Drilling Pilot Holes

A “pilot hole” is a smaller hole drilled into any surface prior to installing a slightly larger screw or nail.

Pilot holes help to:

1. Prevent wood from splitting from large screws or when near the end or edge of
the board.

2. Make installing the screw easier in hard materials.

3. Improve accuracy by providing a path for the screw to follow.

4. To prevent bridging, splitting, and stripped screw heads.

When a screw is driven into a material, it can act as a wedge, generating outward pressure which can cause many materials (such as wood or plastic) to split. By drilling a small pilot hole into the material, into which a screw is then driven, less ‘wedging’ takes place, thereby reducing the likelihood of the material being split.

TIP: To minimize splitting and maximize holding power the pilot hole must match the screw shank diameter [not the screw threads] as well as the penetrate to a depth of the screw length.

Specialty counter sink sets are available that drill pilot holes and countersinks in one step. With these bits, creating the proper size pilot holes easy.

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Concord Carpenter

Who is Concord Carpenter?    ~ Robert Robillard is editor of A Concord Carpenter and principal of a carpentry and renovation business located in Concord, Massachusetts. Rob is a recognized leader in tool and how-to information for building professionals, he also hosts the Concord Carpenter Cable TV Show, offering the do-it-yourself audience in Boston's Meto West region expert advice on home repairs and maintenance. On his website, Rob covers all aspects of home improvement and remodeling, specializing in problem solving for home maintenance. Rob enjoys evaluating and reviewing tools and products and restoring vintage tools. The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!":

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