How to Make Grommet Holes in a Shiny Desk

Measure the diameter of the grommet using a tape measure. Determine the location on your desk where you wish to place the grommet hole, and then place a pencil mark where you intend the center of the hole to be. Make certain that you check under the desk for any obstructions beneath the hole location, adjusting the location of the hole in case an obstruction is present.

Place masking tape over the grommet location, centered at the center of the proposed hole. Cover the hole area completely with the tape, extending it outward from the diameter of the grommet 1 inch to keep the finish intact as you drill the hole.

Drill a pilot hole through the center of the grommet hole location using the electric drill. Make the hole about the same size as the pilot bit in the center of your hole saw.

Remove the drill bit from your electric drill and replace it with a hole saw of the same diameter as your grommet. Place the pilot bit on the center of the hole saw into the hole previously drilled through the desktop, lowering it through the hole until the teeth of the hole saw rest flush with the surface of the desktop against the layer of masking tape.

Turn on the hole saw and cut through the masking tape covered portion of the desktop, using the saw on a low RPM setting. Remove the hole saw and wood divot when you complete the cut.

Remove the masking tape, and then sand the edges of the cut smooth with fine-grit sandpaper. Wipe away any residue from the cutting and sanding with a piece of cloth. Run the cables through the grommet hole and the grommet, and then press the grommet into the hole, leaving the ledge around the upper surface flush against the top of the desktop.