Cheap step drill bits at Harbor Freight

Matt F · Post by **Matt F** » Thu Mar 22, 2012 1:51 pm

Step bits that would be useful for making a hole for an electric element or ball valve and stuff are on sale. I picked up a set but haven't used them on a keg yet. Made a new hole in my fridge to move the gas outside with now problem.

http://www.harborfreight.com/2-piece-ti ... 96275.html

bf514921 · Post by **bf514921** » Thu Mar 22, 2012 4:24 pm

i have/used the big one, works fine on kegs and fridges, nice price, does that include the shipping?

brownbeard · Post by **brownbeard** » Thu Mar 22, 2012 5:13 pm

They drill much prettier holes than a standard drill bit. Pretty holes seal better.

That's been my experience anyway.

bf514921 · Post by **bf514921** » Thu Mar 22, 2012 5:22 pm

yeah they do, sometimes on the keg i get a bur, i just take a drimmel like tool, clean off the bur, make sure i can drage my finger over it, feels smooth and BAM. weldless bulkhead

TappedOut · Post by **TappedOut** » Thu Mar 22, 2012 6:09 pm

I've used them on a keg for a weldless fitting. I've got one sized right but haven't used it for a heating element yet. The biggest pain was getting the pilot hole drilled. The trick is to go slow and use cutting oil.

DrPaulsen · Post by **DrPaulsen** » Thu Mar 22, 2012 6:21 pm

I used the same drill bits with good success on my HLT & MLT weldless fittings. Stepping up to the hole size for a heating element got a little exciting by the end, but I suspect my drill was underpowered.

I have had really good luck making pilot holes with cobalt drill bits.

bf514921 · Post by **bf514921** » Thu Mar 22, 2012 7:09 pm

yeah, agreed, for the larger drill bit a drill with some juice is required. they did work well for installing my elements.

Post by **JimPotts** » Fri Mar 23, 2012 8:07 am

bf514921 wrote:does that include the shipping?

No, they do a flat-rate shipping thing. But you can pick them up at the local Harbor Frieght store.

Matt F · Post by **Matt F** » Fri Mar 23, 2012 9:28 am

I really like the step bits. I used them before for all my keg mods and putting holes in my fridge but had always borrowed one from my dad. They are usually really expensive and this set from Harbor Freight is cheap. I would just pick one up at the store, they had a ton of them at the same sale price of $16.99. I was mainly wondering if they were cheap and not very good on kegs. I had no problems with my fridge.

Finally modified my keg fridge so I have four kegs on the bottom and two shelves of bottle storage above. Now I have lots of space for folks to bring over beers and leave them in my fridge.

Was really nice to also finally move my gas tank outside.

kjball · Post by **kjball** » Fri Mar 23, 2012 9:54 am

FWIW, This is the one I bought.

http://www.amazon.com/Neiko-Titanium-St ... 763&sr=8-1

It's done 2 holes in an aluminum pot, several metal junction boxes and a keg. The last time I used it, it seemed to be getting a little dull. I'm not sure if you can sharpen them, but It's done it's job for me.

prieff · Post by **prieff** » Fri Mar 23, 2012 2:32 pm

I hope this is the right thread...hard to post from my crappy blackberry. Anyways, grainger and mcmaster both sell the silicone washers and orings and ss shims and washers for Kals plans in large quantities, so I was wondering if anyone had extras to sell before I make my order or would want to split an order. I know they aren't expensive, but if someone only needs 4 out of a bag of 50 it would just make sense.

Also wondered if anyone had an extra 2 silicone washers .75id x 1.5od .093thick that I could buy. Grainger has to ship them and I waited to long to order. My mash cooler leaks pretty good and I wanted to brew tomorrow or sunday.

Thanks. Brew on my friends.

Paul