Screw & Pilot Hole Chart
Select your screw size to find the correct drill bit
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Select Screw Gauge (#)
#4 Screw
#6 Screw
#8 Screw (Standard)
#10 Screw
#12 Screw
#14 Screw
Softwood Pilot
3/32"
Pine, Cedar, Poplar
Hardwood Pilot
1/8"
Oak, Walnut, Maple
Clearance Hole
11/64"
Top board only
Tip:
The "Clearance Hole" goes in the top board. It should be larger than the screw threads so the screw pulls the joint tight.
Full Reference Table (Tapered Wood Screws)
Gauge
Softwood Pilot
Hardwood Pilot
Clearance Hole
#4
1/16"
5/64"
7/64"
#6
5/64"
3/32"
9/64"
#8
3/32"
1/8"
11/64"
#10
7/64"
9/64"
3/16"
#12
1/8"
5/32"
7/32"
#14
9/64"
11/64"
1/4"