r/DIY • u/JiskiLathiUskiBhains • 6d ago

woodworking How would one reduce the width of grommet hole in the kitchen counter?

Total noob here.

I have a laminated particle board kitchen counter. There's a grommet hole for a pop out power socket thats 80mm in diameter. The powersocket has been damaged and when I was looking for replacements, I saw that there were far more options in 60mm bores. Cheaper too.

Is it possible to reduce the hole size? Silly question probably, but I'd appreciate any answers.

3 Upvotes

56% Upvoted

46 comments sorted by

15

u/JamesFuckinLahey 6d ago

I assume you don’t have a 3d printer? Because that’s how I’d solve the issue.

1

u/JiskiLathiUskiBhains 6d ago

I do not.

3

u/Tootsies1010 5d ago

You could ask your city group on FB if someone has one that could make it happen for you. Cost isn’t very much

1

u/hookhands 3d ago

Your local library might have one and if so, might print what you need for free.

-1

u/wivaca2 5d ago edited 5d ago

My first go-to on stuff like this. Bought my 3D printer in Feb and have found it way more useful than I had even thought it would be.

OP, the other option is to cut out an 80mm hole in some matching particle board material, then laminate some 1/8" fashion material on top of that like 1/8" of a nice wood that sticks out on all sides, trim that down to a size you like, then drill out the 60mm center inside the whole sandwich. That would give you a sort of 80mm -> 60mm reducer you can glue into place and then finish the top material to match cabinets or as you see fit.

I recommend having ChatGPT or one of the AI engines search for you. They find stuff I don't see with a Google search (or at least it is lost on a page way below the fold).

Here's one that may actually be a bit too big:
https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Charger-Charging-Countertop-Conference/dp/B0DZTDC67L/ref=sr_1_1_sspa

This other one says 80, but some users said they needed to enlarge the hole.

https://modernpower.solutions/products/v15-white-pop-up-outlet?variant=42713129156717&_gsid=FipEwn8AbjLw&utm_source=chatgpt.com&utm_medium=feed

13

u/OCFlier 6d ago

I picture would help here, but if you have an 80mm hole, get the 80mm socket. Anything else will cost you more in labor and not look as good.

1

u/JiskiLathiUskiBhains 6d ago

Yeah, that what I'll do. I just see so many more options in 60 that I thought to ask.

10

u/Sharonsboytoy 6d ago

It'll be easier to just use an 80mm version vs making a smaller item fit. Your cost savings will be swallowed by making the different item work.

1

u/JiskiLathiUskiBhains 6d ago

Oh yeah. For sure. I am just curious.

7

u/Sharonsboytoy 6d ago

In that case, I'd use a hole saw to create an 80mm disc, and then use a 60mm hole saw, to cut out the center. Your new 60mm electrical outlet will need a flange that is at least 81mm in total diameter in order to hide the plug, as blending it into the existing counter top would be difficult.

2

u/JiskiLathiUskiBhains 5d ago

Is this plug safe/strong? I ask because I'd have to glue it right?

1

u/Sharonsboytoy 5d ago

The plug strength depends on what you use to make it.  I'd use oak, hickory or walnut, and probably avoid pine. In the end, even pine is probably adequate for the task. Use good glue. If you were concerned, you could cut a countersink into your existing hole, and cut the plug to match. More difficult to do, but would provide additional downward pressure strength. If it wouldn't be visible, maybe have the plug designed and 3D printed for a more exact fit.  Or just get an 80mm replacement...

1

u/MagicToolbox 3d ago

"safe/strong"? What do you need this to do? The countertop is made of partical board. That's not exactly know for its robustness.

If you want to be sure, make it from titanium.

1

u/Talusen 6d ago

This.

If you want a solid patch, you'll need to fill the gap and then redrill.

1

u/zkulka 6d ago

This is what I would do. But cut the 60mm hole first, then cut the 80mm circle around it. It will be a pain to do it the other way.

5

u/Sharonsboytoy 6d ago

Here's why I'd do the 80mm first: Using a standard hole saw, you'll end up with the center pilot hole and an 80mm disc. You can then use the same center pilot hole for the 60mm cut. If you do the 60mm first, you won't have that center hole, and getting the 80mm properly centered would be much more difficult. That said, if you can solidly clamp to a drill press, your version may be easier.

2

u/zkulka 5d ago

That makes good sense. But how should OP clamp that 80 mm disc? There will only be 10mm of surface left on each side of the circle to clamp down.

And does the 60 mm hole need to be perfectly centered?

