#DRILL BIT SIZE CHART FOR SCREWS FREE#

Feel free to send this to anyone you know who needs their ‘screws explained’ lol! And don’t forget to let me know how you get on. Hope that helps you sort out your screw dilemmas. Blue wall plugs are another example, they can be either 8mm or 10mm, go figure! If in doubt always measure the plug at the thicker end to make sure it’s right for the size hole you have drilled. Parting note about wall plugs: Be aware that not everyone follows the colour ‘rules’, one leading brands plugs are all grey for example, and others are, well they can be any colour under the sun (as the above photo of my box shows).

#DRILL BIT SIZE CHART FOR SCREWS HOW TO#

How deep does a wall plug need to be? I talked about this a lot on another post, here’s the link: How to Properly Use Wall Plugs For example an 8-gauge screw has an 8mm wide head….handy huh? The metric screw equivalent size is approximate, but since we’re heading that way, we need to learn and get used to them!īy coincidence, the size of an imperial screw head also roughly equates to the gauge. Metric screws are simply measured and the thickness is given in millimeters. Incidentally, gauge relates to the thickness of a screw’s shank or body and only relates to imperial sized screws. In masonry you always have the option to re-drill the hole one size bigger (drilling through the existing wall plug) and use a bigger plug, red up to brown for example. Then you’ll need to consider whether to use a smaller gauge screw or drill a larger pilot hole if it’s in wood. Screws should be tight, but not crazy, “sweating to get them in” tight! Simply hit reverse and take it out. In fact, if any screw starts to get very tight, it’s best to stop and have a rethink before you break the screw or burst the material. If the screw starts to get too tight, then it’s advisable to back out and re-drill a larger pilot hole rather than risk breaking a screw (you’ll be having a very bad day if you snap a screw….). Hardwoods may well need a slightly larger pilot hole. The pilot hole recommendations in the chart are typical for softwoods. If you’re not sure what all these holes do here’s a brief explanation….

#DRILL BIT SIZE CHART FOR SCREWS PDF#

(click to download and print the screws explained table as a PDF to keep for reference) Pilot holes and clearance holes in more detail… (you can download a free PDF of this table at the bottom) Gauge Which size plastic wall plug to use with each screw size or gauge.

What size clearance hole to drill through the timber being fixed.

What size pilot hole to drill in timber substrates for the best screw grip.

You want a simple twist drill bit for wood, sometimes with a brad point.įor your reference, we’ve included the following exhaustive drill bit size chart.I’ve explained this screw data in an easy to understand table because I find manufacturers recommendations are often vague and general, I mean why not be specific? I understand there’s a ‘range’ but why not give us the ‘ideal’ measurement, because mostly we have a choice?.

For masonry projects, you want twist bits with a carbide fin.

Here are some guidelines for drill bit types and the materials they align with: Hardwood may need a slightly smaller bit size.

Align the size of the drill bit with the type of material.

Measure the screw thread count and diameter.

Now that you know the factors you need to consider to select the correct drill bit size, it’s time to review what you need to do when selecting your bits. Practical Tips for Selecting the Right Drill Bit Size

Pilot hole size requirements: The hole size should be the same as or shorter than the screw’s center core diameter.

Type of material being drilled: Wood is the most common for household jobs, but you also have metal, tile, porcelain, concrete, and plastic.

You need to consider several factors when selecting the right drill bit size for your project. The critical information you need to know for this article is that you need 7/64-inch and 1/8-inch drill bits for softwood and hardwood, respectively.įactors to Consider When Selecting the Right Drill Bit Size

Of course, choosing the right size makes your job easy and enables it to flow well from step to step. If the pilot hole is too big, the screw won’t stay in if it’s too small, the screw won’t fit, and you may even inadvertently strip the material.

If you choose the wrong size, the pilot hole you’re working with won’t match the screw. For any project involving a drill (and, therefore, drill bits), selecting the bit size that matches the screw size is always crucial.

Drill bit size chart for screws