
Clever idea I first saw in a recent issue of The Family Handyman. The flat-folding “cone” style filters will be easier to handle. It’s similar to the Post-It note trick, but less likely to leak out the sides. See also, e.g., the coffee cup trick for catching debris while drilling overhead.


I have just this technique for years, instead of a coffee filter I use an envelope.. quite often ones that have been junk mail (there is a use for it!!)
…And if they provide a prepaid reply envelope, no need for a trash can.
Haha, although I’d think twice about sending any drywall dust through the mail…
And when you are drilling holes overhead, use a pie pan or plastic bowl or something to catch the dust and keep it out of your eyes and from going everywhere. Poke the drill bit through the pan, or the shaft of a hole saw through, then drill away. Great for making recessed lighting holes!
I use my vacuum cleaner for this. I hold the hose under the place I’m drilling. It does require me to hold the drill with one hand, but that’s what I’d do anyway. It lets almost no dust escape.
Love it!
Folded piece of paper would works as well.
Or just tape up a pocket of that 2″ blue tape in the picture…
// What's Trending
Raspberry Pi Design Contest
Lost PLA Casting from 3D Prints
Ten Tips for Adhesive Tape
Seventeen Sneaky Secret Hides
I Have a (Puzzling) Dream
10 Things to Connect to Your Raspberry Pi
Is it a Hackerspace, Makerspace, TechShop, or FabLab?
Teardrop Camper Trailer
// What's Shared
A better way to slice a pumpkin
DIY Nerf Darts
100 Dollar Store Organization Ideas for Craft Rooms and Beyond
In the Maker Shed: Minty Boost USB Charger
Mad’s Mouse House
Lace Princess Crowns
I Have a (Puzzling) Dream
Play the Rings of a Tree Trunk Like a Record
// Most Commented
DIY Hacks & How To’s: Get Emergency Power from a Phone Line
Resin Casting: Going from CAD to Engineering-Grade Plastic Parts
Ten Tips for Screws and Screwdrivers
Ten Tips for Better Measurement
Is it a Hackerspace, Makerspace, TechShop, or FabLab?
Arduino Announces New Wireless Linux Board
Makers on TV: Big Brain Theory
Tool Review: BioLite CampStove
Trending Topics
Get our Newsletters
About Maker Media
Subscribe
to MAKE!
Get the print and digital versions when you subscribe