Milwaukee 1/2 in. – 1 in. x 1/16 in. #8 Step Black Oxide Drill Bit

6 reviews for Milwaukee 1/2 in. – 1 in. x 1/16 in. #8 Step Black Oxide Drill Bit

1. Rated 5 out of 5

   Shanel Johnston (verified owner) – July 30, 2022

   Another great step drill bit from MilwaukeeBACKGROUND:I have owned a set of step drill bits for several years. Although they are lower quality I was very impressed with their ability to drill. I was excited when I had the opportunity to evaluate the equivalent Milwaukee #8 step drill bit.UNBOXING:This bit continues Milwaukee’s reputation for quality tools. It is significantly heavier than my old bits. The dual-flute design is more capable of powering through material. The diameter markings are nice, but may wear off (time will tell.) The 3-flat shank that prevents spinning in the drill chuck is also nice for a bit like this.USE:It is important to note that this is considered a multi-hole step drill. It can drill and chamfer holes through material up to about 1/8” at any diameter from ½” to 1”. Normally drilling holes these sizes would require using a small bit to drill a pilot hole, then using progressively larger bits to enlarge that hole. The step feature in this drill bit allows you to drill the holes using only one drill bit. A multi-hole step bit, like this one is easy to identify, the steps are further apart than a single-hole bit, resulting in a more elongated cone shape. Chucking into my cordless drill was simple. Just remember to make sure the collet jaws are engaging on the flats of the shaft. I drilled two different types of test holes for this evaluation, a bolt hole in a strap hinge, and two holes through a piece of box steel. The bit performed well in both instances. The hole in the strap hinge demonstrated enlarging an existing hole. The original hole was 3/8” and I enlarged it to ½”. The bit powered through the strap hinge easily. I used the shoulder of the next step to deburr and chamfer the hole on both sides. Next I drilled a ¾” hole through both sides of thin-walled box steel. As this was a new hole I center punched the starting point then drilled and chamfered to finished diameter on one side, then flipped the piece over and enlarged the through drilled hole on the opposite side to finish the piece. Again, the bit performed well. These bits are designed for cordless drill, high speed use; so it is important to keep the RPMs high to reduce or prevent catching the flute cutters in the workpiece.SUMMARY:This bit is worth the money and is a welcome addition to my tool box. One of my favorite step bits!

2. Rated 5 out of 5

   Easton Krajcik (verified owner) – July 17, 2022

   Exactly what I needed to get the job quickly. Very fast and very clean cut. I little pricey but a very trustworthy and reliable brand. I have several Milwaukee brand tools and have never been disappointed.

3. Rated 5 out of 5

   Delphine O’Reilly (verified owner) – January 18, 2022

   This bit had the sizes and step distances I needed. Smooth cut.

4. Rated 5 out of 5

   Anna Kozey (verified owner) – December 24, 2021

   What a fantastic invention. I don’t know why it took so long for someone to come up with this idea. This is the second step drill bit that I have owned. I wore the other one out because I kept drilling the same size whole. This bit is awesome. It tears throw the metal super quickly. You don’t even need to drill a pilot hole. The only thing I don’t like about this bit…if you metal is thick, like 1/4″ thick, the hole will have a large diameter on the inbound side than it does on the outbound side. You can rectify this bu flipping the metal over and reaming out the other side. I hope that makes send to you.

5. Rated 5 out of 5

   Rusty Armstrong (verified owner) – October 5, 2021

   Works great

6. Rated 5 out of 5

   Zita Skiles (verified owner) – September 20, 2021

   Works just fine for me in limited test ——————————————————————Disclaimer: This is an unbiased review that is unaffected by the fact that I received this product for free. As proof of impartiality, just click on my nickname and see the average of the ratings I have given over 200 reviews to date.==== First impressions ====Packaging is virtually bulletproof. I almost needed to use the bit to open it. Scissors may not be enough.==== Operation ====This #8 bit is advertised as having a range of 1/2″ to 1″ diameter. That is for a step depth of 1/8″. That means you can drill a clean, even hole in up to 1/8″ material without having to drill from the other side also. There are steps of 3/16″, 1/4″, 5/16″. 3/8″, and 7/16″ also; but except for the 3/16″ initial step, the depth of each is only 1/16″. For drilling holes under 1/2″ with material over 1/16″ thick, you should buy another bit to compliment this one, perhaps the #1 bit.I tested the bit by drilling two 3/8″ diameter holes in a 1/8″ thick stainless steel plate. I do not know the grade of the plate material (maybe 316) except that it had been used for years in a marine salt-water environment. The bit performed fine even at starting the initial hole without any cutting fluid. Of course, cutting fluid should always be used. The bit showed minimal wear or scuffing of the surfaces. I am not sure I could tell the difference between a single flute and the double flutes that are on this bit. By having two cutting flutes, I suspect that would require more power from the drilling tool to cut at the faster speeds. The claims of higher cutting speed (2X) and longer life (4X) are qualified (in tiny print) to be used with 18v Lithium-Ion battery-powered tools.At a price of 45 bucks, it is expensive, making the “value” just average.==== Summary ====Bit works well in cutting stainless steel. Requires higher powered tools to provide full benefits for speed and life. 9 sizes are advertised, but there are 5 more smaller sizes with smaller steps for thinner material. A “bit” pricey (pun intended).