Do I Need A Pilot Hole?

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Shannon from www.house-improvements.com shows you some tips and information on whether you need a pilot hole when screwing in a fastener into something such as wood.
If you have questions about your home improvement projects, stop by the forum on our website, where Shannon will answer your questions in detail for free.
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Video © 2020 SKS Media. Videos produced by SKS Media (House-Improvements.com) are provided for informational purposes only. The information contained in the videos is intended to give general guidance to simplify DIY (do it yourself) projects. Because tools, products, materials, equipment, techniques, building codes and local regulations are constantly changing, SKS Media cannot and does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy of the information contained therein. Further, SKS Media will not accept any claim for liability related to, but not limited to, omissions, errors, injury, damage or the outcome of any project. It is the responsibility of the viewer to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, rules, codes and regulations for a project. The viewer must always take proper safety precautions and exercise caution when taking on any project. If there are any questions or doubt in regards to the element of a project, please consult with a licensed professional. SKS Media conducts all matters in accordance with the laws of Saskatchewan, Canada.

[@aaron74]

Kudos to camera guy, good tight zooms on the screws and bits. So screws/bolts have a major diameter and minor diameter. The major diameter is the shank diameter, and the minor diameter is the diameter of solid screw left after it's been threaded. So you want the drill bit you use to pre-drill a hole to be the same diameter as the minor diameter. Easiest way to tell is to just hold them together like you did and visually compare them which I never even thought of doing, geez what a no-brainer in hindsight! I've always made stupid guesses and "screwed up" many times making holes too big or too small.

[@gth042]

Exactly. That chart is fixed, and there's considerable variation in screw profiles/proportions for a given size/# of screw. Folks in the market for a small pack of overpriced screws may find that chart deceptive -- lots of weird "designs".

[@brysenelian5888]

i guess it is kinda randomly asking but does anybody know a good website to watch new movies online?

[@eastoncolten6666]

@Brysen Elian i use Flixzone. Just search on google for it :)

[@hexhex7220]

appreciate the simple, no nonsense way you explain things. thank you

[@karenhance1435]

Great tip. Also, drilling a small pilot hole really helped with the siding nails in some of those tough boards. The siding is coming along nicely. So proud of what I've accomplished. Keep up the great videos.

[@LaloBajo6th]

Great explanation of aligning the twist drill bit with the screw and visually differentiating the threads sticking out from the shank diameter. Had read quite a bit and seen guides, but being practical, this is likely the method I’ll be relying on. Thanks for your time, very much appreciated 👍🏼

[@RaysLaughsAndLyrics]

Thanks for sharing. Pilot holes... you're the 'Ace' of method and application. Best to you and yours.

[@Skyscraper125]

Thanks so much! I've been working in crating and fixing up pallets for my work lately a lot more than normal and I can't say how many times the wood has split on me fixing them up or putting crates together. Now to hope that my work has the right drill bits....

[@matteversole5980]

Very practical and helpful! Thanks 😊!

[@silversuperb]

Straight and Simple. Thank you!

[@lucasbevan139]

I do construction. Most newer deck screws have a boring end on them to prevent splitting. I would not recommend pre-drilling unless screwing at an angle or if you're working on hardwood. You will have an issue with the screw grabbing. But with most screws this is a great idea. Love your videos.

[@mariosamayoa5374]

Very practical advice. Thanks

[@jillianefernandes6632]

This was so helpful and clear! Thank you!

[@overidon]

Great video thank you! Going to use this tip since I'm trying some woodworking projects.

[@lagg-alot8308]

1) Start screw to about 3/4". 2) Reverse electric drill, spin high speed and push screw in. Causing heat and wood to smoke. 3) Once the wood is hot, switch drill to foward and bury the screw to desired depth. With wood hot it never splits!

[@Peter-.H]

Great tip. Thank you Shannon and have a great weekend.

[@HouseImprovements]

Thank you! You too!

[@Kyocus]

Great and straightforward, thank you.

[@sarahobrien3379]

Very good. Great teacher.

[@asandl]

Thanks for making this -- good, clear explanation!

[@varlaw]

Thank you!

[@kinanicole4600]

❤❤❤ Putting together my makeup station, thank you soooo much

[@xtremenetworkx]

Thank you, very useful tip!

[@HouseImprovements]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Catyoukai]

Appreciate this video! My bf is not savvy with tools and got a standing desk that's missing a few pilot holes. He was going to call customer support... At least one of us has used tools before.

