People prefer to opt for stainless steel kitchen farmhouse sinks. The easy maintenance and user-friendly design make them the optimum choice.
The designs of these sinks may vary. You can, however, optimize the design to fit your faucet set by drilling precise holes. So, whether you are looking to install a specific faucet set or a built-in soap dispenser system, either way, you need to cut a hole in your stainless-steel farmhouse sink.
Guide on How to Cut a Hole in a Stainless Steel Farmhouse Sink:
The stainless-steel sink is susceptible to dents and scratch. It would be best if you were careful when you work at cutting holes.
Step 1: Identify your target area
This is the first step where a preliminary examination is conducted of the sink. Your farmhouse sink is most likely already installed. You will need to navigate the fixtures of the sink and determine the pipes’ location and length.
This is probably the most crucial step, for you do not want to damage your set plumbing system. Thus, it would help if you determined the spot where you want to drill a hole. This spot can then be marked with the help of a masking tape. This is a seemingly less permanent means of marking hole territory instead of direct drilling.
Step 2: Mark a suitable indentation
You do not initially realize the importance of this step. But when you start drilling, it is most likely that it will slip across the stainless steel’s smooth surface. Making an indentation with the help of a hammer and nail can help prevent this mishap from happening. It is as difficult to penetrate as a retaining wall steel.
The indentation should be small. Strike the nail on the correct spot. Make sure you are precise with your marking. Many professionals opt for this technique to drill efficiently on smooth surfaces.
Step 3: Select your drill bit.
This is an essential step as it characterizes the choice of machinery to cut the hole. The size and location of your required hole will help determine that point. Make sure you have selected the right size of the drill bit. As mentioned above, it can vary concerning design.
Step 4: Lubricate your drill bit.
The stainless-steel sink is likely to lose its sharp edge during drilling. This problem can be easily solved by lubricating the tip of the drill bit. Take a small amount of the lubricating oil and apply it to the pointed edge of the bit. Usually, a single drop is suitable enough. However, you can always use some more if need be. You can also apply the oil when the drill starts to turn.
As a precautionary measure, it is always recommended to stop drilling when the point starts smoking. This is an indication of it becoming too hot.
Step 5: Wear appropriate protective equipment
Before you start the drill job, make sure that you are fully equipped with safety. Professionals strongly advise against operating a drill without safety equipment. There are way too many mishaps that can occur.
It would be best if you had suitable protective eyewear or goggles on while performing the drill job. There are several bits and pieces of steel that likely to fly out into your eyes. Using a face shield in most cases is also recommended. Either way being aware of the implications of irresponsibility is essential for anyone working on this job.
Step 6: Start the drill job.
Make sure you have your set of appropriate drill bit ready to use. Clear the surrounding area. Make sure you have enough space to start drilling. Place the bit of the drill on the right point above the masking tape. This will help you make sure that you are drilling in the right place. Now before you start spinning the drill, place it in a correct vertical position. This right angle will help ensure precision.
Start the drill at a slow speed. This will allow you to establish a specific consistency of spin. Keep an eye on the drill to help monitor the penetration. Start with a ¼ drill bit. This is the apt choice for precise penetration into the surface. However, it is not suitable for the entire hole drill.
Thus, after penetration into the steel surface, opt for the ½ inch drill bit. This will allow you to drill the holes correctly. Ensure the lubrication on the drill bits at each point. Drill and continue till it makes its way through the grilling surface. Your drilling job will be precise if you follow these steps.
Step 7: Working on the delicate finish
After drilling the holes, you will realize that there is indeed much more work to be done. There are sharp edges that surround the hole from the inside. The drilling job itself has left quite a lot of mess. You can remove the sharp edges and wipe the surfaces with a paper towel or cloth. A Paper towel is preferred as it does not tangle with the edges while the cloth would thread out.
An emery cloth, however, can be used to smooth out the edges. It can help you sand the hole nicely. Opting for a small file will help you do the same thing.
Clean out all the debris after smoothing out the surfaces.
Make sure you take all precautionary measures while filing as the sharp surfaces can damage your fingers.
Stainless Steel Farmhouse Sink Benefits
Inert design
Opting for stainless steel sinks in farmhouses gives your sink a long lifespan. The stainless-steel structure is not susceptible to any corrosion over time. There is no likelihood of any water damage occurring. Thus, the chance for weathering damage is minimal.
Easy maintenance
As the name suggests, the material is the optimum choice for stainless surfaces. Farmhouse sinks are subjected to a whole lot of dirt and debris that can leave long-lasting stains. The stainless-steel design will allow easy cleaning of the sink surfaces.
Resistance to heat
Farmhouses are subjected to varying temperatures as they are open and well ventilated. The stainless-steel sinks installed are not damaged at high heating temperatures. They remain operational at all temperatures. This variability and adaptability help them stand out among other materials.
Variability in design
Stainless steel sinks are more easily modified as compared to other materials. Fireclay sinks are tougher to customize. You can set the sink design according to need, i.e., by drilling holes, installing more components, etc.
Conclusion
It is easier to drill holes in stainless steel sinks before they are installed. This allows for more free modifications. Farmhouse sinks require custom features due to their varying use. This customization involves the drilling of holes. You can either hire a plumber or opt for this guide and drill the holes yourself.