Can I drill a hole in this door, and are there open/closable hole caps I can add to both sides?

Submitted by rolliejoe t3_10oly4w in DIY

Hello, I'm not a handy person and anytime I try to fix something or follow a youtube tutorial it never works, something is always wrong/different about my situation than in the video. This seems like a very simple question and I tried googling it but couldn't find anything similar to what I'm wanting to know.

So with all that said, I want to know two things:

  1. Can I drill a small (~3/4" diameter) hole in the bottom of the non-open-able door (see picture, red circle is where I'd like the hole) without causing any problems such as the glass panels breaking or the door exploding into bits and

  2. Any suggestions for caps I can put on both sides of the hole that can be opened/closed? The hole is for a cord to connect a solar panel (outside) to a battery (inside) when necessary, which should not be frequent, and the panel/cord will not be left outside normally.

Here is a picture of a door that's exactly like mine: https://imgur.com/a/9jtqEg0

If there's any other info I forgot to add or any general info I need to know, please let me know. Thanks!

EDIT: Appreciate all the replies, even if I don't have a chance to reply to them all. It sounds like the consensus is that there is no problem drilling through the door as long as I practice on a spare piece of wood first. I don't have a power drill or electric hole cutter, but I'm thinking I can use a large nail to get a small hole started, and a large diameter screw to go all the way through (and then remove it of course). Thanks again everyone.

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r7-arr t1_j6fzyyt wrote

It's a dumb idea to drill a .75" hole through a door to run a wire.

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NeroBoBero t1_j6fneli wrote

It’s a terrible idea to drill through a door when there are other options. The best solution would be to drill through floorboards or flashing around the door frame rather than through a door.

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prst t1_j6g8mnv wrote

Or try simply closing the door on the wires. There's a decent chance they fit under the door without making any changes!

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Psykechan t1_j6gncl9 wrote

> Or try simply closing the door on the wires

Didn't you read? It's a non-opening door. /s

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prst t1_j6iw88g wrote

So....a wall?

-Mitch Hedberg, probably

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Mirar t1_j6hnb98 wrote

Yeah. Only modify doors for stuff like cat flaps or peepholes. Never for cables even if it seems like a good idea.

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k9moonmoon t1_j6iuqo7 wrote

Could OP just install a cat flap and run the temporary cords through that as needed?

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jackson71 t1_j6g4ijv wrote

Need more detail for what you're actually doing.

The key here is what you said: "Hello, I'm not a handy person"

It's not a good idea to drill through a door for what you're trying to do; and that's unclear.

Why can't battery be charged outside along with the panel?

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rolliejoe OP t1_j6gfw67 wrote

Unfortunately the battery/generator is extremely expensive and not weatherproof (while the solar panel is). On top of that, in situations where I'll be using it, I'll likely need to be solar charging and also having things connected to it at the same time, which would means cords needed to be run indoors regardless. I was/am hoping that a single hole drilled in the door would be an easy answer without complications or things that could go wrong.

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Bakedintheusa t1_j6gk0js wrote

Don't do it, you'll regret it. Find an alternative location or option.

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wildcarde815 t1_j6gqcoz wrote

And wire up a proper outdoor box with an inverted plug instead of some suicide wire approach.

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tictac205 t1_j6jnwfd wrote

I did something similar to what you’re describing- a pass through box. So I can run a small generator & leave the doors & windows shut.

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dominus_aranearum t1_j6gmv43 wrote

You started out your post by saying you're not a handy person. Please take it from a professional contractor and everyone else here. It is a horrible idea to drill a hole through a door for this purpose.

Not only would you be creating a cold spot and water intrusion spot. The hole would need to be bigger than 3/4" as the plug end of a power cord requires 1-1/4" to pass through. Multiple cords equals a bigger hole.

Additionally, you're creating a serious trip hazard.

More information is needed to determine what exactly it is you're trying to do. People hook up generators (solar or otherwise) to their electrical panels but there are absolutely necessary safety requirements to doing so. If you're adamant about running a power cord from outside to inside, open a window and run it that way. If needed, cut a board to fit a partially opened window and drill a hole in it for your cords.

Just please do not put a hole in your french doors.

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Yowomboo t1_j6gu7bt wrote

Fixing a hole in the door is going to cost more than paying someone to come out and install a proper pass through. A more permanent solution that running extension cords should be set up though.

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PositiveFalse t1_j6glkiz wrote

The generator/battery and panel manufacturer(s) - or the local distributors of such components in your area - should have connector options available to go from the exterior to the interior...

Generally speaking, it is a BAD idea to use a hole for temporary cable runs between the exterior & the interior. Most likely, too, it's going to violate at least a code or two...

