Posted by Steve Elliot on Saturday, April 17, 2004 at 6:50PM :
In Reply to: Drilling out Hardned Set Screw posted by Paul(in NY) on Saturday, April 17, 2004 at 5:03PM :
I would use a solid carbide drill bit. The trick will be to get it drilling in the center of the screw. Use a center point to get a start point. Don't use too high of speed. Use oil on the drill bit to help it stay sharp. The drill bit is capable of drilling the set screw. The set screw probably has case hardened itself from the heat generated by the other drill bits you've already used. Take your time and don't get frustrated. (easier said than done.) Maybe get 2 or 3 drill bits in case you break one or one gets dull. I am a machinst and I know this is possible. There isn't a set screw you can't drill out. Trust me.
Good luck, Steve in Boulder Creek, Ca.
Follow Ups: