Last Updated on 1 year by Christopher G Mendla
I had to drill a 6 1/4″ hole through a wall with panelling. I used a wire detector but wanted to be sure that there were no wires in that section
The problem: Are there wires where I will be drilling?
The 6 1/4″ hole was for a vent for a stand up air conditioner. My best guess was that there was not any wiring where I would be drilling. Still, I did not want to drill a six inch hole and find out that I couldn’t use it do to a wire. Or, worse yet, hit a wire while drilling.
The solution: Make two smaller holes
I used a 3/4 inch wood drill to make two smaller holes in the panelling using a spade bit. I stopped drilling as soon as I was through the plywood. That allowed me to look and feel to confirm that there was no wiring there. By not placing the holes in the center of my intended large hole, I was able to use the large hole saw as intended with the pilot drill.
You can push away any insulation and look/feel for pipes or wiring.
Warning – even if you are careful, there is a chance of penetrating a wire or pipe if they are right up against the panelling. Use caution.
Results:
This worked well. I was able to bore the large hole with confidence knowing I would not hit any wiring or pipes.