To answer your original question, though: Yes, absolutely, you can drill a hole through that door in that area...

Bear in mind that you'll most likely be penetrating a very thin steel skin, passing through a foam core, and then encountering another very thin steel skin. Use a sharp bit, NOT elbow grease, or else you'll also be smoothing some sheet metal as well. AND make sure that you drill the correct hole size for the proper CONNECTOR that you'll be using, instead!

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CrustedButte t1_j6gkgsc wrote

I'm sorry, but running a generator inside? Is it designed to be run indoors? Because if not that's a good way to die.

Edit: Not weatherproof does not mean safe for indoor use. Also, charging batteries releases hydrogen and other glasses.

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MacShi9 t1_j6idpco wrote

I’m pretty sure it’s a battery pack, which are being marketed as “gasless generator” or “solar generator”.

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seventhpaw t1_j6hgz95 wrote

Since you've admitted that you're not a handy person, have you considered the cost of having your modification repaired?

An easier solution would be to run the wires through a window.

Get a length of thick (at least 5x the diameter of your thickest cable) closed cell foam (a pool noodle could even work) and cut it to length to fit in the windowsill. Cut a 3-5 inch slit through the center of the foam, enough for you to push the connectors on the wires through. Place the foam in the windowsill, and close the window as tightly as possible. Cut a dowel or broom handle to length such that when wedged in the window frame, it compresses the window into the foam. Use "no residue tape" to seal up all edges of the window and foam for weatherproofing, both inside and outside.

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meaniereddit t1_j6ggdlx wrote

You are suggesting damaging a 1000+/- dollar door to run a cord.

Going through an adjacent wall is likely simpler to do and repair.

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Ichthius t1_j6gey6g wrote

Find a way to run electrical conduit through a wall. The door is a bad idea.

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TheodoreK2 t1_j6fglvn wrote

Are you running the cord and attaching it to the panels yourself? If not and it's a normal extension cord plug, your hole is going to need to be a good amount bigger.

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CrossP t1_j6fximo wrote

Yeah. I think it usually takes a 1.25" hole to pass 3-prong US cord plugs through.

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HanzG t1_j6fg9n6 wrote

Drilling a hole in a french door... not something I'd recommend for a solar wire. The door wont care and you say not openable so if it's in worn condition then sure you could. Did you verify the door is wood not metal skinned?

A cap for a hole like this would be an easy 3D print job. Or you could get a 3/4" dowel and cut your own plug. Put a little door knob pull on it and you could insert & remove as needed.

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stevo911_ t1_j6g8x09 wrote

Firewall grommets from an auto parts store or random plastic hole plugs from the hardware store (if they have a decent one) would be simpler for someone who's not handy

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SnakeJG t1_j6g7dcg wrote

It will be much cheaper/easier to just put the battery in a waterproof Rubbermaid container and have it sit outside with the panels.

If you must do this, I wouldn't do it through the door, otherwise you'll end up having to replace the door whenever you move out (or sooner if your plug ends up leaking).

Also look for things like flat cables, you might very easily be able to just run the cable under the other door.

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rolliejoe OP t1_j6gg2wt wrote

I mention in some other replies that I'll likely need to be using the battery while it is charging, so having it outside isn't really an option. The cable that comes with it for the panel is round and I think a custom one, but I'll at least check to see if a 3rd party flat cable is available, though my door does close tightly.

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nkdeck07 t1_j6gk2s6 wrote

Can you get a second battery and swap the two of them? That's a far better idea then drilling through the door (which is a horrible idea)

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SnakeJG t1_j6gs7o9 wrote

To add to this, a door like the one you are thinking of drilling through is probably around $300 to 400 to replace DIY, double that to have it done professionally.

I'm not sure what you (OP) need to use the battery for, but also worth seeing if that connection is available in a flat cable. (12v or household 120v are both available)

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seventhpaw t1_j6hfv2h wrote

Okay, so a few questions I need answered to give high quality advice.

What devices is the battery/solar generator intended to power, and how frequently will they be used?

What is the total combined wattage ratings of the devices, and how long do they have to be powered?

What is the brand of battery/solar generator, and what is its capacity?

Are you using the battery/solar generator for everyday use, or for emergency use? If for emergency use, what are the anticipated weather conditions for emergency use? If for emergency use, what is the expected duration of the emergency?

How many days a year are you anticipating the battery and solar panels will be used?

Where will the solar panels be located? Are they permanently fixed in place? How many hours of sunlight does the intended location receive? Have you done a sunlight survey to verify the location receives the maximum amount of sun available?

