Replies

1. 
   doitall | May 17, 2006 06:16pm | #1

   Never done it, but here's an idea.

   Get a blunt, metal rod with a diameter larger than the hole you're going to drill.  Mark the hole locations on the carpet.  Hold metal rod with pliers, and heat the rod to red hot over the stove, with a torch, etc.  Then sear the hole locations to melt the carpet fibers and clear the area for the drill bit.

   If you have a scrap of this carpet left, staple it to a board and try this idea out.  Then, you can be confident it will work for you.

    

   DIA

2. 
   CloudHidden | May 17, 2006 06:42pm | #2

   After marking hole locations, use a new razor to cut the carpet away a fraction wider than the hole.

3. 
   highfigh | May 17, 2006 06:46pm | #3

   If you're going to pre-drill the screw holes, start with the drill in reverse. This opens a hole in the carpet and you should be able to get the screws in without snagging. Also, rubbing the screws on beeswax keeps them from grabbing. Try it on a scrap first. Go slow and watch the carpet for signs of pulling.

   "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
4. 
   DoRight | May 17, 2006 06:52pm | #4

   You could also get a small pipe or tube of roughly the size of the hole you wish to drill.  Then work the tube down between teh carpet threads to teh carpet base.  Then run the drill through the tube.

5. 
   LEMONJELLO | May 17, 2006 11:35pm | #5

   Does it have a flange with several hole for screws? Can you slice the carpet and wiggle the base through slit in carpet? Would give you a more stable surface rather than the carpet between the base and the floor. Use a screw guide wth the sliding sleave, bend the carpet back to access the screw holes, screw to the floor then carefully glue the carpet back down around the base. put some weights on the glued down carpet till glue sets up.

   Judo Chop!