How large of a hole can be drilled into a steel stud?

How large of a hole can be drilled into a steel stud?

• A. 2 inches
• B. 3/4 inch
• C. 1 inch
• D. 1 1/2 inch

Answer: (D)

In steel studs, the big idea is to balance passing through utilities with keeping enough metal to resist loads. The largest hole you should drill in a steel stud is 1 1/2 inches in diameter. That size is considered safe because it preserves enough cross‑sectional area around the opening to maintain structural strength under typical loads. Drilling larger holes would weaken the stud too much, especially in load-bearing walls. If you need bigger openings, you’d have to reroute or reinforce according to code or engineering guidance.

In steel studs, the big idea is to balance passing through utilities with keeping enough metal to resist loads. The largest hole you should drill in a steel stud is 1 1/2 inches in diameter. That size is considered safe because it preserves enough cross‑sectional area around the opening to maintain structural strength under typical loads. Drilling larger holes would weaken the stud too much, especially in load-bearing walls. If you need bigger openings, you’d have to reroute or reinforce according to code or engineering guidance.