Help! What could I be doing wrong in drilling holes?

16 years ago

I'm trying to drill some holes in my cabinets for hardware installation and can't figure out what's the problem. The bath cabinets appear to be the same that were in my previous kitchen (honey oak) and when I changed the hardware and drilled holes for the kitchen cabinets, I had no problem. However, with these bath vanity cabinet drawers the drill is not cutting it. I started with a cordless drill, but quickly went to electric. I've tried 3 drill bits. I can get the wood smoking hot (literally so it does appear to be wood), but haven't succeeded in getting one hole yet and I have 9 holes to go! Is it possible that all 3 bits are too dull to drill? Any suggestions?

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Comments (9)

athomesewing
16 years ago
By any remote chance is the drill in "reverse"?
caryscott
16 years ago
Don't take this wrong, because it's the voice of experience, any chance the drill is in reverse? I've done it is all I'm saying.
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bayareafrancy
16 years ago
*giggle*

That totally sounds like something I would do!

Hoping the solution is that simple....

:-)

francy
sombreuil_mongrel
16 years ago
Go buy a brand new 5mm brad-point bit. You can thank me later.
Casey
remodelfla
16 years ago
Yup... check the reverse thing as silly as it seems. DId you try to use the little bit to drill a pilot hole first?
doraville
Original Author
16 years ago
Well I do have a lot of egg on my face. I can't believe both drills were in reverse! I could use a new bit too because it is still hard to do. Thanks for the advice.
User
16 years ago
I have to say this is why I love this forum! We've all done something silly, forgotten directions, lost our minds, or needed to vent, and each time everyone here comes through like a star!

Thanks to everyone who offers advice, a hug, information or "listens" to someone rant/rave/cry/steam! Doraville, don't feel bad, I've done exactly the same thing, except I was trying to teach someone how to do it right, and...well.. the egg is still on my face LOL!
doraville
Original Author
16 years ago
Even after fixing the reverse problem, drilling was way too difficult. I changed the bit (maybe the fourth bit I tried) and it made a world of difference.
bridiefemme
5 months ago
Holy crap, I've been googling around to figure out what I was doing wrong - and that was it! Thanks for leaving these breadcrumbs for a total novice.