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I have some swim ladder treads to install. How difficult is it to drill the stainless tubing? Any tips on the drilling or riveting so I do not mess-up ladder?? Thanks!
Use a sharp bit in a high speed drill and you shouldn't have any problems. Stainless steel tubing is fairly thin, so overheating isn't a big concern, but a squirt of oil wouldn't hurt. You should use a center punch to mark the hole's center, preventing spin-out. I would also tape the area first to protect the finish - just in case.
Not to start an argument, but my experience is of course a sharp drill bit, however, low rpm, considerable pressure, and cutting oil gives the best results.
I agree with the low speed. Once SS heats up it can get nearly impossible to drill.
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