It’s easy to drill a new hole, but how do you go about enlarging a hole that’s already there? This is a common problem when drilling a larger hole in a door for a new deadbolt or lockset.

To enlarge an existing hole:

  1. Cut two scraps of 1/2″ or thicker plywood, making them several inches larger than the hole.
  2. Mark the centerline of the existing hole on the edge of the door.
  3. Clamp the scraps of plywood above and below the hole.
  4. Extend the centerline of the hole across the top scrap of plywood.
  5. Measure from the edge of the door to the center of the hole, and mark it on the centerline.
  6. Chuck a hole saw in a drill and drill through the plywood and door.

Watch the video above for a simple way to get the job done in no time.

Editorial Contributors
avatar for Joe Truini

Joe Truini

Radio Show Co-Host

Joe Truini is a contractor, author, and the host of “Simple Solutions” on Today’s Homeowner TV and the weekly Today’s Homeowner radio show. He has worked on both large commercial projects and residential remodeling, and has written for national publications such as This Old House and Popular Mechanics. He has also written eight books, including three best-selling shed-building books. Joe lives in Connecticut with his family and enjoys hiking, traveling, and baseball in his spare time.

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