How do you cut holes in a ceiling without getting drywall debris all over the workspace? Use one-half of a basketball. I came up with this idea while doing the carpentry and drywall work for the installation of a high-velocity air-conditioning system. The skin and bladder are strong enough to be self-supporting, but weak enough so that you can compress the ball against the ceiling. The arbor for my hole saw is 1/2 in., so I have a 1/2-in. hole in the center of the ball. Hold the ball to keep it from spinning when you run the drill; otherwise, you can scuff the ceiling surface. When you’ve cut the hole, lower the ball carefully and deposit the debris in the garbage.
Peter Desmond, Chicago, IL
