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How to Prevent Tear Out When Drilling a Hole

Published On

February 27, 2025

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To keep from tearing out the back of a hole when drilling through a board with a spade bit or hole saw:

Drill the hole partway through the front of the stock until the tip of the bit protrudes out the back of the board.
Flip the board over, and position the bit in the pilot hole.
Drill the rest of the way through.

Editorial Contributors

Mitchell Layton is a former professional mover who currently lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Mitchell spent years packing and moving for REAL Rock N Roll Movers, a commercial and residential moving company based in Los Angeles that’s primarily staffed with up-and-coming musicians. That gave him plenty of experience navigating box trucks up and down the winding streets of LA. In addition to moving hundreds of happy customers into new homes and apartments all across Southern California, Mitchell has also performed corporate moves on company lots for Nickelodeon, Warner Bros, Universal Studios, Paramount, and more. After pouring blood, sweat, and tears into his profession, Mitchell has all the helpful tips you need for your next move.