Tool & technique
Drill
Make a fitted hole or prepare a screw joint with the right bit and support.
Get to know it
A hand drill or appropriately controlled powered drill can make pilot, clearance, and through holes. Select the bit for the material and the intended fit. A rotating axle needs clearance; a screw pilot hole needs a different size.
Clamp the work over a backing scrap and keep hands clear of the exit path. Test a hole in scrap before committing to the finished piece. For a large handle hole, use a suitable bit and competent help rather than widening a small hole by forcing the drill sideways.