Thread: 15 inch Overhead beam

Originally Posted by Bushmiller

I think Forum members have pretty much nailed it. While the beam is sufficiently thick to allow for error in drilling, a guide to start (post #2)and a shorter drill initially (post #8) are going to make life easier. This is because you are drilling upwards. While auscabs comment on this type of drill with the threaded tip is correct and does tend to pull itself rapidly through timber if using a corded tool, I would not worry about filing the thread off. Just use a cordless drill, possibly on the slower speed to begin with, as this will be easily controllable. As you are drilling up any assistance from the screw tip will be welcomed. A drill bit of 12mm or 10mm would be ample for lighting wire.

Using a guide and a short drill first will mean not having to concentrate so hard on the task and you can just drill.

Regards
Paul

HI, Thanks to everyone who took the time to reply ,I certainly have a lot to consider. Yes the beam is a feature exposed stained beam, I guess its about 2.60 meters from the floor to the bottom edge of the beam. Then the beam itself is approx 38-40 centimeters high and 8 centimeters wide. Its stained with a wood stain, and then a clear coating applied. It came with the house. The whole ceiling is what they used to call a church ceiling, exposed beams running at an angle to the main beam 20 in total.10 on either side. A center ceiling fan equipped with small lights attached, the fan is wired directly through the beam, I guess someone in the past drilled a hole through the beam to wire the fan vertically ,and through the ceiling and into the roof cavity. We want to increase the lighting, by adding two hanging pendant lights ,one at either end of the beam. Hence two vertical holes will need to be drilled to accommodate the wires. Thanks again for everyone's help and suggestions. Cheers zippo01.