I need to make a 1/2" hole in my overhead lighting console (coupe) to install a switch up there. The console is plastic covered in alcantara, and I've been told it rips very easily when you drill into it.

Any tips?

 

work gloves and safety glasses...

 

a drill would help too

 

razor blade?

 

Hammer is the only tool I use!

 

I would razor blade a small X first, then lightly peel away the leather so the drill bit won't hit it. I would also drill the hole in reverse, less likely to catch the leather and twist it up into the bit.

 

chainsaw

 

Good ideas -- much better than the hammer and chainsaw suggestions.

 

Yes but so much less fun!

 

...you forgot the channelocks. The only two tools you need in the box

-Cheers!

 

I would +1 for the razor idea. trim out the area with an exacto knife and then drill the plastic.
or use a dremel with very thin cut wheel, that should work as well.

 

Three tools - Don't forget the large flathead screwdriver- Used for prying the **** out of things if you can't figure out how to remove them...

 

oh and please remove the part from the car first, you don't want to accidentally drill through the roof! LOL

 

Thanks to all the useful replies to my post (yeah, right), I was able to drill the hole I needed neatly and without any damage. I started with a very small hole, then a slightly larger one. To get the hole to 1/2" diameter, I proceeded to widen it with a V-shaped hasp, using a slow speed on the drill and stopping to trim off the edge of the material with a razor blade.

 

awesome- i'm glad we could (not) be of assistance... LOL

post pics?? Let's see your handywork!