How do you countersink wood screw heads?

Question

How deep should the countersink be?

Answer 1

you can buy special countersink drill bits. here's an example:
http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS/EN_US/diy_main/pg_diy.jsp?CNTTYPE=PROD_META&CNTKEY=misc%2fsearchResults.jsp&BV_SessionID=@@@@0782776322.1158772837@@@@&BV_EngineID=cchcaddilkhfeidcgelceffdfgidgin.0&MID=9876

you will first pre-drill the hole with the countersink bit. drill to the depth of the top of the wider part of the bit (this is the part that will make room for the head of the screw to sit below the surface of the wood). just make sure you have the right size for your screw. you don't want the part of the hole where you'll be screwing the threaded part of the screw to we wider that the screw itself. there will probably be instructions on the countersink bits.

Answer 2

You can buy a countersinking bit from most hardware stores or diy shops. The depth of the countersink depends on the finish you require. If you are planning to fill the holes in preparation for painting, the head of the screw should be a minimum of 2mm below the surface.

Answer 3

Yes, the other answers are all correct. You can buy a counter sink tool , put it in your drill and predrill each hole to allow the screw head to go lower into the surface. But if you are going to do all that . Why not just put a screw driver tip on your drill and carfully screw the screw into the wood to the depth that you want it to be without buying the additional tool or taking the extra step into doing something that can be done with just using your screwgun or drill to just screw it in. 3/16 of an inch or so should be all you need to lower the head to fill with wood doe or what ever you plan on using. If your project is outside make sure the product is ok to be used outside. I have done this many times on decks etc. and it will work well for less expense and less time.
A counter sink tool is for more clean and exact type measures.
If you are going to fill over the screw heads it wouldn't be seen anyway.....