Cutting a hole in my leather ikea desk mat?

Submitted by SadStrangeLittleMan2 t3_111oyf5 in DIY

Hello everyone, I bought an ikea desk mat called the Rissla. The only problem with it is that my cables on my desk need to flow through my desk mat (my desk has a hole for cables about 6 inches from the back end). The desk mat feel like leather (not sure if it's real leather) and thin sheet metal.

How could I install something like a grommet around the hole I make? And would a cheap electric drill with a hole-saw drill bit work? Or would I need a more powerful drill?

https://ibb.co/n7kn8g3

https://ibb.co/Mp7YqXh

https://ibb.co/Pc4H1yb

https://ibb.co/J7gPGHb

5

Comments

You must log in or register to comment.

Reelplayer t1_j8g24a6 wrote

Use a step drill bit to make the hole, then a curtain grommet.

6

Talusen t1_j8ghga2 wrote

Make sure to get two sizes of grommet. One for the size you want, and one for the size it may end up being.

Might want to tape around where you're drilling as well (both sides!)

8

anacreon1 t1_j8g16nu wrote

According to ikea, the main part of the mat is composed of:

“100 % polypropylene, 100 % Polyurethane, Paper, Epoxy powder coating, Steel”

Getting through that steel while simultaneously not mutilating those other layers is the challenge here. If you have to cut through it, regular bits / hole saw are not likely going to be up to the task. Rather than compromise the integrity of the mat, I’d be looking at an alternative cable management system as a simpler solution.

Not saying it’s not possible, but if you’re going through steel, that will be a real challenge.

4

drthunderrmblz t1_j8hzx6j wrote

This! Drilling is not the answer here, cut into it with snips or make a die cut with a vise

2

toalv t1_j8g53qo wrote

Drill or punch a small pilot hole through the center of where you want the cable management hole. Then use tin snips to cut through the mat around the edges of where you want starting from the pilot hole. You can then pop in a grommet to make sure the edges aren't sharp. Just make sure to cut the right size hole for your grommet!

3

brightlights55 t1_j8gxffy wrote

The ideal tool (depending on the size of the hole required) would be a chassis punch. Try and find an engineering shop who has them and will make the hole for you.

3

WayyyCleverer t1_j8guur9 wrote

Step bit as others have said but first I’d put tape where you want the hole and use a razor blade to cut away the leather/leatherette first. That way you don’t mangle the cover while trying to get through the metal.

2

No-Pitch-5647 t1_j8hik58 wrote

Does your desk already have grommet? You could pop that out and install it through both the desk and mat hole.

2

blizzardss t1_j8g2hob wrote

Painter's tape, step drill bit!

1

GrimResistance t1_j8mnpmi wrote

Clamp a piece of wood on either side of it, this will prevent the outer layer from getting chewed up. Then use whatever metal-cutting drill bit you need.

1