How to Drill a Hole in a Cabinet?

Hi Garima. I recently cut a hole in my wooden cabinet to make a passage for a power supply. I used a special drill bit, called the spade bit, which cuts neat holes into the wood. So, I can share how to drill a hole in a cabinet. The drill bit comes in different sizes, so you can pick the one that suits your preference for the hole size. I will describe the method below.

How to Make Holes in Cabinets?

Here is the method you can follow to drill holes in your cabinet:

1. Start by placing the drill bit onto your drilling machine. It fits into a drill just like any other kind. 

2. Twist the drill’s collar end to release anything in there, insert the small end of the bit and twist again to tighten. 

3. Point the end of the drill bit at the spot where you wish to have the hole in the cabinet. I recommend working from the backside of the cabinet as it is easier to aim. 

4. Ensure you cut in the spot where there’s no blockage from the front, like shelves or supports.

5. Rest the little pointy end of the drill bit in the centre of the place where you want the hole. 

6. Pull the trigger, the bit will start to spin and the pointy part will make a pilot hole. The bit will sink and then the little pointy tips on the wide part will begin cutting a circle.

7. The flat part will start shaving away the wood. Keep the pressure steady here. Push a little or the wood won’t get cut at all. Don’t push too hard either, as it will stop the bit from turning. 

8. After 1-2 minutes, you will break through. Don’t push hard as you might end up tearing the wood nearby.

9. Once the hole is drilled, you can clean the area.

This is all about the process. I hope you are now aware of how to drill hole in cabinet.

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Some related information:



I wanted to install a handle on my wooden kitchen cabinet. As I didn’t want to spend money on hiring a carpenter, I was looking for a DIY method on how to drill a hole in a cabinet. I found you can mark the area properly and then drill the hole. I followed the process, and hence sharing the same below for you.

How to Drill Hole in Wood Cabinet Door?

More than the actual drilling, there are some safety measures you need to follow, such as wearing protective goggles and keeping the door open for air. 

• Use a smaller drill bit to drill a starter hole.

• Then, position your drill to the pencil marks and slowly drill into the wood. This can be tricky, as you need to keep your hands steady, so the drilling happens smoothly. 

• Use a drill bit the same size of the screw you’re using to drill the hole. 

How to Drill Hole in Wood Cabinet Drawer?

We have a cabinet door, but while researching, I came across both the steps so, in case you have a cabinet drawer, you can follow the below process. 

• You need to measure the height of the drawer and then divide it in half. 

• Once you’re done measuring, make a pencil mark, then measure the width of the drawer.

• Divide this number in half to mark the horizontal centre of the cabinet front. 

• If you’re drilling a single hole for knobs, this centre is where you have to drill.

I found these steps tricky, so if you’re not sure, I’d recommend taking a professional’s help. I hope this helps you understand a bit about how to drill hole in cabinet.