Downlighters and Holesaws

As an aside, first try the downlighters lightly fixed to the ceiling, before cutting holes. You may find that you have dim spots, or areas which are overly lit.

A compass (point and pencil type) plus a padsaw ("Fat Max" from Homebase) works very well for any size.

Dave

Thanks Ian. Good idea.

Ah,

The LoTec approach. Simple when you step back from the 'tool for a purpose' approach to DIY.

And, as I am fitting the lights after the ceiling has been finished, possibly less destructive.

Thanks Dave

Richard

Oh, IIRC, there are adjustable holesaws, which may be suitable.

Screwfix D12620 (£14.99) handles most lights.

Most Electrcical Wholesalers sell holesaws of most common downlighter cut out sizes including 80mm.

Personally I like nice neat jobs whether they are covered by bezels, architraving afterwards or not! I got a multi pack hole saw (common back plate and 4 cutters of different sizes). Found that the cutter claiming to be 89mm actually cut about 95mm! Had to pack the cutter blade into the back plate to maintain the correct diameter. Fortunately, being the "nice neat job liker" I discovered this on a test scrap piece of plasterboard not the bathroom ceiling!

Phil

I have just complete the same job (in response to the same decree).

I found there is a bit of leeway in hole size depending on the style of light. The next nearest size up from the recommended will almost certainly be fine. Using the nearest size down make for a very tight fit -- something I did on the first couple of lights that I fitted. Let's hope I don't have to remove then anytime soon.

Possibly one of the most ill-conceived and generally most useless tools around. Spend the extra and get the tube sort - at least they stay attached.

The 86mm

If it's a lath and plaster ceiling you usually end up using the padsaw. The laths aren't stable enough and anything mechanical just bounces around too much

... and a lath and plaster ceiling will require lights suitable for mounting in a flammable ceiling.

I have a 'motorised compasses attachment' affair (from Toolstation or Screwfix) the shank of which you pop in your drill, then slaken the wing nut and slide the cutter blade in or out to your required diameter.

Place the center point on the relevant spot, on slow speed (dead slow- else dust everywhere) the blade rotates and cuts a very neat hole in the plasterboard. Works lovely on plastics too.

Obviously does all sizes from about 25mm upto about 150 from memory.

Tim..