Stainless Steel Deep Hole Drilling: What I've Learned About 304, 316, and 17-4
Why Stainless Steel Is Different Stainless steel is the material that causes the most tool breakage in my experience — not because it’s the hardest, but because it work-hardens and grabs the tool if you hesitate. I’ve watched operators who can drill aluminum all day snap a carbide gun drill inside the first inch of 304. It’s not a material you muscle through. Over the years I’ve drilled thousands of holes in three stainless grades: 304, 316, and 17-4 PH. They look similar on paper but behave completely differently under the cutting edge. This article is what I wish someone had told me before I broke my first $400 tool. ...