For Use With: For Thread Type: For Thread Location: For Thread Size. Find thread size, screw size, diameter, or drill bit size. They are most commonly used for hinges, drawer slides, light-duty fixtures and jigs, toys, and so forth. You can find 6 screws in lengths that range from ½ up to 1-½. The thread size of the 6 screw is 0.13 or 9/64 th of an inch in diameter. For masonry projects, you want twist bits with a carbide fin. Choose from our selection of drill charts, including reference books and charts, size identifying, and more. The 6 is not the smallest screw, but it is commonly used for putting together small objects.

Here are some guidelines for drill bit types and the materials they align with: Hardwood may need a slightly smaller bit size. Align the size of the drill bit with the type of material.

Measure the screw thread count and diameter.

Now that you know the factors you need to consider to select the correct drill bit size, it’s time to review what you need to do when selecting your bits. Practical Tips for Selecting the Right Drill Bit Size

Pilot hole size requirements: The hole size should be the same as or shorter than the screw’s center core diameter.

At the end of this section, we've also included a chart showing common drill bit sizes and the names used for them.

Type of material being drilled: Wood is the most common for household jobs, but you also have metal, tile, porcelain, concrete, and plastic. Below, we have included charts displaying pilot hole diameter and proper drill bit sizing for most varieties of screws we carry.

To create a thread properly, one would need a set of three taps that correspond to the same bit size namely the bottoming, the intermediate, and the taper tap. You need to consider several factors when selecting the right drill bit size for your project. Taps are cutting tools used by machinists to cut or form screw threads. The critical information you need to know for this article is that you need 7/64-inch and 1/8-inch drill bits for softwood and hardwood, respectively.įactors to Consider When Selecting the Right Drill Bit Size Of course, choosing the right size makes your job easy and enables it to flow well from step to step. If the pilot hole is too big, the screw won’t stay in if it’s too small, the screw won’t fit, and you may even inadvertently strip the material. If you choose the wrong size, the pilot hole you’re working with won’t match the screw. There are also bits for drilling holes into concrete, plastic, metal, wood, and other materials.For any project involving a drill (and, therefore, drill bits), selecting the bit size that matches the screw size is always crucial. You can drill soft materials with any bit, but for hard or brittle materials like acrylic or glass, you might need specially designed bits. Screws and Bolt Size Bolt Screw Size to be Removed. You can drill just about anything - it all depends on picking the right bit size. Table of screw bolt extractor sizes and pre-drill size required to use screw extractor easy-out. Also, drills with half an inch chuck will work with larger bits that are half-inch in diameter.Ĭhoosing the right size of the drill bit will mean that you will be able to get the hole drilled with the least amount of trouble and without causing any damage to the material, yourself, or the tools. Drills with a ⅜-inch chuck will accept bits that are ⅜-inches in diameter. The first and foremost thing is to ensure that the size of the drill bits shank matches your drill size. Why Does the Size of My Drill Bit Matter?ĭifferent drill bit sizes are suitable for different purposes. The drill bit will then spin clockwise to create a hole. To use them, insert the upper end, also known as the shank, into the chuck in the drill. They are attached to the drill, which, when switched on, rotates to power through the workpiece, creating holes of circular cross-section. Drill bits come in various sizes and shapes. A drill bit is a cutting tool used with the drill to create holes in almost any material.

Drill bit screw size chart