The case is quite cheap (the latch fell off immediately). To test, I used a small drill to drill 1.25mm thick aluminum with a cordless drill. With moderate pressure it took longer than expected, but when it broke through it reached about 3/4 of the threaded portion of the bit; I turned it over and got a threaded hole and a noticeably blunt point on the bit. I then used it as a pilot hole for a 1/4" drill - that didn't work either and the hole was too big and poorly threaded. I tried the 1/4" drill again without the pilot drill and created a threaded hole , which works great. I'm sure a drill press would be ideal, but I've had good results with a hand drill by being patient and steady.