
To enlarge an existing hole:
- Cut two scraps of 1/2″ or thicker plywood, making them several inches larger than the hole.
- Mark the centerline of the existing hole on the edge of the door.
- Clamp the scraps of plywood above and below the hole.
- Extend the centerline of the hole across the top scrap of plywood.
How do you enlarge a hole in wood or metal?
You’ll want to clamp both the work and block securely to keep everything aligned. Potential Drawback: Of course you’ll only be able to size your hole to 1/16″ or even 1/8″ increments, so this won’t work when you need just a bit more space. A tapered reamer can help you easily enlarge a hole in wood, metal, or plastic.
How do you fill a hole in hardwood flooring?
To fill the hole, simply spread the product with a putty knife and let it dry for the time specified on the package. Sand the surface until the filler is flush with the rest of the wood. Once done, you can use the appropriate size drill bit to drill the hole again.
What is the best way to fix a hole that is too big?
Wood putty (or plastic wood) is the best choice when fixing a hole that is too big. This substance is generally used to cover wood imperfections before applying a finish, such as nail holes or dents.
How do you fix a hole in a wood furniture?
For larger holes, you can try mixing sawdust or wood shavings to create a paste. This paste can then be applied to the hole and smoothed out with a putty knife. Once the epoxy dries, sand it down until it is flush with the rest of the surface. After this, you can apply paint or varnish to the surrounding area to conceal the patch.
What do you use to fill holes in a wood table?
What is the best way to fix a hole in wood?
What to do if you don't have toothpicks?
What to do if you drilled a hole too big?
What is a rawl plug?
How to use wood pegs for holes?
How to fill holes in a sandbox?
See 2 more

What tool is used to enlarge a hole?
reamerEnlarging holes or aligning mismatched holes in metal is the job of a tool known as a reamer. The process by which this is done is called Reaming and differs from traditional drilling as it requires an existing hole, or holes, as a starting point.
How do you make a hole in a wooden door bigger?
1:212:41Easy Doorknob Hole Resizing For Replacement - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipRemove the bit and finish drilling from the backside of the door remove the clamps and guide boards.MoreRemove the bit and finish drilling from the backside of the door remove the clamps and guide boards. Now you have a new tuned 1/8 inch hole where the old 1 and 7/8 inch hole existed.
How do you expand a drilled hole?
0:030:56Easy Way To Enlarge Drilled Hole - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou got a hole it's too small you need to increase it. But you can't put the larger bit in thereMoreYou got a hole it's too small you need to increase it. But you can't put the larger bit in there because there's nowhere to centre it'll be really a really messy hole when you start it.
How do I make my core hole bigger?
0:322:29How to enlarge a hole saw or core drill hole - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUsing a piece of scrap material. That. Will fit in there and I've done that using the same old sawMoreUsing a piece of scrap material. That. Will fit in there and I've done that using the same old saw that I use to actually make this all.
How can you make a hole in wood bigger without a drill?
To make a hole bigger without a drill there are various options that can be employed. You can use a mandrel (appropriate diameter) and sandpaper, a hand file, or a jab saw. It is also helpful to draw the size of the required diameter first then manually file the excess wood until the hole is the correct size.
How do you make a 4 inch hole bigger?
0:000:38How to Enlarge a Hole With a Hole Saw - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBecause hole saws rely on a pilot bit to guide them it's tough to enlarge an existing hole becauseMoreBecause hole saws rely on a pilot bit to guide them it's tough to enlarge an existing hole because there's no wood for the pilot bit to bite one workaround is to match a hole saw to the existing hole.
How do I make a hole bigger than a drill bit?
1. Wiggle the Drill. If you need the hole to be just slightly larger than your existing drill bit, then all you really need to do is to drill a hole using the existing drill bit, and then slowly move the drill bit from side to side or swirl it in a circular motion in order to enlarge the hole.
Can you use a spade bit to enlarge a hole?
To get the hole larger, file the sides of the larger spade bit at a 60-degree angle. Leave the edges of the filed areas sharp so they cut as you push the bit in with your drill. Hold the drill firmly as you carefully expand the hole.
What is a hand reamer?
Hand reamers enlarge or finish an existing hole in a metal workpiece to a desired size. The reamer is held with a tap wrench, adjustable wrench, or vise and slowly rotated to feed it into the hole during metalworking tasks.
How do you make a 6 inch hole in wood?
4:407:39How to Cut Perfect Holes: 4 Methods - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWith a straight bit in your router measure out the radius. Of the hole you want to make. Make. ThisMoreWith a straight bit in your router measure out the radius. Of the hole you want to make. Make. This one it's like a six-inch hole. And drill a hole through the base.
How do you use a hole cutter?