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dsmaxwell t1_j6fr9vw wrote

Yeah, so if this is a standard 12v wire you're running, try prying off the door trims. I'd bet good money there's at least a half inch of space somewhere in there you could run this wire through to the outside, possibly leaving a small connector inside the wall that you just plug the solar panel and battery into when in use. Something like https://www.harborfreight.com/solar-power-connection-cable-kit-59171.html one of these kinds of connectors. Then just carve out a tiny bit of drywall to allow the trim to sit flush, recaulk and you're in business.

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wastedpixls t1_j6ga74p wrote

Please find another way to get this run - this is a terrible idea that will come up with future owners of this house and could cost you a lot of money to replace.

Also, if this is a fibreglass or vinyl door - absolutely do not do this. It will never be the same and could lead to some serious condition issues if water gets in and starts to degrade stuff.

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Background-Ad-343 t1_j6gd4ks wrote

You shouldn't drill through the door to run an electrical cable, that's just an accident waiting to happen. Where are the panels and batteries located exactly?I'm guessing the panels are in your yard and not on your roof?

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sf_sf_sf t1_j6gdd1z wrote

What type of battery are you using? Most batteries worth charging with a solar panel will outgas exploding gases when charging.

If you are using a smaller SLA (sealed lead acid) battery I’d wonder if this project is worth it at all.

What is your main goal?

What sized solar panel are you using?

What sized and what type battery?

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SyntheticOne t1_j6glc1d wrote

My sage advice is to call an electrician. The expert will evaluate what you want to get done and then will do it in a way that will probably both surprise you and look much better than your idea. If the electrician shows up and is dressed like Merlin the Magician it's because they really can be magicians when getting electrons through walls.

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signal15 t1_j6gtjiz wrote

If it's low voltage, find an alarm or home AV tech. Those guys are magicians at running wire through existing space and keeping it hidden,and they are probably cheaper than a licensed electrician.

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MK7474 t1_j6h525b wrote

Is there a window you could pass it through? You can cut a pool noodle or piece of pipe insulation to width stick that in there and shut the window on it to seal the gap around the cord.

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infodawg t1_j6fhoxa wrote

The door never opens? Not a problem but it would look more esthetic pleasing going through a wall with a plate of some sort.

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rolliejoe OP t1_j6fign0 wrote

Like in the picture I linked, the 2nd half of the "door" with the red circle on it isn't designed to be opened. Trying to go through a wall and then my house's siding, etc. seems like it would be 10000% more risk of me messing something up, VS just having a small black/white cap on the bottom of the door frame, since I don't plan to have the wire running out the door 99% of the time.

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CrossP t1_j6g087q wrote

You're probably right that this is the simplest way for you to run the plug. My recommendation is that before you touch the door with the drill, you make the hole in some scrap wood. To be absolutely sure your plug head will fit through and your hole plugs will fit.

If you want to try at a more elegant wall solution, this old reddit thread has ideas: https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/hsv7zr/internal_wall_pass_through_for_coax/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android_app&utm_name=androidcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

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rolliejoe OP t1_j6gfcbp wrote

Thanks, good tip about the scrap wood, I'll definitely do that first.

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NeroBoBero t1_j6fnm6n wrote

It isn’t more risk. You will need to buy a drill bit that is long enough to go fully through the wall

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infodawg t1_j6fvtix wrote

If its something you're hardly ever going to use then just run the cable through the open door,,, having your door open less than a quarter inch probably isn't going to hurt anything. Sometimes we make things harder than they need to be.

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rolliejoe OP t1_j6fxljl wrote

It is often very cold (even more so when I'll likely be using it) and I wouldn't want to be letting the cold air in by keeping the entire door open.

Edit: Also, even if not cold, insects.

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Quallityoverquantity t1_j6g3ukm wrote

You can run a cord under a.door and still shut it

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rolliejoe OP t1_j6gfjc6 wrote

I considered that approach, but the cable is a custom one for this unit and is round rather than flat, and the door closes very tightly. If it was a flat cable or a generic one where I could just buy a flat one I'd go that route, but in this case it unfortunately isn't an option.

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abrasiveteapot t1_j6h59mm wrote

A replacement custom made cable in flat is unlikely to cost a lot, certainly cheaper than having to replace the door.

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ntyperteasy t1_j6glr2l wrote

Doors are expensive. You will never be able to repair it to hide the damage. Much better to drill a hole through the wall, which you can easily repair (unless you have some exotic stone on the outside of the house).

I still don't like the idea - it would be much better to place the battery in a waterproof box and leave it outside. They can be had very cheaply.

