[pastor1189]

What do you recommend for chain link fence top rail pipe.
Also anything available for the wandering of the drill bit?

[joypulv]

Just a carbide bit.
And a punch and hammer to make a dimple for starting.

[pastor1189]

Great

[smoothy]

If it was a larger bit than that, I would suggest the center punch a mark with hammer (as was suggested), plus drill a small pilot hole before the larger bit. But a 3/8" isn't big enough for that to be NEEDED, it might help with drilling a ROUND pipe however. If it still wants to wander, try this. maybe with a 1/8" bit to start or whatever you have that's sharp around that size before the 3/8" Far less likely to end up other than exactly where you want it that way because sometimes it will veer off somewhat as the bit starts to bit then you end up with a hole in the wrong place that in some cases is far enough off to really matter. Happens WAY easier on a curved, rounded or dished surface than a flat one especially with a hand drill that's not held almost precisely perpendicular to the material.

[WallyHelps]

A carbide bit? I thought those were just for masonry drilling.

[smoothy]

A carbide bit? I thought those were just for masonry drilling.

You can get masonry OR metal cutting bits in Carbide... most metal cutting ones are not carbide... only the BEST ones are, and you pay dearly for them. You can't sharpen them on a regular bench grinder wheel. You need special grinding wheels as carbide is so hard. (they can also break if you drop them on a hard surface as they are brittle too.) Masonry ones are not completely carbide either just a small portion of the cutting surface.

[pastor1189]

Thanks everybody

[ma0641]

You also mention " top rail pipe". If needed, HD has them in the fencing area, outside garden. I just bought some last week to repair a damaged fence.

[Stratmando]

I would use Fence pipe or pipe the same diameter, as fittings and pieces work with them. Center punches work well ad fast, and cheap. Hammer and Nail is cheaper. Drilling a small hole first will help insure accurate hole location, then larger bit(s) perpendicular to pipe, as mentioned.

[pastor1189]

Thanks got a drill bit. Works okay. But binds up going in pipe
Using low speed and oil. But still binds