[djrobsd]

I've installed 4 handles now on 4 doors, and on each one, it splintered on the back (inside) of the door when drilling through(THANK GOD NOT THE OUTSIDE!!!). I would like to avoid this damage to the rest of my cabinets, is there anything I can do? I tried putting a piece of painters tape on the door on the backside, but it still splintered, did I not press down hard enough when applying the tape, or what can I do to prevent issues?

[mzgloves20]

You may be well past this portion of your assembly, but you could try pressing or clamping a small piece of 2x4 or scrap wood to the backside of the drawer front. The pressure will HELP keep the bit from crowning (pushing up on) the backside of the drawer when the bit comes through. Try not to use excessive pressure on the drill as it forces the bit to come through the last few millimeters of drawer instead of cutting through it.

[DesignDiva]

That would work, or you could drill halfway through from each side.

[njspeer]

You may also want to try using a sharper drill bit. I'd go to the local hardware store and buy the most expensive bit in that size (should be about $2), and see if that helps.

[oliverw]

Had the same problem on our Hallarum doors, figured out if I didn't push too hard it would not do it.

oliverw

[catmom23]

We had the same problem with our Fagerland pine... and a slightly different problem (splintering/chipping) with our laminate doors (the style name escapes me right now). Hubby & I both almost had a heart attack. Basically, we just drilled from the back so that at least if it happened, we wouldn't be able to see it. Also tried to go really slowly... worst case, if large pieces splinter off, glue them back with wood glue...