How do I choose a drill bit?

Question

I looked it up on a chart and for the screw I'm supposed to drill the pilot hole with a 7/64 drill bit. I own a 3/32 and a 1/8. So, is it better to go a little bigger or a little smaller?

Answer 1

I would have had that hole drilled a long time ago. 1/64 of an inch is nothing to fret over.

Answer 2

It depends what material you are drilling into.
If a softwood like pine or fir, then go with the smaller 3/32 drill bit. The screw threads will easily cut into that wood.

If drilling into a hardwood such as oak or walnut, you can try with the smaller bit, and it will probably work - there is only 1/64 difference between the 3/32 bit and the 7/64 recommended pilot hole. Before you drive the screw, roll the threads in soft wax such as beeswax or even plain white soap. The wax or soap will lubricate the threads and reduce the friction as you drive it in.
If you are using a brass or bronze screw, don't use the soap because the metal will probably tarnish. Use the neutral wax.

Answer 3

1

Answer 4

Go smaller. If you go bigger, the screw may not be tight enough. Also, If you go smaller first, and it works, then you're done. If smaller is still too small, then you can always try bigger. You can't go the other way around.

By the way. If you do drill the hole too big and the screw is loose, you can buy an adhesive (at Home Depot or other hardware stores) that you can add to the screw hole which will fill in any areas and make the screw stay in the hole securely.

Answer 5

go a tad smaller than the screw to give it something to grip

too small and you split the wood, too big and you have the screw back out and not do its job.

I suggest a good 30-50 piece drill bit set. They are a little pricey but a well layed out kit will have a bunch of bits and in a bunch of different sizes

My 6 piece kit was just too small for starts...I was alwas looking for a bit which was inbetween the ones in the kit. It was as that point where I saw a 30 bit set for just $50, normally $130

homedepot.com item # 48-89-1080


Got it and have been using it for years and keeping it in great shape with that drill Dr.

Answer 6

Smaller. Drill the pilot hole too big and the screw will have nothing to bite into.

Answer 7

You're screw will hold much better with the smaller drill bit size. If the material you're attaching to is very hard (metal for example) you may not be able to drive you're screw(s) without drilling to the larger size but, try the smaller size first.

Answer 8

You should use the 3/32 bit

Answer 9

Smaller If you use bigger the screw will not tighten. With the smaller the screw will finish its own hole.

Answer 10

Go with the 3/32, in wood and plastic, or vinal. If you are boring in metal and having to use long screws, I would suggest you obtain the correct size.