I am preparing to install a dead bolt lock in an exterior metal-clad door. Will an ordinary wood-cutting hole saw drill the hole OK or should I use a metal-cutting saw. I have no idea how thick the metal is on these doors but I'm told it's very thin. Any input will be appreciated. Thanks.
I only know of one type of hole saw. If you are talking about the round cans with teeth on the edge that thread onto a mandrel, then we are both talking about the same thing. Lennox, Morse, Milwaukee, etc make these for cutting steel. They can be used on wood, aluminum, brass, etc.
Yes, drill your door with it.
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It is very thin. I have never done it but I did watch a locksmith do one. He used el cheapo standard hole saw. I asked and he said each "blade" is good for 2-3 doors before they burn out.
I did notice that he used a moderate speed.
Maybe Stormin Norman will respond to your post. I think he worked as a locksmith for some years. I will defer to his opinion.
Colbyt
Ditto on this response. You can get a metal-cutting version of the saw blade at a hardware store. I had to do this recently to cut holes in a car door -- holes through the interior steel skin to reach the bolts for the window motor. Worked fine and didn't take too long.
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