How to Drill Holes Into Conduit Pipes

How to Drill Holes Into Conduit Pipes
Written By
Steve Sloane
Steve Sloane
Published: Sep 27, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

To remedy this situation, the use of a center punch creates a slight indentation on the pipe surface to help guide the drill bit's tip.

Things You Will Need

  • Rag
  • Vise
  • Fine-point marker
  • Center punch
  • Hammer
  • Metal drill bit
  • Electric drill
  1. Place a rag on both sides of the conduit section (if not already installed) and secure it horizontally in a vise.

  2. Mark the side of the conduit where the hole needs to be drilled using a fine-point marker. Position the tip of a center punch on the mark, ensuring that the shank of the punch is perpendicular to the conduit. Lightly tap the end of the center punch with a hammer several times until the punch's tip creates an indentation on the conduit's surface.

  3. Place the correct size metal drill bit into an electric drill and tighten the drill's chuck with a chuck key. Rest the tip of the drill bit in the indentation on the conduit pipe with the bit and drill perpendicular to the pipe. Squeeze the drill's trigger lightly so that the drill bit moves slowly in the indentation and cuts into the side of the conduit. Push lightly on the drill while squeezing the trigger.

  4. Increase the speed of the drill slightly when the bit cuts into the conduit. Continue until the hole is completed in the side of the conduit.

The Drip Cap

  • Conduit pipe is generally either galvanized steel, black-coated steel or made from plastic, and is used to house electrical cables.
  • Position the tip of a center punch on the mark, ensuring that the shank of the punch is perpendicular to the conduit.
  • Push lightly on the drill while squeezing the trigger.

References

Photo Credits

Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images

Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images

Steve Sloane

Steve Sloane started working as a freelance writer in 2007. He has written articles for various websites, using more than a decade of DIY experience to cover mostly construction-related topics. He also writes movie reviews for Inland…

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