How to Use a Keyhole Bit to Hang Cabinets and Panels

Quick answer

A keyhole router bit cuts a T-shaped slot in cabinet sides or panels that lets you slide a screw head in and out, making mounting and leveling simple without visible brackets.

How to cut a keyhole slot in 4 steps

1. Mark the slot location on the cabinet side: Measure from the top and bottom of the cabinet to mark where the keyhole slots will go. Use a square to draw a vertical line that matches the length of the slot you want (typically 1 to 1-1/2 inches). The slot should be positioned so the screw head will be captured inside the wider part of the slot. Make sure the slot is at least 1/2 inch from the cabinet edge to avoid blowout.
2. Set the router depth to match the bit's cut length: Lower the router bit until the tip of the small-diameter section just touches the workpiece surface, then lock the depth. The 7/16" cut length of the Whiteside 3052 means the slot will be 7/16 inch deep. Do not exceed this depth or the slot may break through the cabinet side. Always test the depth on scrap stock first to confirm the slot depth is correct.
3. Plunge the bit and cut the slot in one pass: Position the router so the bit is above the marked line, then plunge straight down until the router base contacts the workpiece. Move the router along the marked line in a smooth, steady motion. The bit's large diameter cuts the wide cavity, while the small diameter creates the narrow entry slot simultaneously. If the router bogs down or burns the wood, slow your feed rate rather than lifting the bit.
4. Clean the slot and test the fit with a screw: After cutting, remove the router and brush away any chips. Insert a pan-head screw into the slot and slide it into the wide cavity. The screw head should fit snugly without forcing. If the slot is too tight, widen it slightly with a file or sandpaper. If the screw head falls through, the slot is too deep — reduce depth for the next cut. Use a screw with a flat underside (pan head or washer head) so it sits flush inside the slot.

Product used in this guide

• 1/2″ Keyhole Bit x 1/4″ Shank – Whiteside 3052 (AstraHP Coated): The Whiteside 3052 Keyhole Bit has a 1/2" large diameter, 5/16" small diameter, and 7/16" cut length with a 1/4" shank. The stepped profile cuts both the wide cavity and the narrow entry slot in one pass, so you don't need to switch bits or make multiple passes.