Pilot Holes For Traditional Wood Screws In Inches & Millimeters Choosing The Correct Drill Bit

Many home projects require the use of wood screws, and when using traditional wood screws it is advantageous to drill a pilot hole. A pilot hole will keep the screw straight and will aid in preventing the wood from splitting, especially if you are using hardwoods such as oak and maple.

The difference between "traditional wood screws" and "modern wood screws".

Pilot holes for modern wood screws.

Figure 1 - Parts of a wood screw

There are basically three parts to a wood screw, as shown in Figure 1, and each should be treated differently when drilling pilot holes.

The proper insertion of a wood screw has the shank in the piece of material being held and the thread in the piece of material doing the holding.

Figure 2 - Wood screw installed flush with top of lumber.

Figure 3 - Wood screw installed below top of lumber to allow for insertion of a wood plug.

Figures 2 and 3 show the relationship of the parts of the wood screw to the material being fastened together

Table 1 defines the correct drill, and countersink size, for traditional wood screws in inches:

Table 2 defines the correct drill, and countersink size, for traditional wood screws in millimeters:

Pilot Holes For Lag Bolts