2:544:10How to Use a Hole Saw | Ask This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLet the drill. Work let the drill do the work lock it back and forth just slightly. And i have myMoreLet the drill. Work let the drill do the work lock it back and forth just slightly. And i have my plug right there i have a neat hole on this side. And a clean hole on the other side.
How do you enlarge a strike plate hole?
If the misalignment is only ⅛ inch or less, then try to enlarge the hole. After removing the strike plate from the door frame, use a metal file to enlarge the strike plate hole. A half-round file will match the curvature of the latch hole, making it the best choice for widening the strike plate hole.
How do you enlarge a door latch hole?
0:001:08Enlarge latch hole easily - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo okay now you want to put your drill. On the hole or your paddle bits already hitting the drillingMoreSo okay now you want to put your drill. On the hole or your paddle bits already hitting the drilling I'm talking about in the drill. Like so put your drill bit in reverse. And pull it out.
How big of a hole can you fill with wood filler?
However, it does have its limits with how much it can cover. Anything more than 3/8-inch isn't advisable. Aside from that, you can sand, paint, and wood stain putty after it hardens.
How do you bore a door?
1:263:37How to Drill New Door Knob Holes - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDrill through the edge of your door to create the hole for the latch use the same firm pressure andMoreDrill through the edge of your door to create the hole for the latch use the same firm pressure and make sure to drill perfectly perpendicular to the door edge sweep out a sawdust in your doorknob.
How can I fill a screw hole so it can be used again?
The quickest and easiest solution: Use a bigger screw. A larger diameter screw of the same length will fill the hole.. I have done this to hold my own dishwasher in, and in numerous other scenarios. I know a lot of cabinet material is crappy particle board which is not very durable.
Wood Putty
Wood putty is a compound used to repair holes in wood. It is available in both a ready-made form and as a powder that must be mixed with water. It has a color similar to that of wood, so it can be used to blend in holes when wood needs to remain visible in a room.
Two Part Epoxy Products
There are a few different ways to fill wood holes with epoxy. The best way to do it depends on the size and shape of the hole. Epoxy works well because it adheres to and fills the pores and fibers of wood, much like a dye or varnish would. Epoxy can be purchased at most hardware stores, usually sold in two-part resin kits.
Wood Glue with Toothpicks
Wood glue is a fast-drying adhesive that can be used to bond two pieces of wood together. It’s also great for filling in holes and cracks in wood, as it dries clear and is practically invisible. If the wood has a deep hole or is rather large, the glue + toothpicks route is a viable option.
Wax Candle
Sometimes you’re in a pinch and you need to work with what’s available. In this case, a candle can act as a substitute wood filler.
Baking Soda & Vinegar
Another option is to use a baking soda and vinegar mixture. Mix the baking soda and vinegar together until you have a thick paste. Then, apply it to the hole and let it dry.
What do you use to fill holes in a wood table?
In ideal conditions, you should fill the hole with plastic wood. As DIYers, though, we all know that conditions are often less than ideal. And as any DIYer that respects themselves would do, you can use a handmade filler. You only need paper towels or toilet paper and multipurpose glue.
What is the best way to fix a hole in wood?
Wood putty (or plastic wood) is the best choice when fixing a hole that is too big. This substance is generally used to cover wood imperfections before applying a finish, such as nail holes or dents. It is made up of wood dust combined with a bonding agent and a thinner that makes it easy to apply.
What to do if you don't have toothpicks?
Another DIY solution, if you don’t have toothpicks, is to fill the hole with nylon cable ties. You don’t necessarily need glue for this fix but should only use the method for screws that don’t have to hold a lot of weight.
What to do if you drilled a hole too big?
If you’ve drilled a hole that’s too large, you can prevent filling it and re-drilling if you decide to use toggle bolts. The bolts work by anchoring themselves to the drywall, allowing you to fasten your screws despite the larger hole diameter.
What is a rawl plug?
Rawl plugs are generally used in masonry applications to reinforce fasteners driven in brick, tile, or drywall. But who said that you couldn’t use them for wood, too?
How to use wood pegs for holes?
If you have to cut one to dimension, use a wooden peg with a diameter as close as possible to the diameter of the hole and cut until it fits snugly.
How to fill holes in a sandbox?
Cut the ties into small pieces and use them to fill the hole. Don’t worry about any spaces or that they don’t fit as snugly as matches or toothpicks.
1. Push Drill
Before power drills were the norm, most drills required you to make holes manually. Such is the case with a push drill. Some people regard push drills as a forgotten relic while others find them useful even today.
2. Bow Drill
Here’s another option for you, a bow drill. Bow drills are two-part tools that are ancient, even more so than push drills. It’s believed that early versions of bow drills existed sometime in the fourth or fifth millennium BC.
3. Palm Drill
Palm drills work when your power tools don’t. Also known as hand drills, palm drills are those that you use by hand to cut holes into wood. Some are softwood drills for puncturing that type of wood while others can handle harder wood.
