Customer Reviews

Neiko Titanium Step Drill Bit - 1/4" to 1-3/8" in 1/8" Increments, 10 Steps

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Good value for the money.

Have used a few times on electrical cabinets, galvanized boxes and thin stainless steel. I've kept it well lubed during use w/ high viscosity cutting fluid and haven't noticed any dulling or overheating. I like the large size because I can drill one or two holes quickly and the mass serves as a heat sink keeping the cutting edge cool, after that it gets put away till next time.

Doesn't have the feel or weight of higher quality bits so I don't know how it would handle extended use, but that's not what I need anyways. This gets the job done and is good enough since it gets used very sparingly and I saved a bunch of money to boot.

I needed to drill a 1-3/8" hole in a stainless steel kitchen sink (not sure of the thickness, but it was a heavier gauge than some of the less expensive sinks I've seen) for an instant hot water device. I had another step bit that wouldn't touch it. This one did the job, albeit with some time and effort. I started with a 1/8" bit and worked up to 3/8" or 1/2" (I forget which) before using the step bit. Then, I drilled one step at a time using liberal amounts of cutting oil, it cut slower as the hole got bigger which makes sense as it was working harder to remove more material. The key to the job was letting the sink and bit cool down between steps (cool water helped speed up the process and also kept the sink from warping). I had my wife drizzle oil on the bit/sink while I drilled - messy but effective. Bit seems to have survived just fine, still feels nice and sharp. As an aside, we love the instahot, too - it was worth the effort!

This cut through a large stainless steel kettle like butter. Can't attest to how long it will last but I see no reason why it would not last for a couple dozen holes. Just make sure to use low RPM and a quality cutting fluid like Tap-Magic extra thick. Excellent product for the price and a good tool to have in the homeowner/hobbyist arsenal.

Went to the local electrical supply a few weeks ago and they had some Neiko Step bits on sale for [...] (singles). I really needed one for drilling some Electrical Panels in ceilings and floors where its tough to carry a whole slew of hole saws around (especially in the floor). Typically, the hole saw size you need is usually with another worker, or lost or worn out. So this seems like the perfect answer, especially for occasional use.
I was close to paying [...] but it just wasn't in my budget. Besides, I wanted a Kline brand or something I had heard of anyway. So I asked the clerk if this was a good quality bit and he claimed it was. Still I wasn't ready to bite.
Came home and checked Amazon to see if it was at all possible to get a step bit for under [...]. Found the SAME Neiko here for [...] or so! Wow what a rip off at those stores! At Amazon prices, It seemed like a good bet to take a chance, so I ordered 2, to get the free shipping :)
Finally got the chance to use one last week. It does kick a bit as one reviewer mentioned. But it DOES the job in a steel panel. As far as the somewhat rough edges, we use inserts anyway, so any rough edge is covered up for safety, beside being under the floor out of sight. Depends on your application I suppose.
I drilled 2 thick electric panels with a cordless and there is not a scratch on the bit, it looks pristine. I have also seen how the uni-bits wear down on one level over time. I am thinking that this one might do a little better due to the design and larger "bite" it takes.
So far its good.

I've abused this thing for the last couple months and it has yet to show any signs of wear. I would definitely purchase again.

for the price this was a great buy. We installed a switch in a stainless steel switch. You need to remember to use 3:1 oli when using this bit and take your time (with SS) but what a great value
RC
Michigan

I needed to drill a 1-¼" hole and this step drill did the trick very nicely. Works as advertised.

This bit is pretty sturdily constructed, but even with a beast of a 4.5A drill, it will kick like a MULE if the slightest thing goes wrong. I bought this thing to put tube socket holes in .052" aluminum, and had the chassis go flying a couple of times. The cut is never clean, it spits out shards and will make protesting noises the whole time. I don't own a Unibit in this size, but I wish I did - they're of superior construction, and make drilling holes a breeze.

This drill bit did exactly what I hope it would do. I drilled a 7/8 hole through my stainless pot with ease. My ball valve fit perfectly.

Used on 1/8" plate aluminum to cut holes for a tube amp chassis. Use a drill press and a little cutting oil - it will cut cleanly. Cheap and good. I won't use it much, but even if it doesn't last, no great loss at this price point.