I have an old 2x2x8 header that has been framed in and is no longer needed to support load. It is hard up against the top plate and cap plate -- no cripples. The framer added another 2x4 underneath as a plate for the new studs underneath the header.

My problem is that I have to get a 2" waste vent through this header and all three plates -- about a 12" bore. How hard is it going to be to bore a 2 1/4" hole through all this? Should I just cut through the header and bore only the top and cap plates? Thanks for your input.

Did you say 12" thick? Hmmm...

Bore through at several points to create a sort of template and work it with a sawz-all...

Or go crazy with a small chainsaw!

Good luck!

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If The Header Doesn't Have Any Cripples Its Pointless To Have It, Its Not Supporting Any Load, As I Think You've Already Stated That It Doenst Anyway, What Id Do Is Remove It Completely, As For Drilling The Holes Go To Lowe's And Just Buy A 2 1/4 Bit, (just A little Bigger Than What You Need But It Will Make Things Easier) Its An Auger Bit, This Will Drill Really Fast Through The Top Plates