Scrwing On Kitchen Cabinate Door Handles

[tandh]

has anyone got any tips for drilling though a door with a gloss finish to attach the door handle. I have no room error with regards to the position of the hole, because of the type of handle. I'm so nervous, any advice would be much appreciated

[TWR]

Before you start, Cris / Cross some adhesive tape on the glass, put plenty on, this is a safety thing in case the glass cracks, drill a small hole first to make sure you have it correct, if it's right & you are pleased with it, proceed with correct size drill.

[douglas9401]

First thing is to put on your glasses so you don't end up in a misunderstanding like TWR.
Next measure twice, mark the spot with a gimlet or similar then drill through on the shiny side to avoid any breakout as the drill clears the door on exit.

[murraymints]

as with ceramics..as TWR says..put tape down first...avoids "slippage"..

[TWR]

opps

[Old_Geezer]

I'd advise using a hand drill as you go at a slower speed and less likely to slip and scratch the surface. Don't press too hard as you want to minimise splintering as the pilot drill hole exits the back. Consider drilling the full size hole half way through from each side.

Check marked position umpteen times before proceeding.

[mikey4444]

I would use tape as well. Use a very small drill first, to make a pilot hole and then follow-up with a drill bit of the correct size.

Take your time and start with door that isn't in direct eye-line....ie, a lower down door or drawer front.

[Old_Geezer]

Whenever I'm screwing on kitchen cabinet door handles, the missus complains that they dig into her back something awful.

[wolf63]

Pay a joiner?

[Garaman]

I fit all the handles on our high-gloss kitchen doors; I didn’t use tape, though I am not suggesting you don’t, merely trying to allay your fears. If you are going to drill from both sides I would recommend the following – drill a pilot hole from the front. Drill just about a third of the way through with the correct drill bit from the back. Finish by drilling from the front. I say that because when you drill from both sides it is easy to let the drill bit slip through the hole with your second drill, and safer if that is front to back.

[The Builder]

I agree with drilling from the gloss side. Usually a 5mm drill bit. The commonest handle bolts have an over-large head that will cover any flaking on the inside.

To really minimise flaking, a 3mm pilot hole first isn't a bad idea.

[fbg40]

tandha
If you have a B & Q near you, buy one of these - http://www.diy.com/departments/bq-plastic-handle-drilling-guide-w170mm-l530mm/37618_BQ.prd
I used one of these when doing my kitchen and it proved invaluable.
FBG40

[tandh]

thanks for all your answers, i'm not as nervous doing it now. Luckily all the top cupboards have been done, so i've only got 7 handles to do which aren't as visible, but i do still want it to look nice. when you say tape, do you mean masking tape or just normal sticky tape? I think the gimlet and hand drill are going to work best for me and it should give me more control
@ fbg40, thanks, ill defo be investing in one of those, actuate measuring isn't really my strong point, but hopefully this will help
lol @ oldgeezer, you dirty old man,

[Old_Geezer]

Any tape is good but masking has a rougher surface and thus grips the drill bit very well. You can also mark the position on it easily.