• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

I need to drill a glory-hole sized hole. What do I need to buy?

Zeze

Zeze

Lifer
My HDTV stand's back panel is lacking a cable routing hole. I think it's probably a 1/4" thickness of a pressed wood at best.

Do I buy one of those circular toothed drill bit?

61-qojTa4YL._AC_SX679_.jpg


If so...
  • What is the tooth spec or whatever type I need to be mindful of at home depot? Can someone point me to the exact item at home depot please?
  • Is my cordless drill strong enough for for pressed wood? It should be fine, me thinks?
 
It depends on how big your cable is. 😉

Use fine tooth if available. If you get a course tooth go slow with the drilling so it doesn’t tear up the thin wood. If you have a Walmart or Harbor freight nearby try them first. Buying one from HD just for this project would be expensive.

A cordless drill would work just fine.
 
Last edited:
HF has a kit of several sizes that will cost less than a single piece at HD.

If you've never used a hole saw before, they bite ... hard and will want to twist your wrist if you let them. Hold the drill firm, use both hands if possible. Also watch the angle so it cuts flush and even.
 
Lost_in_the_HTTP said:
HF has a kit of several sizes that will cost less than a single piece at HD.

If you've never used a hole saw before, they bite ... hard and will want to twist your wrist if you let them. Hold the drill firm, use both hands if possible. Also watch the angle so it cuts flush and even.
Click to expand...
Do i spin the drill first then drill in to make the circle or start spinning from start while.making contact?
 
Hole saws are used with pilot bits installed. (that is what the bits are in the picture)
 
Depends a bit (pardon the pun!) in the hole size you need. Rather than a circular Hole Saw, you can use a Spade Bit like this


I've found that brand does a good job. Note the threaded central tip that starts the first penetration into the wood, and the little sharp tips on the two ends of the blade. Those latter make a very clean edge as the bit drills though the wood, smoother than a hole saw can do. That one is 1-1/8" diameter, but I see you can get up to 1½" dia.I use bits like this often for modest diameter holes.

HINT with panels 1/8" thick or more. Drill from one side only part way through. Then go to the other side, place the central tip into the guide hole already made from the first side, and drill back from this second side. Your hole edges will be smother.
 
Paperdoc said:
Depends a bit (pardon the pun!) in the hole size you need. Rather than a circular Hole Saw, you can use a Spade Bit like this


I've found that brand does a good job. Note the threaded central tip that starts the first penetration into the wood, and the little sharp tips on the two ends of the blade. Those latter make a very clean edge as the bit drills though the wood, smoother than a hole saw can do. That one is 1-1/8" diameter, but I see you can get up to 1½" dia.I use bits like this often for modest diameter holes.

HINT with panels 1/8" thick or more. Drill from one side only part way through. Then go to the other side, place the central tip into the guide hole already made from the first side, and drill back from this second side. Your hole edges will be smother.
Click to expand...
Spade bits have their uses, but not generally for semi-finish work. (although that one MIGHT cut a clean enough hole) A decent hole saw would do the job. (get a fine-tooth saw, not coarse like the OP's picture...smoother cut)
Depending on the size of the hole, a forstner bit SHOULD do the job, and depending on the material...thin plywood, coated/wrapped cardboard, even a Dremel will do the job.
I prefer to use a grommet on holes like that...cleaner look, no rubbing between cables and backing material, but a piece of silicone tubing split might work as well.
 
A single quarter inch hole is not going to accomplish anything. Regardless of the cable diameter, most connectors are larger. For passing cable and wires, I've found it isn't worth it to cut anything less than a one inch hole, maybe an inch and a half. I generally go for two inch or larger.

New spade/wood/paddle bits can cut a decent near finish hole if used as noted above. Start from one side until the pilot breaks though, then finish from the other side. But they make a lot of chips. An older, less sharp bit will work, but won't be as clean.

Grommets are fine/recommended for holes in metal panels, but not necessary for wood or other softer materials unless you want a more finished look.
 
BoomerD said:
(although that one MIGHT cut a clean enough hole
Click to expand...
Not in the surface the OP described. Multiple holes in a circular pattern for something in a 2" dia range will work. A Forstner bit will work. My choice for the hole would be a hole saw. Over the years I have put holes in many surfaces ranging up to 6". After that, I use a saw or cutting torch.
 
Lost_in_the_HTTP got that right about hole diameter. Not only do you need a hole large enough to pass a connector through. In OP's case it is LIKELY that there will be several cables coming through that one hole. So the LAST connector must pass through a hole that already is SMALLER because it is partly "clogged" with other cables. Hint: because of this, plan to pass cables through in order from from widest connector to smallest.
 
Lost_in_the_HTTP said:
A single quarter inch hole is not going to accomplish anything. Regardless of the cable diameter, most connectors are larger. For passing cable and wires, I've found it isn't worth it to cut anything less than a one inch hole, maybe an inch and a half. I generally go for two inch or larger.

New spade/wood/paddle bits can cut a decent near finish hole if used as noted above. Start from one side until the pilot breaks though, then finish from the other side. But they make a lot of chips. An older, less sharp bit will work, but won't be as clean.

Grommets are fine/recommended for holes in metal panels, but not necessary for wood or other softer materials unless you want a more finished look.
Click to expand...

the board is 1/4" thick. I don't think anyone is saying making a 1/4" hole.
 
Paperdoc said:
sdifox, there actually were two posters above that advised to keep it simple and make only a ¼" hole.
Click to expand...
1/4" bit <> 1/4" hole. The 1/4" hex shank is fairly standard.

Also cutting a slot is probably better than a hole, you can just flex the board to put the connector through.
 
Last edited:
Take a viagra, and bring yourself and your wee wee to a home depot or loews so they can figure out the exact size hole you need. Easy peasy.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top