Step drill bits are convenient for drilling clean holes in sheet metal and thin panels in one go. They can also be used to enlarge existing holes. Step bits are often used by electricians, but can also be used in other trades and for metal fabrication work.
Earlier this month I had been looking for something on Milwaukee Tool’s website when I discovered that they recently came out with a new line of stepped drill bits.
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Milwaukee already offered a line of step bits, and it looks like these new jam-free bits are taking their place.
Features
- Dual flute design for faster and jam-free cutting performance
- Optimized for cordless drills and high speeds for quicker drilling
- Rapid Strike tip for fast accurate starts
- Black oxide coated for corrosion resistance
- Up to 50% more holes per battery charge
- Laser-engraved markings
- 3-flat shanks for reduced slippage
It might seem trivial, but I like that new bits are properly numbered with industry-standard designations, e.g. #1, #2, #4.
All 11 of the new step bits are available individually, and there are also a few money-saving combo kits.
Step Drill Bit Sizes
| Model Number | Hole Diameter | Number & Steps | Increments | Shank Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48-89-9201 | 1/8″ – 1/2″ | #1, 13 | 1/32″ | 1/4″ |
| 48-89-9202 | 3/16″ – 1/2″ | #2, 6 | 1/16″ | 1/4″ |
| 48-89-9203 | 1/4″ – 3/4″ | #3, 9 | 1/16″ | 3/8″ |
| 48-89-9204 | 3/16″ – 7/8″ | #4, 12 | 1/16″ | 3/8″ |
| 48-89-9205 | 1/4″ – 1-3/8″ | #5, 10 | 1/8″ | 3/8″ |
| 48-89-9206 | 3/8″ & 1/2″ | #6, 2 | 1/16″ | 1/4″ |
| 48-89-9207 | 7/8″ | #7, 1 | NA | 3/8″ |
| 48-89-9208 | 1/2″ – 1″ | #8, 9 | 1/16″ | 3/8″ |
| 48-89-9209 | 7/8″ & 1-1/8″ | #9, 2 | NA | 3/8″ |
| 48-89-9211 | 7/8″ – 1-7/32″ | #11, 13 | NA | 3/8″ |
| 48-89-9212 | 7/8″ – 1-3/8″ | #12, 5 | NA | 3/8″ |
These new Milwaukee step bits, as well as the older ones, are made in the USA.
Buy Now(via Home Depot)
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First Thoughts
While Milwaukee’s up to 2X faster-cutting, up to 4X longer-lasting, and requiring up to 50% less battery power claims seem a little hard to fully trust at face value, the Dual-Flute design, with two cutting edges 180° apart instead of just one, should satisfy some of these claims.
I tend to strongly favor Irwin Unibit step bits, but always try to keep an open mind about other brands. The next time I shop for new step bits, I will probably look a much closely at Milwaukee’s.
Chris Fyfe
I’ll try one for sure , some of mine are pretty long in the tooth . Since I nearly always use step drills in conjunction with cordless tools , I find the claims interesting .
Chris
matt
Well I had been walking past these, assuming made in china. but if they are made here I will try them out that is a pretty good price for USA step bit…
Jerry
I like how the common sizes, like 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, etc are highlighted so you can likely see the highlighted part when spinning.
Stuart
Agreed. It’s amazing how such minor touches, such as highlighted size markings and perimeter markings, could really improve the user experience.
SteveR
Stuart–I’ve never used one of these, and I’m not sure they offer enough advantages for me to buy one. I can see that they offer a cheap alternative to buying multiple, large-diameter bits for the occasional user that needs, say, to drill a 3/4″ or 7/8″ hole. However, for something that large, I’d feel safer using a drill press, or have a machinist do the drilling for me. I’ve never drilled anything larger than 1/2″ hole (in metal), so the larger “unibits” aren’t something I would turn to very often. Of course, some would find themselves doing more jobs that required larger holes because they now had that capability.
A major concern would be the ability to stop the drill from making a larger hole than the size I intended. Some of the larger bits have many hole sizes close to one another; it looks like it would be easy to “bust through” to the next larger hole size if you weren’t careful, or you slipped because you applied too much force. Another would be control of the bit to get a round (not oval) hole. I guess that gets better with practice, however. Again, using a drill press would go a long way to preventing those problems. The final problem would be clearance issues. Sometimes you’d have material close behind the piece you’re trying to drill, so that breaking through would not be desirable (defacing that piece, or possibly drilling into a hydraulic hose). Or the material behind would make it impossible to use the step-bit you’re using (i.e., it simply blocked progressing to the desired hole size unless you drilled through it as well). Step-bits definitely have a place; there are going to be times when that’s the only thing that will get the job done. But it may require advance thought and preparation before you tackle those jobs.
Stuart
Step bits are not used to save money, they’re used to save time and effort. They work really well for things like drilling holes in sheet metal panels.
