Advice for drilling holes for wardrobe handles?

npmaster

I am trying to attach the IKEA Kallror handles on my wardrobe. But my first attempt cracked the veneer interior.

Exhibit A

I then practice on the wood of my old wardrobe but I have let to drill a hole that didn't crack the veneer.

The Front of my practice piece

The back

Any advice on how to drill a hole without cracking the veneer?

Thanks

[Deleted User]

Hi,

put a couple of bits of masking tape on frame where you intend to drill, and start with a smaller bit to drill a pilot hole.

nofoollikeold

1. As frugalmacdugal says.
2. Masking tap front and back.
3. Mark front where hole is to be.
4. Drill right through with the smallest drill bit you can.
5. Drill from front halfway through with required size drill bit.
6. Drill from back just over halfway through with required size drill bit.
7. Remove masking tape.

npmaster

thanks, I will give it a practice in a bit.

ouraggie

I would use a gimlet and make a hole manually. Neater result.

moneysaver

Clamp a piece of wood at the exit hole and drill into the wood from the front through the laminate.

Moneysaver

Jonesya

Get a good sharp drill bit and you may want to try a lip and spur drill bit, rather than a regular HSS bit.

npmaster

thanks for the advice. I was able to get the handles on all of the doors without anymore damage.