If you are creating a pilot hole for a screw, the drill bit should be the same size as the body of the screw-not including the threads.If you are creating a pilot hole for a nail, the right drill bit is slightly smaller than the nail’s shank.The key to drilling a good pilot hole-one that’s wide enough for you to insert a fastener with ease but not so wide that it wiggles-is choosing the right size drill bit. The tape will reinforce the wood and offer extra protection against possible cracking. Or, better yet, create an “X” with painter’s tape over the location for your nail or screw. (Don’t try to simply eyeball it or measure and rely on your finger to mark the right spot-either of these methods is likely to leave you misaligned.) Mark the spot with pencil or tape before you begin.Īs the old saying goes, “Measure twice, cut once.” That truism can apply, too, to drilling pilot holes: Before touching drill bit to wood, take the time to measure carefully and mark the spot where the pilot hole belongs. With the following key tips and some practice, your next project should come together with ease. The small holes also mean you’ll use less force when nailing or screwing into hardwoods, like maple and oak, and keep the fastener from bending or angling out of line during insertion. Ultimately, even though starting with pilot holes means you’ll do twice the amount of drilling, you’ll actually make up for the extra prep time by eliminating problems that might slow down or stall the project.Ĭonsidering their usefulness in a range of projects, it’s smart to study up on the right way to drill pilot holes. Pilot hole in hardwood for #24 wood screw.Ĭlose fit clearance hole for 5/16″, M8 screws.A: Yes, creating what are called “pilot holes” will help prevent your wood boards-solid or MDF-from splitting or cracking when you drive a nail or screw through them. Pilot hole in softwood for #24 wood screw. Pilot hole in hardwood for #18 wood screw Pilot hole in softwood for #20 wood screw. Pilot hole in hardwood for #16 wood screwĬlose fit clearance hole for M4, #8 screws Pilot hole in softwood for #16 & #18 wood screw Pilot hole for #9 & #10 wood screw in hardwood.Ĭlearance hole for #5 wood screw Pilot hole in hardwoodĬlose fit clearance hole for #5 screw free Pilot hole in softwood for #12 & #14 wood screw Pilot hole in softwood for #10 & #12 wood screw Ĭlose fit clearance hole for M2.5 screw tap for 6-32. Pilot hole in softwood for #5 wood screw.Ĭlearance hole for #1 wood screw pilot hole in softwoodĬlose fit clearance hole for M2 screw freeįit clearance hole for #1 screw tap for M2.5. Pilot hole in softwood for # 3 & #4 wood screw Pilot hole in hardwood for #0 and #1 wood screw. Pilot hole in softwood for #1 and #2 wood screw Pilot hole in softwood for #0 wood screw. Bits usually come with a 135° split point, although several proprietary designs are also offered. Ideally the point should be suited to the materials to be drilled. Very long twist drills, often called “aircraft drills,” sometimes “electrician's drill,” are available in 6, 12, and even 24-inch lengths. The lengths given in the table below are “jobber's lengths.” For some purposes they are too short.
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