Can I use a smaller hole saw to cut multiple holes to create a 5-inch circle for the shower control lever instead of spending over $50 on a single hole saw?
Asked by Pablo Bonnet 
8 months ago
Last Updated: April 28, 2024
I’m trying to figure out how to make a 5″ hole in the side panel for the shower control lever. Do you think it would work if I used a smaller hole saw and cut multiple holes inside the 5″ circle instead?
Those 5″ hole saws are so expensive, over $50! I really don’t want to shell out that much money just to make one little hole.
And I live out in the boonies, so I’d rather not make a trip into town just for this.
Did you mean a jigsaw?
Nope, that wouldn’t work at all. The acrylic has too much flex and it would end up breaking.
For shower valves, 4″ will work but 5″ would be too large for the trim. Just letting you know, I’m a plumber.
Most delta trims are typically around 7 inches.
4″ should be sufficient, believe me. The greater amount of material surrounding the opening will result in a more secure fit for the trim.
Absolutely, I’ve been in that situation countless times so I eventually began making the cuts on my own. Solid recommendation!
The section of the rough that extends beyond the wall measures 4.5″ in diameter. You can spot it in this picture. The green object.
That’s only a guide for the depth, not a support, and it shouldn’t protrude from the shower stall. The installation instructions will indicate where that green plate should be in relation to the finished surface. Once the valve depth is determined and the hole is cut in the correct location, you can remove that green piece.
Sure, I’ll check out the manual. The plumbers already did the rough installation. But I’ll go through the instructions. Thanks!
Hold up – so the hole doesn’t have to match the size of the green part, just the valve that protrudes?
4 inches should work perfectly for the hole, it needs to be big to accommodate the trim screws clearing the surround.
Definitely not 5 inches, too large. I usually go with 3 inches and small holes for the long screws.
Absolutely. 4 inches is sufficient.
For depth only, those are just to determine if drywall is behind your surround, anonymous participant.
You might be able to size down a bit, just make sure the screws align with the diverter hole.
4″ has been my go-to, been at this for more than a decade.
I agree with you, 4″ is good. We usually go with 4.125 because that’s a common hole saw for us. I’m just pointing out that many trims will easily cover a 5″ hole.
So, it turns out that mine only had to be 1 1/2″ because the plastic housing goes behind the shower wall.
A drill attachment hole saw is a more cost-effective option. Do you know anyone you could borrow one from?
– That’s why it’s so pricey. I don’t have anyone nearby to ask for a loan. I live out in the middle of nowhere.
Hey there, I’m a plumber. Feel free to grab the trim for it. Put the face plate where you want it to go. Trace it with a pencil. And as long as it’s within that circle, you’re all set. Actually, you could even cut a square with a grinder.
Tin snips, jigsaw, oscillating tool, plenty of small drill holes, grinder, sawzall,. As long as the trim hides it, it’s all good
Absolutely
Try using a Rotozip
Unfortunately I don’t have one. I might just go ahead and drill several holes around the 5-inch mark using the 2-inch hole saw that I do own.
You could pick up an inexpensive one at harbor freight
That could also do the trick
Yep, definitely…just make sure they are within the 5 inches…or an oscillator if you have one
It’s pretty common to lose grip of a jigsaw. If you give it a shot, consider using a blade with very fine teeth.
I won’t be using a jigsaw, I’ve tried one before and they can be tricky to handle, especially with flexible materials like acrylic.
One option is to outline the entire opening and then utilize a 2” hole saw to eliminate the majority of the material. Remember to work slowly and maybe try using some watered-down dish soap
You can find a complete set for a better price on Amazon and have it delivered to your doorstep
I own one of these but I must admit, I’m not a huge fan. The shelves don’t seem to hold as much as you might expect.
I used to have something similar in my condo and really enjoyed it. I don’t store a lot of items in my shower though.
I remember watching hole saws completely destroy these plastic panels. I would recommend using a multitool instead of a hole saw, unless it has a really fine tooth.
You know, it doesn’t necessarily have to be a perfect circle. You can find a variety of hole saws on Amazon.
Hey, have you tried using a jigsaw for that?
You should consider using a plunge router
$50 might not seem like much, but it’s a small investment
Hey, have you tried using a jigsaw?
Make sure to get it done correctly from the start to avoid having to spend more than $50 later on.
You might want to consider drilling holes around the edges and then using a hacksaw blade to cut it out.
You can cut a circular piece of 1/2 ply with whatever diameter you choose. Attach it to the surface using screws or double-sided masking tape, making sure the teeth on the jigsaw are on the bottom. Slowly follow this pattern with a blade suitable for thin plywood scroll work at a medium speed.
Just go ahead and sell it online for $30 if you list it $50, no need to overthink it.
I live out in the boonies….selling things can be a hassle.