What tool do I use to countersink screws in METAL?

[MichaelD]

I have a set of countersinking bits for drilling in wood, but I highly doubt they are good for metal.

I am THIS CLOSE to completing my cage for my big boa. Many, many pics will follow when it's done.

The glass for the sliding glass doors (think display case in a store and you'll understand) has been ordered and paid for.

The glass slides on tracks. The tracks have to be screwed down to the wood. The tracks don't come with the holes pre-drilled. (Why not?, I've no damn idea...:| Would make too much sense, I guess ) So I have to drill the holes.

Problem is that the screw heads must sit flush with the bottom of the track, else the glass won't slide freely. I have plenty of wood screws (the small ones with the v-shaped tapered head) but I don't know how to drill a countersunk hole in metal.

I would imagine that these tracks are soft metal...the wood counter sinks might work. What do you guys think?

 

[Anubis]

you can use the countersink used for wood you just gotta oil it and go slowely. shuld work fine. ive done it before

 

[Brutuskend]

Or I just use a bigger drill bit and don't sink it as far...

 

[MichaelD]

Ahh, two excellent suggestions! Thanks guys. Both ideas have merit. One is messy but easier. The other, neater but more potential for FUBAR. I will prolly try the wood countersinks first, with a little bit of vegetable oil for lubrication. That should work, right? I don't have any pipe-thread cutting oil handy...

 

[Electric Amish]

Uhh... you use a countersink.....

See....

amish

 

[Fausto]

I don't think I'd use veggie oil. That stuff scorches as a low temp relative to cutting oil. Maybe a few drips of 10w-30 would work better?

Fausto

 

[MichaelD]

Damn you , Amish. You've given me yet another place to spend my entire paycheck at! Hahahahah! I could seriously buy one of everythig they sell...tools, gotta love it!!!! Nice site they have there.

Fausto1,
Thanks for the tip. I'd hate to fill my house with smoke, then drill thru my finger and god forbid, the cage b/c I couldn't see what I was doing. :Q

Doc: OK...um, you drilled a nice countersunk hole thru your hand...how'd you do that?
Me: Cooking oil
Doc: WTF?


Ahahahahaha! THanks guys.

 

[GasX]

What you need:

Metal screws NOT Wood screws
Oil
Drill bit to pre drill holes
Drill bit that fits the screws like a glove
Variable Torque Drill

Voila!