How to Drill Overhead

Most ceiling projects, such as installing a new light, a fan or mounting a hook, start with drilling holes into the ceiling. While the basic process of drilling into an overhead location is not complex, it is cumbersome. In addition, you must deal with falling plaster and sanding dust which complicates the process. However, by using the proper method when drilling, and some nifty attachments, the process is much smoother and creates less mess.

Plastic storage container
Utility knife
Pencil (optional)
Drill
Drill bit
Safety glasses
Step ladder
Paper cup (optional)
Scissors (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Turn a shallow, plastic storage container face down on a counter and use a utility knife to cut a small "x" in the center of the container's bottom. Insert your finger or a pencil through the"x" to widen the hole.
- 2
  Pick up the storage container and place it onto the end of a drill with the cupped section facing away from the drill.
- 3
  Insert the desired drill bit into the drill through the inside of the container, which holds the container in place.
- 4
  Place a step ladder near the overhead location that you need to drill. Put on safety glasses and climb up onto the ladder with the drill.
- 5
  Place the plastic storage container against the ceiling and squeeze the drill's trigger to drill the desired hole.
- 6
  Release the trigger, but keep the drill in a vertical position while you climb down the ladder. Tilt the plastic container into a trash can to discard the plaster and sanding dust.

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