Millett Front Sight Problem...Please Help

[Confederate]

A short time ago, I attempted to install a Millett front sight on my Ruger Security-Six revolver. I got the old aluminum sight off okay and then tried to put in the Millett. It fit fine. I secured it and then attempted to drill through it, and was stopped in my tracks.

No matter how much I drilled (rechargeable drill), I could do no more than put a dent in it. I even took it out and attempted to drill through by attaching it to a block of wood. The drill bits were titanium, and I even bought a new set not knowing what the drill bits were that I was using. The instructions said that even a small hand crank drill would work.

The bits also had a quick bite feature; still nothing worked. The drill belongs to my dad and has 23 settings. I used a fully charged battery.

QUESTION: What's the problem? Could it be the drill itself? I had it cranked up to full power.

QUESTION: Would a plug-in electric drill do any better? Is it worth the hassle of borrowing one?

QUESTION: Could it be the material used in the sight itself?​

Any help would be greatly appreciated as I don't want to return them to Millett until I'm fairly sure it's the hardness of the sight itself. BTW, the people at the toll-free number are absolutely clueless about the sights. Bushnell bought Millett out and, well, need I say more?

Thanks for any assistance!



Previously installed Millett sights on a Ruger Security-Six.

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[gb6491]

I've installed Millett sights and the steel seemed fairly soft.
So, that said:

Is the drill a reversible model? If so, check that it is set for the right direction.

Did you use a new bit first? If not, maybe the old one was dull and in using it you work hardened the sight blade.
If sharp, titanium coated, HSS bits won't do it, you'll need to get cobalt ones to drill the hole.

Regards,
Greg

 

[frogomatic]

if the bit failed to cut there is a good chance it heated the metal enough to harden it, making further drilling difficult at best. You might have success if you use a carbide bit.

 

[Confederate]

Is carbide better than titanium? If so, how much better? The guy at Home Depot swore that titanium was better.

 

[gb6491]

There is some good reading for the various types of materials used for drill bits on this page: http://www.diyfaq.org.uk/powertools/drillfaq.htm
Carbide bits are the hardest. They are usually the most expensive. Solid carbide bits are somewhat brittle and require care when being used. They do make carbide tip drills. The only carbide drills I've seen at Home Depot or Lowes are masonry bits and rotary hammer bits.
.
It doesn't take much to dull a drill cutting metal; high speed, not enough cutting fluid, and too much pressure (though some stainless steels require a lot of pressure) are the usual culprits.
You may have just dulled the bitss you have (some of the kits at HD and Lowes are not always the best quality). A trip to a local hardware store for a single bit (sometimes two to a pack) will probably give you a better quality bit and might be worth a try.

Slower speeds are best for cutting metal, use cutting fluid (some 3 in 1 oil will work in a pinch), and let the bit do the work.

Regards,
Greg