Holes!

Faucets require a hole in the sink or countertop for installation.

Rule #1: Before you drill, be sure to check the underside of the sink so you won't be drilling into a brace or other obstruction that would make installation of the faucet difficult or impossible.

It is recommended to put a small dent in the sink area where you want to drill to prevent slipping (trailing). You would need a hammer and a nail spike.

A standard (non-air-gap) faucet, with or without tubing attached, needs a hole that's 7/16" in diameter or larger. You can install standard faucets comfortably in holes up to 1.25". It's possible to install in a 1.5" hole, but it's hard with the standard faucet escutcheon. We have oversized escutcheons, but they aren't always pretty.

If you have an existing hole that's too small, there is no remedy other than to drill it larger.

Drilling smaller holes in a stainless steel sink is usually quite easy. A 1/2" hole, for example, can be drilled with a standard metal bit from the hardware store. It's easiest to drill a small pilot hole, then follow with a 7/16" or 1/2" bit. The cone-shaped “Unibits” that drill an increasingly larger hole work great on stainless sinks. Larger holes are difficult in stainless. In hardware-store quality tools, a good sharp “hole saw” is your best choice.

Many of the new sinks that appear to be porcelain are actually quite thin and quite easy to drill with a standard masonry drill bit. If in doubt, consult the sink manufacturer for advice.

Drilling older porcelain over cast iron sinks should probably not be attempted unless you have special equipment (a Relton Sink Cutter, for example).

Drilling through granite also needs a special drill bit.

Tip #1.
If there is simply no place to drill a hole in a sink, you can sometimes drill into the countertop next to the sink.

Tip #2.
If you're buying a new sink, you can usually get the seller to furnish a sink with the hole you need.

If you'd like to call, we can usually help.

BelKraft

613-523-7800

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