[@KB-hm6mk]

My dad taught me 60 years ago, the rule of thumb is for wood you should be able to see the whole screw thread behind the drill bit and for metal 1/2 the thread

[@guybowers9094]

Going to print that list it would be useful to have

[@tribulationprepper787]

I just printed the pilot hole list. Mighty handy to have so it's going in the drawer with my bits. THANKS SHANNON!

[@PawnFischer]

His name is Shannon

[@tribulationprepper787]

@@PawnFischer Whoops! Fixed. Thanks

[@virglibrsaglove]

My screws are usually random sizes for small projects. So, I don't know what size they are. I appreciate the eyeball method. Thank you.

[@chiquita683]

Just had this problem yesterday lol. Going to finish project today and predrill

[@harjbib]

Very good tip

[@HouseImprovements]

Thanks for watching

[@ronm6585]

Thank you.

[@HouseImprovements]

No worries!

[@ossenaar]

Based on most pilot hole charts, you can measure the thickness of the screw thread with a digital caliper and take a drill bit that is 30 to 33% of that thickness.

[@samfredo8140]

What about the length of the screw? I always double the screw length to the board thickness. Example, if I’m attaching a 3/4” thick board to a stud I would use at least a 1 1/2” long screw. Thanks for all your posts. Very informative and helpful.

[@hj8607]

The design of most construction screw results in the head of the screw being the only part securing the board to the foundation (no threads on 3/4 - 1 inch near the head ). So the thread screwing into the board(top board) being attached is not an issue . However , a pilot hole is very important for reason stated . (The shank ,thread less part of the screw offers no more holding power than a nail. It is something ,however, but you can pull a nail through a board from the bottom side BUT you cannot pull a screw through no matter how much force you apply without snapping off the screw head , not likely)

[@gumboslice7666]

Good buddy of mine who is a carpenter showed me a trick his dad showed him, instead of using a drill bit for a pilot hole what he does is when he is drilling the screw in he starts drilling and stops half way of the screw, he then reveres it back out almost all the way and then starts drilling it back in but this time all the way. Started doing it that way ever since and I have yet to crack a piece of wood. Saves a little bit of time. Now I’m not sure if this way works on every type of wood but so far I’m batting 1000 with it

[@HouseImprovements]

That will work in most cases on softer wood .

[@robertbamford8266]

I keep a drill bit gauge in the top of my index. Find the hole that the screw threads through.

[@edwardalamo2507]

Excellent video can do one the spacing of nails and screws such boards & 4 x 8 wall and flooring I think its 8x8 inches on sub flooring,Thank you, One big problem is floors not level & walls not plumb.

[@HouseImprovements]

Not sure I understand your question? If you want to post in our forum we can help you from there.www.house-improvements.com/forums/

[@adajasso]

Shannon Im installing a vanity. How can i anchor the vanity cabinet to the wall when there is no stud? What anchor will you recommend? What do the experts use in this case. Your advice is much appreciated. Thanks you. -Adam

[@HouseImprovements]

I toggle bolt or butterfly drywall anchor.

[@xz3693]

Didn't realize people wouldn't know that your pilot drill should be a smaller diameter than the screw itself.

[@THEBEANLORD4]

Pro tip no impact drill pound a few nails in starting small and working up 😂

[@Pete.Ty1]

😊👍

[@Maxid1]

I compare the bit to the screw as well. I've been doing that for so long I don't remember where I learned it.

[@mikechiodetti4482]

If you have Hard wood, the drill can help, and hopefully won't split or crack the wood.

[@GrampalettasCamp]

How deep should you drill the pilot hole?

[@huejanus5505]

I usually drill the hole about 1/4” or so less than the length of the screw. The end of the screw is tapered to a point and doesn’t really need a pilot hole.

[@HouseImprovements]

In most cases that is fine but also going 1/4" deeper than the length of the screw would be acceptable in most cases.

[@tribulationprepper787]

Air speed 450... Ground speed 0. A "pilot" hole in the making!

[@howiesoc17]

Depends if gaining or losing altitude :)

[@williamwwjd12345]

Great information! Most important question have you received Jesus Christ as your lord and savior?

[@paulbradshaw4511]

Thanks for the video! I looked up and downloaded the information about wood screw pilot hole sizes. It was really easy to find. MY question is how DEEP should you drill the pilot holes? Should you stop drilling where the tip of the screw begins?

[@HouseImprovements]

Its generally a good idea to drill the pilot hole as deep as the length of screw being used