drillkitchenswood-fillerwoodworking
I messed up the measurements of one of the IKEA kitchen handles. 32mm Vs 29mm to the edge, so 3mm off.
Do you think I can drill to widen one hole left 1.5mm and the other hole right by 1.5mm and then tighten it straight without exposing the mess from the front or back? Is a 3mm move too much?
I'm willing to accept a half way house and maybe trim the discrepancy from 3mm to 1.5mm etc
If not what do you suggest?
Fill and re-drill?
Yes, the drill chuck will mar the finish of the shelf. There is a slight chance of damage to the chuck. Plus, choking down on the bit, like that, obscures your view of the hole (the drill and chuck block it) -- making precision harder to accomplish.
The correct way to do this is to use a drill stop.
Drill stops are less likely to slip than tape or zip-ties, and are much better for precise and/or repeated drilling.
If marring the finish is an issue, clamp a piece of 1/8th plywood over the site and adjust the drill stop accordingly.
PS: A piece of wood over the hole is usually a good idea anyway, when drilling finished surfaces. It helps reduce both splintering and the scratching that occurs when flakes of drilled wood or metal whip around the bore site.
The most important part is to start off in the correct location. Once you have started the hole it's relatively easy to keep straight if you take it slowly and have a steady hand.
If your drill has a variable speed - either via a selector switch or by varying the pressure on the trigger - use the lowest speed possible to start the hole. A drill that uses trigger pressure is best as you can start with the drill bit on the mark and then gradually increase the speed. This prevents the bit skidding on the surface.
Once you have the first few millimetres drilled bring the drill up to full speed. You will need to push but don't use your full weight on the drill.
You might find it useful to have someone else watch so they can tell you if you aren't holding the drill perpendicular to the wall.
If you don't have an assistant you can do various things to help you keep the drill level.
Best Answer
I would plug both holes without enlarging them, glue a piece of dowel that fits and let dry.
Then check on the face that the handle will cover the dowel when the handle is mounted correctly, otherwise you will need to make it the same color.
Then drill new holes in the correct positions. The back side may be easily covered by using a washer or a screw with a wider head - usually the screws for those handles have a washer built into the head anyway.
The adage: measure twice, cut once also applies to drilling.