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designateddroner2 t1_j6fgz6k wrote

Your friendly neighborhood hardware store will have a selection of hole plugs. Get those before you drill. Use a spade bit and go in halfway on each side.

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Quallityoverquantity t1_j6g4031 wrote

While that is the correct way to do it... I have serious doubts he could line up the 2 holes.

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Bearded4Glory t1_j6g56d4 wrote

Drill it with a small regular drill bit first to line it up.

That said, I would much rather go through the wall with a pass through box of some sort than go through a door!

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RedditVince t1_j6hrthr wrote

I will jump on the bandwagon with the group saying don't do it.

I suggest hiring a professional to add an outlet inside and outside with connectors. this way you get no air drafts, no unsightly hole in your door.

It's not that difficult to add the outlets and will give you a much better look and function than manually running a cord through a hole in the door.

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Raul_McCai t1_j6kd4tw wrote

there's no glass down there. Can't guess why you are doing that to hook up a solar panel. You are ruining a beautiful door, for what a friggin extension cord? Rain Water WILL get into the core of the door after you do that.

You electrician will happily put a NEMA 4 hook up outside the house for you to plug your solar into and even run a line from there to wherever you want.

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athennna t1_j6gkzbv wrote

Terrible idea. Run it though the wall if you need to. Or see if you can get a flat extension cord that fits under the door.

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Icy_Jackfruit9240 t1_j6gm9wo wrote

Depending on the place you are, the things you are suggestion would void any homeowner warranty claims in all sorts of situations.

I would instead suggest either providing much more info about the specific needs you are trying to meet (all the stuff you are just leaving out for some reason) OR just get a small enclosure you can keep the generator in.

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Duckbilling t1_j6igg0l wrote

Professional door repair guy here

No.

Just drill the hole in the doors trim, usually they will leave 3/4 of an inch extra space between the door frame casing and your houses framing, perfect for the cord you need to run

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gogomom t1_j6ip8u8 wrote

There are so many better places to put a hole for access to something like this - do you have a layout or photo's of where you want the equipment to be?

It's easier to repair a hole in brick or stucco than in a door.

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johnty2010 t1_j6jx58z wrote

Please don't wreck those beautiful doors😊

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Ditow t1_j6lqsg2 wrote

Lol, 90% of comments telling you no.. OP: “so the consensus is go for it!” You already made up your mind before posting. Good luck with your door hole 🤷‍♂️

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JerseyWiseguy t1_j6fgwch wrote

Not a big deal. That spot is nowhere near the glass. As for the caps, just go on Amazon and search for "3/4 inch plastic hole caps," and you'll find several different types.

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SnackPocket t1_j6fsq9p wrote

This is funny. I was staring at my identical doors today wondering if I could use a glass cutter to take out a bottom “pane” area for a makeshift cat door!

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Viper67857 t1_j6g0d0u wrote

If you try to cut tempered glass the entire panel will explode.

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SnackPocket t1_j6g0hsn wrote

That is what I was afraid of lol. Thank you.

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BigMikeSD619 t1_j6gz78e wrote

Very true. Do not cut on the tempered glass.

Installing a cat door is not impossible though. It's just not cheap.

Glass can be fabricated into "any" shape before it is tempered.

You could remove the existing glass, and replace it with a custom piece which has a cut out for your cats door.

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Bearded4Glory t1_j6g5jps wrote

If they are single glazed doors from before 1940 then it is easy to remove a panel of the glass. After that doors became much less servicable.

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k9moonmoon t1_j6iva2o wrote

We have French doors where we don't utilize one half. We replaced that side with a solid door and installed a dog door within that door. So when we move we can reinstall the set if someone else doesn't want a dog door. Worked out well so far.

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imnotsoho t1_j6gvqz3 wrote

As another poster said you will need a bigger hole than you think. If you decide to go this route drill a hole in a scrap 2x4 to make sure you have a big enough hole to pass the cord through. Then go to the hardware store(s) to find the right plugs.

I would find a different section of wall and put a mail plug in a weathertight box on the outside and put a standard outlet on the inside. Probably label them so no one is confused in the future. Something like this, but built for a home, search page. Bring a picture to a big box or electical supply.

Put the male on the outside and a regular outlet on the inside - in the same stud cavity. Use proper size romex - cut it long so you can do all of the fishing with boxes out.

This will not be up to code, but will only be a danger when power is applied.

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Mirar t1_j6hmw9f wrote

The frame around the door is usually a hole already (so it can be adjusted for the door, straight and level as compared to the wall), just need to remove the door trims around the door. Don't drill in the door.

