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Through-Wall Location Tip for Vent Caps, Light Boxes and Outlets

November 12, 2018

A piano wire drill bit can help you cut holes in the wall right where you want them

When installing exhaust fan hoods, choose where to put the hole carefully. Use a drill and a piece of wire to create a reference point for determining the best location for the hole.

Step by step:

  • File a sharp point on a stiff piece of wire. The wire is the critical element. Matt uses piano wire (12 gauge, .78 in diameter), which can be purchased at a music store.
  • Make a reference mark somewhere on the inside.
  • Drill through the wall, release the wire from the drill and leave it in place.
  • Use that point as a reference for locating the hole both elevation and side to side in reference to framing.

—Matt Jackson is a master carpenter, remodeler, SketchUp Wiz, YouTuber, and contributing editor to ProTradeCraft. He lives and works in Rapid City, South Dakota.

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