Thin-stock hanging slot drilled instead of routed

A keyhole hanging slot routed into the back of a wall-mount project sure makes it easy to build and hang up. But, if you're working with thin stock, you're out of luck.

Try this procedure to make a keyhole hanging slot in stock as thin as ³⁄₁₆ ". All you need to do it are two Forstner bits and a circle cutter. First, using the circle cutter, cut a 1"-diameter disc from material about ³⁄₁₆ " thick. Then, elongate one side of the pilot-bit hole with a file, forming a keyhole shape.

Next, bore into the back of the project with a 1" Forstner bit to a depth equal to the thickness of the disc you just made. In the center of that hole, bore ¹⁄₁₆ -³⁄₃₂ " deep with a ¹⁄₂ " Forstner bit. Now, glue the disc into the 1" counterbore, pointing the elongated portion of the center hole up.

After the glue dries, you're ready to hang the item over an appropriate screw or nail. The void left by drilling with the ¹⁄₂ " Forstner bit will allow room for the fastener head behind the hanging slot.
—James Upham, Midland, Texas