Hole saws on stainless are tricky but it can be done. Lower speed and moderately high force are the ticket. Spin the drill full speed and you will work harden the stainless. Only plasma can save you then.
And spend the money on cobalt bits!
this post was submitted on 25 Aug 2025
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Yeah one mistake people make with stainless is trying to just take light cuts because "stainless is tough", but all that does is work harden as you try to go in. You really have to push through the cut to ensure you're always reaching fresh steel.
If you're making dust instead of chips, slow the speed and get some more feed pressure
Greenlee tool company.
Or a hole saw. Cheaper than a knockout set.
I was looking at Greenlee but everything seemed to be limited to 10 ga for SS
This is for relatively frequent use. Would a hole saw not wear out incredibly quickly on 316 steel?
Not if it's well lubricated.
I've cut hundreds of holes, and did not loose a blade in the kit.
As crude as they are, holes saws will last a long time and cut through a fair deal of depth material.
Anchor lube or tap magic are your friends
Yes but have you done it on 316?. That's a whole other animal
Mostly 304. Electrical enclosures.
What diameter?