Bed frames are made from old railroad rails. When I need to drill a hole in one, using drill press equipped with a cut off 16d nail, soften spot where hole is to go. Both nail and rail will turn red, which means temper is gone. Then drill with sharp drill, and plenty of lube, preferably using a drill press. As for why bed frames are spring steel, just think about the stress they encounter with a couple 300 pounders making whoopie. On second thought, don't think about that