Kitchen unit handle woodworking problem

TheGreenFrog

My integrated dishwasher has broken and the replacement requires the front panel to have no protrusions to enable fixing to the dishwasher.  The handle of my front panel has non-flush fixings so am wondering how to make them flush - from attached pictures it can be seen that it does not seem a simple matter of fitting a countersunk screw.   I was thinking that I could maybe get a wide enough drill bit to countersink the washer, but because of the holes I would have difficulty centering the drill bit.  Hoping that someone has a bright idea and that I can avoid filling, redrilling etc!  

Nobbie1967

How about using one of these?

https://www.screwfix.com/p/flat-wood-bit-set-5-pcs/4139V?tc=CA8&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD8IdPwNTI-f3kbNPdzPbxpMpDTCW&gclid=CjwKCAjw2dG1BhB4EiwA998cqKh7DKsLm2Ya1hlz41z3UmUavCMX1OTgZH49cBGVJ-gPBuBIushBwBoC8C0QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

the centre spike would be guided by the existing hole. Needs to be done very carefully and probably best to practice on a well secured scrap bit of wood first.

TheGreenFrog

Nobbie1967 said:

How about using one of these?

https://www.screwfix.com/p/flat-wood-bit-set-5-pcs/4139V?tc=CA8&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD8IdPwNTI-f3kbNPdzPbxpMpDTCW&gclid=CjwKCAjw2dG1BhB4EiwA998cqKh7DKsLm2Ya1hlz41z3UmUavCMX1OTgZH49cBGVJ-gPBuBIushBwBoC8C0QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

the centre spike would be guided by the existing hole. Needs to be done very carefully and probably best to practice on a well secured scrap bit of wood first.

Thanks - that was my initial thought and I have spade bits but the problem is that the existing hole is more like two holes in a figure of eight.  Am wondering how to centre securely.

ThisIsWeird

That's the hidden back of the door? In which case it doesn't matter if you butcher it with a violently shaking flat bit. 

TheGreenFrog

ThisIsWeird said:

That's the hidden back of the door? In which case it doesn't matter if you butcher it with a violently shaking flat bit. 

Yes - hidden.  I guess butchering it is what I will be doing!

Eldi_Dos

Could you tap in a dowel and use that to centre your bit?

FreeBear

Eldi_Dos said:

Could you tap in a dowel and use that to centre your bit?

Or clamp a strip of wood across the back and drill through that with a small forstner bit ?

The alternative is to countersink the holes and use countersunk screws.

kimwp

Chisel a wider patch out and inlay a metal.bracket maybe? Not an easier option, but just pondering how much depth you'll have left to support the handle - dishwasher doors always seem to need a bit of a yank to get them open.

kimwp

For centring the drill bit, you could try putting some masking tape over the hole and marking the centre on that.

TheGreenFrog

FreeBear said:

Eldi_Dos said:

Could you tap in a dowel and use that to centre your bit?

Or clamp a strip of wood across the back and drill through that with a small forstner bit ?

The alternative is to countersink the holes and use countersunk screws.

Dowel and clamped wood are very good ideas.  Thanks both of you.  Ill try the wood strip I think.