Lighting – How to install a recessed light container in an abnormally thick ceiling

ceilingdrillinstallationlath-and-plasterrecessed-lighting

We are in the middle of our home remodeling and we have just noticed that our ceiling seems to be a bit thicker than what the maximum our recessed lights allow for.

As shown within the picture link below, our ceiling is comprised of different layers (of different thicknesses):

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  1. Lower layer: (visible from the room) made out of sheetrock (5/8in thickness)
  2. Mid layer: Plaster (3/4in thickness)
  3. Top layer: Lath (1/8in thickness)

The recessed light container we are using has adjustable clips for different ceiling thicknesses although we have just noticed that our ceiling is too think so the clips would not really sit on top of the ceiling but rather create resistance on the hole.

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My question here is if there is some sort of drill bit that, after drilling the initial hole diameter where the container is going to fit in, could expand the hole diameter above the lower layer of sheetrock.

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Best Answer

There is a category of power tool called a multi-tool that is basically a very small saw usefull in cutting in tight spaces.

multitool

After you cut the initial hole, this tool could be used to trim away the area in the uper section on an angle to make room for your retaining arms.

The tools come in corded and cordless version, and at various price points. The are very handy and can do other things, such as spot sanding and grinding.