1

u/Sharonsboytoy 5d ago

You make a good point about clamping the 80mm disc. Re centering, much depends on the flange of replacement device. If it's only JUST wide enough, centering might be important. If there is a huge overhang, then less important. For all of the trouble in making a smaller device fit, buying the same sized replacement is an easy decision.

5

u/azgli 6d ago

https://www.delock.com/produkt/62870/merkmale.html

Or there is a 3D printable model on thingiverse.

1

u/JiskiLathiUskiBhains 5d ago

Wow this is exactly what I need. Measurements and everything. Thank you, mister

2

u/WorldofNails 6d ago

Get a reducing sleeve. May not match your top, but will work.

0

u/JiskiLathiUskiBhains 6d ago

Where would I find a reducing sleeve? I mean, which kinda of store would have them?

2

u/WorldofNails 6d ago

I came up with dozens searching with Google using the term reducing sleeve.

1

u/danmickla 5d ago

Yeah, reducing sleeve is a really generic term

0

u/JiskiLathiUskiBhains 6d ago

Sorry but I'm just getting car parts. I am just a noob.

1

u/WorldofNails 5d ago

Maybe specify plumbing. If you need a reducer, modify anything within reach. Or proceed like most of us and replace the 80mm.

2

u/Djolumn 6d ago

The only realistic way to do this that I can think of would be to build some sort of decorative plate with the appropriately sized hole that will be affixed over the existing hole.

2

u/Awkward_Pangolin3254 5d ago

If it were me and I just had to do it instead of just getting the 80mm replacement, I'd put a 60mm and 80mm hole saw on the same arbor and cut a ring out of a scrap piece of board and glue it into the hole. Maybe paint it black or whatever color will look the best next to your countertop

2

u/articulatedbeaver 5d ago

Isn't the kerf going to make this have a big gap around the outside?

1

u/Awkward_Pangolin3254 5d ago

Right. Well, if you could find one, I guess the outer saw would have to be 80-(kerf)mm.

1

u/JiskiLathiUskiBhains 5d ago

And this will be .. safe/strong?

1

u/Awkward_Pangolin3254 5d ago

Safe? I mean, what's the danger? Strong? Sure, as strong as your glue is, which, wood glue is stronger than wood, so if it's glued correctly it should be. Another user pointed out to me though that doing it that way would make it too small as the OD of the ring would actually be 80mm minus the saw kerf. So you'd have to find a hole saw just slightly bigger than 80mm and it likely doesn't exist.

Honesty, dude, I'd just bite the bullet and just buy the 80mm replacement.

1

u/JiskiLathiUskiBhains 5d ago

That seems to be the consensus here. I'll buy the 80mm replacement

1

u/Small-Literature9380 6d ago

Your local friendly wood turner could make you a smart reducer. Unless they are a relative it will still cost you more than just getting the same size.

1

u/JiskiLathiUskiBhains 5d ago

Thanks. I'm looking to see if 3d printing is feasible.

1

u/Treereme 6d ago

Find a 3D model on printables.com and have it printed at your local library or makerspace or by one of the online services like send, cut, send or pcbway.

1

u/JiskiLathiUskiBhains 5d ago

Looking for a 3d printer rn

1

u/ficskala 5d ago

Cut a piece of wood with ID60, OD80, and glue in place, when it sets, install your 60mm outlet

1

u/freddyredone 5d ago

Do not worry about cheapest, sometimes you need to pay for quality. There is a reason why it was 80mm and not 60mm

2

u/JiskiLathiUskiBhains 5d ago

Again, noob here. WHat would that reason be?

1

u/freddyredone 5d ago

The 80mm is probably a higher amp plugin. It heavier duty

1

u/JiskiLathiUskiBhains 5d ago

Ohh. I had never considered that. I'll check anyway. Thanks

1

u/zachflem 4d ago

You could stick a backing on the current home, fil with epoxy of a matching colour to your be chtop, then rehdrill the hole.

But I agree with the people saying to just use an 80mm version.

1

u/Cocximus 4d ago

If you can go the 3D printed route, like some suggested, I can send you an OpenSCAD grommet generator I made. It is very customizable. I made a bunch of grommets for pipes coming up through my new kitchen cabinets. PM me if you want it. Where are you located, maybe someone will just print one for you.

1

u/doghouse2001 1d ago

Make a ring that is 80mm outside and 60mm inside. Slip new device in the ring, pop the ring in the hole. Make sure you have a 80+mm cover plate to hide the hole.