5. Brace and Bit
Still a favorite of mine and works very well! The brace and bit include a bit, which makes holes in the wood. The brace is a crank that you turn. The other parts are a handle, a ratchet (which is attached to the handle), and the shell. The shell is where the bit is connected to.
6. Gimlets
You might have heard of the alcoholic beverage called the gimlet, but in woodworking, this tool is something else entirely. Gimlets have existed since at least the 1850s, as Joseph Gwilt described the tool in his 1859 book Architecture. See the other great books I recommend for Woodworking.
7. Hot Coals
If your power drills are dead and you’re lacking all the above tools, you do have one more option. We’d only recommend it as a last resort, but it’s how civilization used to make holes in wood before drills existed.
How Can You Drill a Hole Without a Drill?
Holes can be drilled in wood using a variety of hand tools such as a Brace and Bit, push drill, or a palm drill. These are not your regular everyday power tools, although they still do a great job of making a hole if you are in a pinch.
How To Fill Screw Holes in Wood Before Painting?
If you’re filling screw holes in wood before painting, use a filler that is compatible with the paint you will be using. Make sure to clean off any excess after it’s dried and sand or scrape down ridges, so your finish goes on smoothly.
How Do You Polyfill a Screw Hole?
Using a polyurethane adhesive can be much more effective than standard glues because they tend to dry faster and hold better.
How Do You Fill a Screw Hole That Is Too Big?
When the screw hole is too big for a standard wood filler, then you can always try filling it with caulk first before applying your polyurethane adhesive to ensure that you get an even fill all around.
What Is The Difference Between A Pilot Hole And A Clearance Hole?
You may have noticed in the table above, I have listed sizes for a pilot hole and a clearance hole, but what is the difference?
Can I Screw Timber Without A Pilot Hole?
Yes, you can screw timber together without a pilot hole although there are some details to consider. When we screw into timber without a pilot hole, the screw will always take the path of least resistance.
How D o I Know If My Pilot Hole Is Too Big?
As you drive in the screw, it should bite into the wood and tighten down into the hole and bury the screw head. If your screw gets down to the head and then starts spinning in one spot, it has stripped from its hold in the timber. This means your pilot hole was too big.
Are You Screwing Into Softwood Or Hardwood?
Answering this question will be a huge leap forward in discovering the best size pilot for your job at hand.
Does This Mean I Need 2 Holes For Every Screw?
If you want your project to come together strong and neat, yes I would suggest drilling 2 holes for every screw. I know you will hate to hear this but it does not take long to do. BUT WAIT, this is an alternative that will be much quicker than changing out drills all the time.
How Long Do CNC Router Bits Last?
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Can You Use Dremel Bits In a CNC Router?
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Why won't my hole saw work?
The hole saw won’t work because the pilot bit has nothing to bite into, so it will rattle around and leave you a really ragged cut. The trick is to take two hole saws and mount them on a single armor, and what happens is this inner, smaller hole saw is the same diameter as the old hole and the larger hole saw is the size of hole you want to drill.
Can a hole saw fit in an old hole?
So, you just put it in there so the smaller-diameter hole saw fits right in the old hole and drill it out.
What do you use to fill holes in a wood table?
In ideal conditions, you should fill the hole with plastic wood. As DIYers, though, we all know that conditions are often less than ideal. And as any DIYer that respects themselves would do, you can use a handmade filler. You only need paper towels or toilet paper and multipurpose glue.
What is the best way to fix a hole in wood?
Wood putty (or plastic wood) is the best choice when fixing a hole that is too big. This substance is generally used to cover wood imperfections before applying a finish, such as nail holes or dents. It is made up of wood dust combined with a bonding agent and a thinner that makes it easy to apply.
What to do if you don't have toothpicks?
Another DIY solution, if you don’t have toothpicks, is to fill the hole with nylon cable ties. You don’t necessarily need glue for this fix but should only use the method for screws that don’t have to hold a lot of weight.
What to do if you drilled a hole too big?
If you’ve drilled a hole that’s too large, you can prevent filling it and re-drilling if you decide to use toggle bolts. The bolts work by anchoring themselves to the drywall, allowing you to fasten your screws despite the larger hole diameter.
What is a rawl plug?
Rawl plugs are generally used in masonry applications to reinforce fasteners driven in brick, tile, or drywall. But who said that you couldn’t use them for wood, too?
How to use wood pegs for holes?
If you have to cut one to dimension, use a wooden peg with a diameter as close as possible to the diameter of the hole and cut until it fits snugly.
How to fill holes in a sandbox?
Cut the ties into small pieces and use them to fill the hole. Don’t worry about any spaces or that they don’t fit as snugly as matches or toothpicks.