How to Drill Holes in a Ceiling to Hang Recessed Lighting

Cover the furniture in the room with sheets or plastic. This coverage helps protect the furniture from falling debris and dust from the drywall ceiling as you cut out the holes.

Measure and mark the center of each hole on the ceiling with a tape measure and pencil. The measurements depend solely on the layout you desire for the recessed lights. You will most likely need to use a stepladder to reach the ceiling comfortably.

Drill a hole into each center mark with a 1/4-inch drill bit. Cut the bottom straight wire from a metal clothes hanger with a pair of tin snips. Measure the circumference of the lighting can with a tape measure and divide the measurement by half. Bend one end of the metal clothes hanger wire to the measurement.

Insert the end of the metal clothes hanger wire into the hole in the ceiling. Turn the clothes hanger wire with your fingers so that the bent end goes completely around the circumference of the hole. If you feel obstructions with the wire, adjust the location of your hole. Another way to check for obstructions is to go into the attic and look where the center holes are in the ceiling.

Install a hole saw that is the same diameter as the can fixture into your drill. Hole saws are round saws with a drill bit in the center.

Center the drill bit of the hole saw into the pilot holes in the ceiling. Squeeze the power trigger on the drill and saw through the ceiling. The “plug” from the cutout will remain in the hole saw. Release the trigger when the hole is cut from the ceiling.

Unplug the drill, or pull the battery out if using a cordless drill. Remove the ceiling plug from the hole saw. Repeat for the rest of your holes.