How to Drill a Hole in Aluminum?

Being associated with the renovation industry, I am well aware of how to drill hole in aluminum door. I completely agree with Mr. Ajay Singha’s answer. However, to add on to what he has mentioned, I’d like to share 5 tips that can help you to drill through aluminum. Aluminum has a low melting point of 660 degrees Celsius, making it a soft metal. For comparison, the melting point of stainless steel is 1510 degrees Celsius.

How to Cut a Hole in Aluminum?

The low melting point of this material makes it crucial to minimise heat buildup during drilling. Otherwise, the drill bit will stick to the melting metal.

Select the Right Drill Bit

A normal HSS drill bit can be used to drill into aluminum because it is a soft metal. It would be better to use a cobalt drill bit instead of aluminum due to its low melting point. In the end, the cobalt drill bit will help to lessen heat buildup because it will dissipate heat faster.

The Right Drilling Speed Should Be Chosen

It is crucial to keep an eye on drilling speed and drill more slowly because heavy drilling will promote heat buildup. It is advised to drill aluminum at a speed of 200 to 300 rpm.

Less pressure

Applying too much pressure can also enhance the accumulation of heat, thus it should be avoided.

Lubrication

Lubrication is essential for lowering the temperature. A high-quality drilling lubricant will minimise heat buildup by lowering friction between the drill bit and the metal.

Security

When drilling any kind of material, safety should always come first. Wear eye protection at all times. Additionally, if at all possible, clamp the metal you are drilling.

Following these tips will help you with how to drill a hole in aluminum. You must, however, leave the work to professionals if you are unsure how to handle it.

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Can You Drill Hole in Stainless Steel Sink?

A few months back, I was trying to drill a hole in one of my aluminum doors, but I wasn't able to because my drill bit kept breaking. I called my uncle and asked him how to drill a hole in Aluminum. He told me that I needed a cobalt steel drill bit to complete the process. 

How to Drill a Straight Hole in Aluminum?

To drill a hole in aluminum, my uncle told me to follow the below steps. 

• He told me to mark the spot properly and wear safety gear such as glasses and gloves before starting the drilling process. 

• Then, my uncle told me to attach the drill bit to the drill motor and then place it over the mark. 

• Now, he suggested me to apply a bit of pressure on the motor of the drill and then drill. 

• Then I was asked to stop drilling especially when I feel that the drill was done. 

• After that, he told me to slide out the drill bit and clean all the residue that was present inside. 

He also told me that generally drilled holes are 2-inch long. So, when it comes to how to drill a 2 inch hole in aluminum, I can add a stopper on the drill 2 inches from the tip. 

And that’s what my uncle told me about how to drill a hole in aluminum. I hope this helps.