How to Mark Blind Holes for Drilling (10 Expert Techniques)
Tools and Tips

How to Mark Blind Holes for Drilling (10 Expert Techniques)

In this article, I will teach you how to mark blind holes for drilling.

Cutting holes in walls is a common task. The procedure is usually the same whether you are attaching a perforated panel or any other item. But what if the exact location of the hole is unknown? As a jack-of-all-trades, I know a few tricks for marking holes before drilling. This way, you will avoid cutting holes in the wrong places, which can deform your wall.

Quick summary: I have listed some handy and easy-to-use methods for marking blind holes before cutting holes in walls and any other similar surface:

  • Probing with sharp objects
  • Tape usage
  • Making small pilot holes
  • With a chisel or knife
  • Making a cardboard template
  • Using nails and screwdrivers
  • With a wire or a curved paper clip
  • Using a String or Anchor Pointer

Detailed description below.

Methods for marking blind holes for drilling

There are several approaches you can take, and which one you choose will depend on your situation. This guide will cover several methods for marking out drilling locations from blind holes. I also give you hints for each method to make sure your drilling locations are accurate.

Method 1: probing the wall with a sharp object 

You can use a sharp object such as a nail or screwdriver to probe the wall surface around the blind hole until you hit metal. Once you have located the hole, use a marker to mark it.

Method 2: Mark the edge of the hole with tape

Tape can also be used to mark where to drill. To begin, wrap a strip of tape around the edge of the hole and attach it to the surface. Then, using a marker, draw a line on the tape where you want to drill.

Method 3: Create a small pilot hole

Use a small drill to cut a pilot hole from the outside of the blind hole if you have one. This will give you a better idea of ​​where the actual hole should go and make drilling more accurate.

Method 4: Use a chisel or knife

You can also mark the drilling locations with a chisel or knife. Insert the chisel into the surface of the wood wall at the desired location, then trace around it with a pencil. Don't damage the wood by doing this, so be careful.

Method 5: Create a cardboard template

Step 1. You can use a piece of cardboard (the same size as the hole) as a template to mark where to drill. First mark the center of the hole on the cardboard.

 Step 2. Then use a ruler or a straight edge to make marks evenly spaced around the edge of the hole.

Step 3. Lastly, draw straight lines to connect the labels. 

You can now use the template to mark the drilling locations on the surface you are drilling.

Method 6. Consider a nail or screwdriver

You can mark the drilling site with a nail or a screwdriver. Cut a small hole in the center of the spot you want to mark, then pierce the metal with a nail or screwdriver. If you make the recess too deep, you may destroy the drill.

Method 7: Use a Nail to Find the Center of the Hole

Once you've established the center of the hole, place a nail in the center and use it as a guide to evenly space the holes. This ensures that the screws are straight and evenly spaced. When using a hand drill, rotate the level to keep the drill level. This is especially important when drilling uneven surfaces.

Method 8: Use a bent paper clip and/or a piece of wire

Step 1. You can use a piece of wire or a curved paper clip to trace the location of the drill.

Step 2. Poke a wire or paperclip through the hole to serve as a guide to where the drill should go.

Hint: be aware that this method can be intimidating because you have to be careful not to move the pointer while drilling. You can also use a piece of tape to secure the wire or paperclip.

Method 9: use a string

A piece of string can be used to locate or mark where to drill.

Step 1. Just tie one end of the rope to the drill and grab the other end to the wall.

Step 2. Then, with a pencil, make a point on the wall where the thread crosses it.

FunctionsA: Again, stop drilling wiring or plumbing behind the wall.

Method 10: Insert Anchor or Bot

If you need to place a drill on a piece of material but don't have control points, it can be difficult to position the drill in the right place. It is wise to insert a bolt or other anchor point into the material and use it as a guide. Thus, the drill will be in the right place and help to avoid mistakes.

Summing up

Drilling locations can be precisely marked from blind holes. You can get the most out of your drilling operations by using the methods described in this guide. When determining where to drill, consider the limitations of your equipment as well as the nature of the material you are working with.

It only takes a little practice to consistently get accurate marks that will help you successfully complete your next drilling project. If you have any questions or would like to know more, please leave a comment!

Take a look at some of our articles below.

  • Is it possible to drill holes in the walls of the apartment
  • How to drill a hole in plastic
  • How to drill a hole in a granite countertop

Video link

marking out to align two holes

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