Drilling downlights in horse hair plaster

[Jasco511]

Just wondering if anyone has any experience in putting downlights in a 70 year old plaster ceiling?

 

[bill01803]

Don't do it you will distroy the integrity of the ceiling

 

[David Prosser]

Did some a good few years back in a lathe and plaster ceiling. Nightmare needed to change the hole-saw ever couple of cut as it seemed to blunt and as soon as that happened started snatching in the lathes and busting up the plaster. They were Starrett so not cheap ones.

 

[GBDamo]

I have tried, wished I hadn't.

Some lath and plaster is solid some is barely hanging on, it makes all the difference.

 

[Dartlec]

Just wondering if anyone has any experience in putting downlights in a 70 year old plaster ceiling?

Yes and it's normally a nightmare. Itr may be better to consider overboarding.

A very sharp holesaw and luck is the only option otherwise...but don't expect there to be no patching to do...

 

[Taylortwocities]

I agree.
Option 1. Don’t do it
Option 2. Cut large square hole, insert plasterboard piece, fit down light, plaster. Hide from buildings inspector if property is listed.

 

[Pretty Mouth]

Cutting the hole is just part of the battle: Some downlights just never sit right in lath and plaster ceilings (typically cheap ones with weak springs) . I have used Aurora EDF Pro's in L+P, and they have worked well.

 

[pc1966]

Not something I would try! As above it is notoriously hard stuff to deal with as it can be very thick, hard to cut, but crumbles if you look at if funny, and makes a hell of a mess.

If I absolutely had to do it I would follow @Taylortwocities route.

Whatever you do plan for redecorating in some form!

 

[ray2frost@btin]

Use quality wholesaw, (I used bosch in dewalt on low speed) no snagging, 30 downlights no problems

 

[Mike Johnson]

Have not tried in Lath and Plaster, but the Tungsten Carbide hole saw I have has drilled about 50 holes in Clay hollow pot ceilings and walls without complaint and the debris collector works well:

https://www.ffx.co.uk/Product/Get/D...48-Expert-83Mm-Tungsten-Carbide-Grit-Hole-Saw

https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/FXDADE.html

 

[Baddegg]

Easy.....ish.....?.....just make sure the drill bit is new/sharp and is spinning fast when it hits the ceiling....don’t push the bit through either let the cutter do the work, if you push it though you’ll find some lathe that’s been cut through already will bend with you pushing it and will snap further down outside from the hole you are trying to achieve......we do it regularly down here as there is a lot of victorian housing stock.....never nice but it can be done just take your time.....AND wear a mask and googles!

 

[Mike Johnson]

Forgot the name when I posted last, but the hole saw's I have are Perma-Grit they seem to last for ever: https://www.permagrit.com/holesaws/