Step bits are often used to drill holes smaller than one would typically use a hole saw for.
They can be used on drill presses, but in construction and remodeling trades they’re used with cordless and sometimes corded drills.
Bursting past the size you want to drill is possible, but only if you lose focus and control when drilling.
Step bits create clean circular holes, but I suppose there is the potential for them to drift a little. Even so, a little deviation is usually acceptable in the context of what the holes are being drilled for.
Matt
Step drills are for making a fast hole in sheet metal. Not really a accuracy type of bit.
Jerry
if you’ve ever tried to drill a fairly large hole in fairly thin metal, you would appreciate a step drill. Unlike a standard bit, they drill true round holes, and with a little practice, you learn to just ‘kiss’ your work with the next size larger step, which automatically deburrs it. I like having step bits that max out at common sizes like 3/4, 7/8, and 1 inch, and use them instead of that size of twist drill in metal up to about 1/4 inch thick, If you need a 7/8 hole, just use a bit with a max size of 7/8 and let it go all the way through. Makes a round hole, and doesn’t break your wrist on break through when using a hand drill.
Stan
Stuart, given this is Milwaukee, is this product 100% USA made or this is made in USA of global and imported goods? Last time I’ve seen any Milwaukee USA made items was a very long time ago, likely more than a decade plus ago.
Stuart
I asked for a test sample and will be able to check for fine print. In the meantime, all of the product pages I’ve seen only say “Made in USA.” I see no reason not to take that at face value.
Stan
Here is my stance Stuart, I have reason to believe you Stuart, as I sincerely and genuinely believe you are writing the truth. However, with all due respect, I just find this difficult to believe a company that for the the longest time didn’t seem to produce any American products, the skeptic in me is thinking otherwise.
However, maybe this is a new leaf for Milwaukee and potentially maybe there is some hope for this company after all. I thought and to a extent still think Empire might suffer after the buy out, but this is all wait and see.
I will say this and this alone with this subject and that is any company that creates/supports jobs in America certainly has my respect.
As for step twist drills, I am inclined to agree with Steve R here though. However, in full disclosure, I’ve never used one of these before though.
Stuart
Maybe they are made in the USA using global components. I don’t know, I don’t have a packaged test sample in front of me yet. Once I do, I’ll tell you if there’s any fine print.
Their previous step drills were also made in the USA. So why wouldn’t these be?
You might be reading too much into things. That these are made in the USA should not be taken as indication of Milwaukee Tool’s business strategies or policies.
Jerry
They have had USA made corded Sawzalls, all along, and I believe a corded drill or two. A couple years ago I got a Super Magnum corded drill, and it says Made in USA right on the drill
Stuart
The packaging says “Made in the USA.” No fine print. Happy?
shawn
Yeah, the last Milwaukee combo cordless kit I bought said it is “skillfully” made in china.
Matt
The new levels are made in usa.
Some of saw zalls are made in usa, and the mag drills.
Don
Home Depot seems to be charging a premium.
For example, the 6 piece set is a full $75 and change cheaper at acme tools.
http://www.acmetools.com/shop/tools/milwaukee-48-89-9224
Caleb
These look nice, though I am not sure how much of a “step up” they would be from the ones I purchased at Harbor Freight for $20 (http://www.harborfreight.com/2-piece-titanium-nitride-coated-high-speed-steel-step-drills-96275.html).
The different colors on the common sized holes would be helpful.
Of course, I have only used mine for adding gadgets to my smokers/grills and installing duct work for my swamp cooler. I don’t need the same quality as a professional.
With the ones I used it was easy to keep from busting past, but I was being really careful since it is not something I normally do.
JML
I’ll be interested in how well these actually work. I have several Irwin Unibits and found that the single-flute design didn’t wander or chatter, unlike some dual-flute step drills from Sears, which were truly awful. If anyone buys these, please report on how well they work compared to Unibits.
shawn
I bought one from home depot. It was 50$ and went to 1 1/8. I had to drill a hole in the basin of a stainless steel water cooler. The metal an 1/8″ thick that i drilled through. I don’t have much experience in using them for comparison purposes, but i was very happy with the way it worked. I did drill a pilot and used cutting oil due to the fact it’s 50 bucks. Don’t know if it’s worth the extra money compared to the Irwin line, but I’m not disappointed with it at all.
Matt Hayward
Have a set of these which I use in ABS and Metal and I couldn’t be happier with them. The highlighted markings are a great feature, as mentioned, and the double flute is great for cutting in half the time. Seems to cut down on drilling time and heat generated from friction. The black coating on the outside of the bit seems to have worn off pretty quickly when used in metal but it doesn’t seem to have any effect on the markings inside the flute at all. I guess time will tell if the metal shavings passing through the flute will wear them off over time.
Derek Mall
Tip broke sooo you think they replace them since their backed by their guarentee
Stuart
It’s always worth a try.