Why the Pilot Panel Router Bit Is a Shop Essential

If you've ever had to cut a hole in a piece of plywood that's already been nailed down, you know exactly why the pilot panel router bit is such a lifesaver. It's one of those tools that seems really specific until you actually use it, and then you suddenly wonder how you ever got by without it. Most of us have spent way too much time measuring, marking, and drilling starter holes just to get a jigsaw blade into a tight spot. This bit basically tells that entire process to take a hike. ...

May 3, 2026 · 7 min · Haleh Campion