Before You Drill for Door Hardware: Check for Hidden Services

Before fixing a wall-mounted door stop or other hardware, check what may be behind the wall—not just the surface. Bosch’s DIY guide recommends scanning with a detector and moving it over the same spot several times; it warns that poor grounding can prevent its detector from finding live cables. A scan reduces risk, but cannot guarantee a clear wall—follow your detector’s own instructions.

Pause if the wall is uncertain

Check nearby sockets, switches, taps and the opposite side for clues. If a reading is inconclusive, do not drill there. If the surface may contain asbestos, pause and get competent advice: HSE’s task sheets treat drilling asbestos cement and textured coatings as separate jobs with special controls, PPE and waste handling.

Drill only when safe

Bosch advises switching off the power supply after detection and before drilling. If you cannot confidently identify the supply, ask an electrician. Use a bit and method suitable for the wall and fitting. For door-hardware advice, contact Jinnah.