Photo: Pixabay

Do small screws need pilot holes?

makingmanzanita.com - When you need them and how to choose pilot hole size

What kills all vegetation?

A non-selective weed killer, such as Roundup, is a great option for killing weeds and grass permanently. The Glyphosate in Roundup works by...

Last updated Jan 14, 2018

Why keep a candle in your car?

Empty coffee can, pillar candle, matches and lighter If your family becomes stranded, lighting the candle will provide light and some warmth. The...

Last updated Apr 27, 2020

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

If you’ve ever struck out on your own for a project, you may have learned the need for pilot holes the hard way. Before you begin your next woodworking project, make sure you have a good understanding of pilot holes, when and why you should use them, and how to know what size to use. Every woodworker knows that preparation is the key to success. As DIYers, we prepare by gathering our tools, reviewing plans, and purchasing materials. But, sometimes, the materials need some prep work, too. When it comes to drilling, creating harmony between the wood and screws with pilot holes will make the job run much smoother, prevent damage to the wood, and other benefits.

What are pilot holes?

If you’ve ever assembled Ikea furniture, you’ve probably noticed the small holes where the screws are supposed to go. These holes are more than just reference points (to super frustrating instructions). These are pilot holes! Pilot holes are pre-drilled holes that allow your screw to go into the wood without causing any damage, such as splitting and cracking. Creating pilot holes when drilling means using less force when nailing or screwing into hardwoods, like maple and oak. When you drive screws into lumber without creating pilot holes, you’re essentially forcing a screw to push the wood out of the way to make space for the screw. Since the wood has nowhere to go, it applies pressure on the wood around the screw, which can lead to splitting, cracking, and weakening the wood. The pressure of drilling and the expansion of the wood is what causes splitting and cracking – not just the screw alone. Yes, you’ll do twice the amount of drilling, but you’ll make it up by eliminating the need to buy new material, cracking and splitting lumber, and generally slowing down the project.

When to use pilot holes and why

A good rule of thumb is to make it easy on yourself and drill pilot holes any time you are drilling into the wood with a screw. This creates the perfect space for the screw to properly enter and attach. As we know, some woods are harder than others and require different types of screws depending on the project, and then, there are some woods that are more forgiving. So you may totally be able to get away without predrill a hole, but not all the time.

How hot is too hot in a greenhouse?

90 degrees Fahrenheit Monitor the temperature So what temperature is too hot for your greenhouse? The general rule of thumb is that anything above...

Last updated Dec 13, 2020

What is the cheapest form of house to build?

Ranch Homes A home with a simple and concise layout is the cheapest type of house to build. Ranch homes are typically single-story structures with...

Last updated Oct 2, 2021

Promotion

For example, oak’s structure is much more complex than pine, which increases the chances of the wood splitting if pilot holes aren’t used.

Pilot holes are beneficial in other ways, too:

Less force needed when driving in a screw

Minimized risk of breaking screws by force

Less chance of stripping the screw head while driving

By doing this little bit of prep in your project, you will save your material from damage.

How do you know what pilot hole size to use?

As a general rule, a pilot hole should be the same diameter as the neck of the screw. A common mistake woodworkers make is drilling the pilot hole too small, thinking that the screw will hold better in a tighter space. However, that’s not necessarily the case. The screw should be viewed as a tool to pull the boards together to complete the joint for the project – the screw itself gives little value to the overall strength of the joint. Drilling pilot holes require a certain drill bit that can be drilled into the material, solely for the purpose of creating a hole. Choosing the right drill bit size means creating the perfect balance between the screw and the pilot hole.

The pilot hole size varies according to the type of wood:

For softwoods, use a drill bit that’s slightly smaller than the screw diameter. For hardwoods, use a drill bit that’s slightly larger than the screw diameter. If you’re unsure which to select, choose a drill bit that’s 1/64” larger than the screw diameter.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pilot Holes

Are pilot holes necessary? Pilot holes are necessary to prevent damage to the material and allow the screw to better fit into the material. You could try to drill without pilot holes but depending on your screw size and wood type it will likely split or crack the lumber. How deep should a pilot hole be? The depth of the pilot hole is dependent on the length of the screw. The pilot hole should be just deep enough to fit the entire screw, without struggle. If you are concerned about over or under-drilling the pilot hole, use a tool called a drill stop. This tool allows you to properly gauge and produce the depth you need. How do you choose pilot hole size? The pilot hole size will be determined by the size of the screw and the softness or hardness of the wood. Hardwood may require your pilot hole to be fractionally larger than the size of the screw, and softer wood will require a pilot hole that is fractionally smaller.

How much does it cost to build an 800 sq foot house?

Cost By Size Size Average Cost Range 800 sq. ft. $80,000 – $160,000 1,000 sq. ft. $100,000 – $200,000 1,200 sq. ft. $120,000 – $240,000 1,500 sq....

Last updated Jan 23, 2018

What will keep copperheads away?

Research Plants That Repel Copperheads Some of the most popular snake deterrents are West Indian lemongrass, onion plants, garlic plants,...

Last updated Jul 24, 2021

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

The most common screw sizes are #6, #8, & #10. The corresponding drill bit sizes are #6 – 3/32 inch; #8 & #10 are both ⅛ inch. How do you make a pilot hole? Make a pilot hole by using a drill bit to drill a hollow hole into the material. Then, drive the screw into the pilot hole. If you find you’re struggling to get your screw into the pilot hole, back up and expand the pilot hole by a very small amount before forcing the screw into the material.

Behind every project, there’s a woodworker who’s learned a lesson on pilot holes! What questions do you have about pilot holes?

makingmanzanita.com - When you need them and how to choose pilot hole size

Why should you sleep with your feet covered?

According to research published in "Aviation, Space and Environmental Medicine": Cooling the feet and hands is a very effective way to lower the...

Last updated Jul 5, 2021

Do rabbits live under sheds?

Rabbits can burrow under sheds. Sheds provide a dry place for a rabbit to nest and have relative protection from predators. It is recommended that...

Last updated May 25, 2019

Promotion

How do you price items for a craft fair?

In her Tips for Pricing your Handmade Goods blog on Craftsy, artesian entrepreneur Ashley Martineau suggests this formula: Cost of supplies + $10...

Last updated May 12, 2020

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

What is a proper air gap?

Plumbing codes call for an air gap between portable water and a drain. This gap is usually about the distance between the faucet and the top of the...

Last updated Aug 6, 2020