On Jun 16, 10:48 am, wrote:
About to install a new cooktop into an existing "hole" in the counter
top.

Counter-top is a cheapish laminate over the top of plywood. To install
the cooktop, I have to use woodscrews, as I can't find a cooktop that
fits the cutout in the countertop.

Anyway, hope to do that this afternoon, but it just occured to me that
I will be drilling pilot holes and then installing the woodscrews into
the "ends" or edges of the plywood....if that makes sense...in other
words, sort of between the layers of the plywood itself.

So, now I am worried about ruining the plywood (causing it to "swell-
up" or crack or something).

Is this a legitimate concern...Any way to minimize the problem -- if
there is one?

Yes, it is a legitimate concern. Normally a recessed fixture is
fastened from the bottom. Are you missing retaining clips by any
chance?

R