Tips & Techniques

Center a Drain-Line Hole in a Cabinet

Issue 222

A quick, easy method for centering the drain behind the back of a cabinet is to take a length of masking tape, as shown in the top drawing below, and twist it so that the sticky side faces out in the middle. Stick it to the wall over the drainpipe. Push a rare-earth magnet into the center of the tape as shown. Next, move the cabinet into its position, and place another rare-earth magnet on the inside of the cabinet’s back panel. Move it around until it is drawn to the other magnet. Now you can trace around the magnet to know where to center the drain-line hole in the back of the cabinet.

Geoffrey Montagu, Lawrenceville, NJ

Edited and Illustrated by Charles Miller

From Fine Homebuilding #222

Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

8067 All-Weather Flashing Tape

Available in 2- to 12-in. widths, this is a good general-purpose flashing tape that sticks well to most things. It features a two-piece release paper, water-shedding layers, and good UV resistance.
Buy at Amazon

Reliable Crimp Connectors

These reliable, high-quality connectors from Wirefy work on 10-22-gauge wire have heat-shrink insulation to keep out water and road salt.
Buy at Amazon

Handy Heat Gun

This heat gun is great for drying joint compound, primer and paint when patching drywall and plaster walls. Plus it can soften adhesive, get a very cold small engine to start, and shrink heat-shrink tubing.
Buy at Amazon
×

New Feature

Fine Homebuilding Forums

Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

View Comments

  1. User avater
    cocarpenter | | #1

    Nice tip, I'll use it next time, assuming I remember to bring magnets...

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

More Tips & Techniques

View All
View All

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Guard Posts for Angled Deck Corners

Prescriptive codes don't address the connection at less common angles, so base the connection off more typical ones using bolts, structural screws, blocking, and steel tension ties.

Featured Video

A Modern California Home Wrapped in Rockwool Insulation for Energy Efficiency and Fire Resistance

The designer and builder of the 2018 Fine Homebuilding House detail why they chose mineral-wool batts and high-density boards for all of their insulation needs.

Related Stories

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Video

View All Videos
View All

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

Fine Homebuilding

© 2024 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.