailer. We have an old style hardware store nearby where you can buy single screws and the shop-keeper calculates the total in his head, and the dog sits behind the counter while the cat sits on it. I'd buy everything there if I could, but they aren't so good for timber etc. I really need to make friends with a local timber merchant and buy direct in future. Wickes are OK for my needs but I'm sure I could save a fortune with a bit of research. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.