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digitalhawkeye t1_j6i2lkl wrote

As an electrician, I would tell you that there's absolutely a better way to go about this. Don't put a hole in your door for this.

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KaptKrunch21 t1_j6id8vc wrote

This maybe a stupid question, but have you tried charging the battery with the electricity from inside the home?

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loogie97 t1_j6iwrfy wrote

Door salesman here. If that is a wooden door, I would highly suggest not doing that. You severely compromise the integrity of the door drilling a hole in it outside of the lock lock area.

Steel or fiberglass door is not a problem. Make sure there is a sleeve to protect the wire from rubbing on the skin of the door causing a short. Especially if it is steel.

All that being said, I still wouldn’t do it. Replacing that door will cost thousands. Fixing it would be a lot of paint and Bondo.

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Majestic-Beautiful49 t1_j6kxdky wrote

I would sooner go through the walls then I would the door especially since the door opens and closes there’s a chance to wear down the hole with cable or cause internal issues to the cable and door.

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nhorvath t1_j6mp4ct wrote

Please don't do this. You really can't put it 2 feet to the right through the wall where it won't cost $1000 to fix in the future?

Also, attempting to drill a hole without power tools by using a screw is likely to either end in frustration or a giant split in the wood.

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TruCelt t1_j6g41ya wrote

The surface where the drill comes out is likely to splinter. So either start the hole on both sides and meet in the middle, or if you're worried about accuracy, at least tape up the far side before you start drilling.

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TheLargeIsTheMessage t1_j6gljnl wrote

>non-open-able door

People in this thread seem to be missing this. A non-openable door is not a door. I assume it's made of wood. If so, drill away.

Suggestions:

  1. Use a spade bit so that a bit of pokey-ness of the drill comes out the other side before the hole is cleared. Then switch sides and drill back in, which reduces tear-out.

  2. get a piece of closed cell foam (you can check by trying to blow through it, no air going through means it's closed cell, a pool noodle or a foam mat would work), and use that for your plug, just cut with scissors. Hot-glue them together to make it as thick as your door. If you want to make it pretty, glue a circular piece of wood to this foam plug. Make the foam plug slightly larger than the hole.

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rolliejoe OP t1_j6hq5ku wrote

Thanks, good suggestion about the foam plug. And yes, it is made of wood and I wasn't sure what to call it since it isn't really a "door" and it also isn't a wall/drywall. I've gotten lots of conflicting advice here so I'm trying to consider everything, but trying to drill through my drywall, insulation, and vinyl siding (like many have suggested) just seems like a much, much, much more likely to cause problems approach.

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Darth-Serious t1_j6gs7yu wrote

Does your door have no jamb my good man? You can't just go around drilling holes in doors like a common ruffian!

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rolliejoe OP t1_j6hpqfy wrote

It closes very tightly, I may see if I can find a 3rd party compatible flat cable (instead of the round supplied), but the connections are not standard ones.

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johnty2010 t1_j6jxlij wrote

Prefer drilling thru frame than door, for sure

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slyder219 t1_j6h5p8v wrote

Depends on your financial situation. If you can afford to buy another door if ever needed, then I say hell yeah drill that hole you’ll figure it out. If needing a new door at some point would be very inconvenient or if it’s a super expensive door, then no, don’t do this.

Side note: any windows near by to thread the cord through? Or maybe leave the door open a tad? Or, if you have that rubber strip under the door for weatherproofing you may have enough room to squeeze a cord right under the door.

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larryjeuness t1_j6hkend wrote

It'd be better to go through a wall than your door imo

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ineedhelpbad9 t1_j6hnr9s wrote

Don't listen to anyone telling you not to do something because the next owner may not like it. Fuck that noise, this is your house, your door, and your problem it it goes wrong. Let the next owner worry about the next owner.

With that being said, I say go for it. There shouldn't be any glass there. I would use a hole saw or a spade bit, practice/test in a piece of wood, like a 2x4, before working on your door. Drill from one side until the center bit pokes through the other side then drill from the other side to finish. Google 3/4 in white plugs to find something to plug the hole, maybe stick some insulation in there if you live somewhere cold.

Try not to listen to these naysayers. No matter how badly you mess this up it can always be fixed. Even if you absolutely destroy it, they make new ones in factories every day. It's not an irreplaceable piece of architecture or art and no one will die if a door gets ruined. Just go slow, take your time, and stop and reassess if something doesn't seem right.

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rolliejoe OP t1_j6hpe12 wrote

Thanks! This was both helpful and reassuring.

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Vatican87 t1_j6j7qiy wrote

Never drill holes into a door. What a huge security risk.

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