This tip comes from Jodee at Inspire Woodcraft. It’s a clever way to contain dust and debris while drilling overhead—using nothing more than a recycled yogurt container.
Whether you’re installing fixtures, running wires, or mounting hardware, overhead drilling usually comes with an annoying side effect: falling debris. Jodee’s quick trick helps eliminate the mess and keeps your workspace clean with minimal effort.
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The Problem with Overhead Drilling
Drilling into ceilings or other overhead surfaces often results in debris raining down on your tools, your floor, or worse—your face. This can be frustrating during home improvement or woodworking jobs and often means extra cleanup at the end.
The issue becomes even more problematic in tight spaces or areas near sensitive items like electronics. While some products exist to manage this, Jodee shows a simple and affordable alternative.
The Yogurt Container Trick
Instead of buying a specialty debris catcher, Jodee uses something most people already have in their fridge: an empty yogurt container. It’s a small item, but when used right, it works incredibly well.
The setup is straightforward. Drill a hole in the lid of the container that matches the size of the bit you’ll be using. Then, insert the bit through the lid and use the container to catch any debris as you drill upward.
This tip works for drywall, wood, and even light metals. The result is less dust on your floor, fewer particles in your eyes, and a cleaner, faster job overall.
Why It Works
The yogurt container is lightweight, easy to hold in place, and can be reused multiple times. It stays close to the bit, catching particles right at the source.
Because it’s round and enclosed, debris doesn’t bounce out the way it might with open trays or loose rags. It’s an ideal low-cost solution for hobbyists and professionals alike.
Extra Benefits
In addition to reducing cleanup, this tip has a few other advantages worth noting:
- Repurposes Materials: It gives a second life to a single-use container that might otherwise end up in the trash.
- No Special Tools Required: All you need is the container and your existing drill and bit.
- Custom Fit: The size of the hole in the lid can be adjusted depending on the bit you’re using, making it flexible for different jobs.
- Lightweight and Disposable: If it gets messy or cracked, just swap it out for another one.
Additional Overhead Drilling Safety Tips
Jodee’s trick is helpful, but it’s also important to follow good safety practices when drilling overhead:
- Wear Safety Glasses: Always protect your eyes from falling dust and particles.
- Use a Dust Mask: In tight spaces, this prevents inhalation of fine debris.
- Check Before Drilling: Use a stud finder or wire detector to avoid plumbing or electrical hazards.
- Secure Your Drill: Keep a firm grip and maintain control to avoid slipping.
These precautions can make your work safer and prevent common mistakes during overhead tasks.
A Simple Fix with a Big Impact
This yogurt container tip is a perfect example of problem-solving in woodworking. It’s not flashy, but it works—and it shows how being resourceful can save time and hassle.
Whether you’re doing a full remodel or just installing a light fixture, this trick can cut cleanup in half and make the job more enjoyable. Best of all, it’s easy to try and costs nothing if you’ve got a container on hand.
Support Jodee by visiting his online store here: https://inspirewoodcraft.com/collections/all.
Matt’s Take
These are my personal thoughts and tips based on my own experience in the shop. This section is not written, reviewed, or endorsed by the original creator of this project.
This is one of those brilliantly simple solutions that makes you wonder why you didn’t think of it sooner. I’ve dealt with overhead drilling mess more times than I can count, and the cleanup is always the worst part of the job. Jodee’s yogurt container trick is the kind of practical shop wisdom that saves both time and sanity.
The beauty of this approach is in its simplicity and availability. Most of us have these containers lying around, and drilling that custom-sized hole in the lid creates a perfect seal around your bit. I appreciate how it keeps debris contained right at the source rather than trying to catch it after it’s already scattered. For anyone doing regular overhead work, keeping a few containers with different sized holes pre-drilled and ready to go would be a smart shop organization move.
Safety-wise, this pairs perfectly with proper eye protection and dust masks. Even with the container catching most debris, some fine particles can still escape, especially when working with drywall or certain woods. The container definitely reduces the mess, but it shouldn’t replace your basic safety gear. It’s also worth mentioning that this works best with standard twist bits and hole saws – specialty bits might need different approaches.
This is exactly the type of resourceful thinking that separates efficient woodworkers from those who struggle with the small stuff. Sometimes the best solutions are hiding in your recycling bin.