Can the aircraft drill bit be used to drill a 7/16" hole 8 inches deep in a sailboat keel made of lead? And, must I use a lubricant in the process. I intend to put a 1/2 stainless steel lag bolt in the hole. Is 7/16 the proper size?
- John
answer
That bit will drill lead just fine, but I am not sure that a 7/16 diameter is larger enough for a 1/2 lag bolt.
Lead is a lubricant that used to be put in steel some steels when it was made to make it drillable and easier to turn.
Lead is also very toxic and precautions must be taken to avoid making any dust, as well as a thorough jobsite cleanup when finished.
