Drilling Through An Exterior Wall - What Type of Bit?

[TucsonJim]

I'm going to drill a one inch hole through an exterior wall to install a data port. What would be the best bit to use? A hole saw? A spade bit? Other?

Thanks,

Jim

[Jlawles2]

A hole saw would be the best. while drilling, rotate in a counterclockwise direction so that the teeth are cutting downhill and it will prevent the saw from binding and trying to break your wrist.

Also I suggest you stop when the pilot penetrates the opposing side of the wall and move to the other side. This will make the exit hole much cleaner.

[ncitro]

I'm going to drill a one inch hole through an exterior wall to install a data port. What would be the best bit to use? A hole saw? A spade bit? Other?

Thanks,

Jim

I would personally use a nice sharp hole saw, given how thin and soft the walls are it should give a nice clean hole with minimal blowout on the other side. Spade or augur bit could give you some blowout imo.

[TucsonJim]

Thanks Guys.

Jim

[Yoda]

Thanks Guys.

Jim

Excellent advice, but I would do a small pilot hole (thinner then the hole saw pilot) fully through, then hole saw from both sides. I would also use a metal hole saw for the thinner and finer cutting blade. Last be sure you don't hit any reinforcement (aluminum tubing) in the wall.

And of course you know this seal the fresh cut laminate edges to prevent any de-bonding due to water down the road.

And for grins post a video so we can all cringe when you do this

Keith

[Ebkent62]

I’ve had good luck with covering the area I’m drilling through with blue painters tape before drilling to minimize chipping/scratching the finish of the surface drilling through.

[Scott'n'Wendy]

I would use a stepped uni-bit.. awesome on fibreglass, probably just as good on filon.

[Cate&Rob]

Hi Jim,

A combination of Jlawles2 Joseph and Yoda Keith ideas . . . Drill a small pilot hole all the way through first. Then use a hole saw running backwards from both outside and inside.

Rob

[Jlawles2]

Hi Jim,

A combination of Jlawles2 Joseph and Yoda Keith ideas . . . Drill a small pilot hole all the way through first. Then use a hole saw running backwards from both outside and inside.

Rob

Was not saying to run it backwards. Saw is running clockwise as it should. Make small circular counter clockwise motion with the back of the drill so that the cutting edge is always down into the hole not up against the edge. This keeps the sharp point on the leading edge from grabbing the teeth causing tearout in the paneling and uncontrolled rotation of the drill.

[Cate&Rob]

Jlawles2

Agreed that rocking or rotating the drill as you describe is important, particularly with larger diameter hole saws. I have had good luck running the saw backwards to prevent surface chipping with Formica and fibreglass (boat hulls). Once through the surface, the saw can be switched to forward for faster cooler cutting of the core material.

Rob

[TucsonJim]

I'm going to have to risk drilling all the way through from the outside. The area where I want the hole on the interior is inside a cabinet. I'd have to completely disassemble the cabinet to get access, or purchase an angle drill. I think if I follow the tips above about the pilot hole, etc, I should be fine. If I go very slow and allow the drill to cut, I don't think it will blow out the wall. Here's the area where the hole will go:

[howson]

I'm going to have to risk drilling all the way through from the outside. The area where I want the hole on the interior is inside a cabinet.

With the couch removed, the side of that cabinet is just stapled, Jim. Not hard to disassemble.

For those looking for critter entry access spots (or exterior hot air entry) that have the same setup with side tables next to the couch at the rear of the coach, the wires you can see at the rear of the cabinet go through a relatively huge hole GD cut in the floor. Another area I sealed up (both sides).

[Scott'n'Wendy]

With a uni-bit, no rocking, no running backwards, just drill it and it will give you a nice clean edged hole.

[TucsonJim]

howson - That's awesome. I'll have to see if mine are built the same way after all my cabinets were replaced with real wood a few years ago. Jerry still dislikes me for the cost of that one... ;-)

Scott'n'Wendy - How would I proceed with a Uni-bit for a 1" hole. I've never used one of those before.


Jim

[Cate&Rob]

Hi Jim,

If I had to drill from one side, I might try Scott'n'Wendy Scott’s idea of the step drill bit. You will need one with a max diameter of the size of the hole. You will probably need an extension driver to get the max diameter through the inner wall. I have only used these step bits through sheet metal . . . where they work well. As the bit goes through each step you can get an idea of how it is coming through the inside wall . . . before you get to the final diameter.

Rob