09-16-2012, 12:25 AM
What kind of socket is it?
Chrome hand drive socket? Black oxide "impact" socket?
When in doubt, check to see if you can cut your part/material with a hand file first. If the file just glides over the surface without cutting (chrome plating, hardened steel, etc.) - it's time for carbide.
Also if it is hardened, you would need to anneal it to soften the steel before you would be able to run a tap through it. But since you did manage to get a hole through it, I would venture a guess that it is either a plated socket and/or is surface hardened only.
For milling steel you might want to consider using a 4 flute cutter to ease the chip load as well.
Chrome hand drive socket? Black oxide "impact" socket?
When in doubt, check to see if you can cut your part/material with a hand file first. If the file just glides over the surface without cutting (chrome plating, hardened steel, etc.) - it's time for carbide.
Also if it is hardened, you would need to anneal it to soften the steel before you would be able to run a tap through it. But since you did manage to get a hole through it, I would venture a guess that it is either a plated socket and/or is surface hardened only.
For milling steel you might want to consider using a 4 flute cutter to ease the chip load as well.
Willie