6 Ways to Customise Furniture With a Basic Twist Bit
Wondering how to put your twist bit to use? Customising furniture is a great way to revamp old furniture, add a personal touch or transform something boring into something that suits your style. One of the many things about having a cordless drill is that it opens up a world of DIY opportunities. Whether you have a new drill that you’re still getting to know or you have built up some experience, you don’t need to be an expert to customise furniture. You simply need the right tools and a selection of quality drill bits that help you get the job done.
Today, we’re sharing some fun ways that you can use your twist drill bits to breathe new life into old, outdated furniture. If you’re looking for a rewarding weekend project, these are simple enough to do without taking up too much time or effort.
Using a Twist Bit to Customise Furniture
Before we get started, you’ll need to gather the tools needed to get to work. Besides your cordless drill and a set of twist bits in assorted sizes, other useful things include a tape measure, a screwdriver, hooks, cabinet handles, screws, and brackets. You’ll also need safety gloves, eye protection and a safe space to work. Once you’re ready, here are some of the projects you can do with your twist drill bits.
1. Update drawer and cabinet handles
One of the easiest projects to do is updating your drawer and cabinet hardware. If you’re tired of boring handles or knobs, changing them can instantly update the look of your storage. You can replace handles and knobs in any cabinet, cupboard door or drawer. With a huge variety of styles to choose from, you can go for contemporary, classic or even something off-beat, such as bold colours or designs. To replace this type of hardware, remove the old knobs or handles or drill holes if you’re adding new handles. You can then screw in your new handles, making sure that they’re aligned properly. When adding new handles, always measure carefully and don’t forget to make a pilot hole for accurate drilling.
2. Make a cable management hole
Cable management holes are a simple way to keep your desk organised. Use your drill to make a neat hole at the back of your desk or media console. Don’t forget to measure carefully before you start drilling. Ideally, you’ll want a larger-sized bit for this if you need to feed thicker cables through the hole. If you have more experience working with drill bits, you could also consider using a hole saw once you’ve made your initial hole. Once your hole is made, all you need to do is thread the cables through the holes.
3. Add floating shelves to a bookcase
If you have a small or boring bookcase that is set against a wall, you can give it a new look by adding floating shelves above the bookcase. This is a great option if you want a styled shelving system to add decor, plants or photo frames. You can also use it for more books if you’re a big reader who’s running out of space in your current bookcase. If you have a small home, you’ll also save space. Use your drill to make holes in the wall, with anchors to prevent damage. You can then add brackets, which will hold the shelves. You can find a variety of floating shelf kits out there, with styles to suit every home.
4. Transform a plain headboard
Even the plainest of headboards can get a makeover with a bit of creative drilling. Use your drill to make holes in patterns (making sure to first use a pencil to draw the design onto the wood). If you make larger holes, you can then weave fabric or yarn through the holes to make a woven or tufted look. You could use a smaller, longer bit to make more intricate designs, too, which give you a one-of-a-kind look.
5. Turn a dresser into a kitchen island
This project is perfect for those with a bit more DIY experience. You can repurpose an old dresser into a fully functional kitchen island. You may have an old dresser sitting in a spare room somewhere or you may find one at your local second-hand dealer or even a garage sale. To start, remove the top drawers to make room for shelves, using brackets to secure shelves depending on how many you plan to use. Use your drill to attach hooks on the side for towels or utensils. You can also add wheels to the bottom to make a mobile island. Add a new wooden top or use tiles to create a smooth surface. For the final touch, replace the drawer handles with something new.
6. Transform an old door into a table
Old wooden doors can be used in a surprising number of ways. One way to repurpose doors is to turn them into tables. You may need a bit more experience to take on this project. To start, you’ll need to cut the door to your desired size. You could turn it into a longer dining table or a shorter coffee table. If the door has glass panels, you can use these as the centre of your table as a decorative feature. If it has wooden panels, you can paint them, use mosaic or vinyl tiles to add contrast or keep them as they are for a unique surface. Once the door is cut to size, you can add legs. These can be purchased at your local hardware or online. For a coffee table, look for screw-in hairpin legs for a retro look or for a taller table, look for legs that suit your home’s style. Use your drill to first make pilot holes and then drill holes for the legs to be screwed into place. As always, make sure you measure carefully, leaving enough room to keep the table secure and balanced.
Ready to get down to work? Ruwag offers a selection of premium twist drill bits made for a wide range of projects.
