Drill Bit Size for Screws (Pilot & Clearance)
Which bit to use: a pilot bit into the receiving piece and a clearance bit through the top piece.
| Screw | Pilot bit (softwood) | Pilot bit (hardwood) | Clearance bit |
|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | 3/64 | 1/16 | 9/64 |
| #8 | 7/64 | 1/8 | 11/64 |
| #10 | 1/8 | 9/64 | 3/16 |
| #12 | 9/64 | 5/32 | 7/32 |
Drill the clearance hole through the top board and the pilot hole into the bottom board.
Printable PDF
Download the printer-friendly Drill Bit Size for Screws (Pilot & Clearance) as a free PDF — perfect for the shop wall or toolbox.
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