What size of holes should I drill for #11 screws?

Question

I am installing new wooden drawer knobs on a dresser. Any other tips on this? The wooden knobs have holes in them already, but they aren't threaded. Does the hole in the dresser drawer need to be the same size as the ones in the knobs? Thanks...

Lacy

Answer 1

I take it that you are replacing the old knobs all together.Wooden knobs do not come with threads in them if you are using screws, the screws will create the threads,but they do if they are intended to be used with bolts.In your case, you say that there are no threads therefore we will go in that direction.The general answer for this , is to measure the root(or bottom end of the thread ) with a vernier calliper, this would be the correct size of hole to drill into the knob to make sure that your screw and knob are a matching set.This will insure that the knob remains secure to your dresser drawer.Most people do not have this tool so,i would suggest that you do a simple comparison.Look at the thread, (root), and simply pick a size of drill bit that looks the same or slightly smaller than the root,and you should be ok.Always err on the side of safety and go smaller than what you see to insure a full depth of thread.Now as far as the hole in the dresser drawer goes, a drill size the same as the outside diameter of the thread should suffice,after all this hole is simply a guide hole and is only there to allow the screw to get access to the dresser knob.Therefore the screw should be able to slip through the hole effortlessly.

Answer 2

No as long as they are Wood Screws, a smaller hole will just help you get started. If it is just a regular screw then you would have to have threads in the hole or a nut on the other side holding the knobs in.

Answer 3

Lacy: Name of my daughter, nice name. Now your answer. drill it a shade smaller than your screw if you are screwing the knob in. If your not screwing the knob in the wood and a nut is on the other side than drill it the same size. If you screw something in you have to have the hole smaller. if the knob already has a hole drilled then use the hole that is drilled in the knob, it is already preset. screw the screw into the knob like it is.