Block blowout without a backer board
I have to drill a large access hole in a cabinet. Unfortunately, my clamps won’t reach to secure a backer board. How do I prevent the plywood from blowing out?
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First, mark and drill a small pilot hole in the desired location. Donu2019t worry about backside blowout, here. It will vanish when you drill the larger hole.
Q:
I have to drill a large access hole in a cabinet. Unfortunately, my clamps won't reach to secure a backer board. How do I prevent the plywood from blowing out?
—David Wise, Fresno, Calif.
A:
If you can't clamp on a backer board, David, instead create two clean fronts by drilling from both directions using a starter hole to guide you, as shown above.