What size pilot hole do I need for a #8 sheet metal screw?

Suggested pilot holes & drill sizes.

Screw Size-TPI Recommended Hole Diameter Drill Bit Size
6 0.120″ #31
7 0.136″ #29
8 0.144″ #27
10 0.161″ #20

What size hole should I drill for a #8 screw?

Wood Screw Pilot Hole Sizes

Screw Size Hard Wood Soft Wood
Tapered Bit Straight Bit
#7 5/32″ 3/32″
#8 11/64″ 7/64″
#9 3/16″ 1/8″

How much smaller should a pilot hole be?

If you are creating a pilot hole for a nail, the right drill bit is slightly smaller than the nail’s shank. If you are creating a pilot hole for a screw, the drill bit should be the same size as the body of the screw—not including the threads.

How big should pilot holes be in wood?

For most hardwoods, the pilot hole should be at least as large as the screw’s minor diameter. If the screw has deep threads, or the wood is very hard, the pilot hole should be another 1/64-in. larger than the minor diameter. For softer woods, the pilot hole can be 1/64-in.

What size drill bit do you use for 8-32 screw?

The 8-32 screw requires a #29 drill bit.

What size is a #40 pilot hole?

Pilot Hole Sizes In Sheet Metal

Approximate Hole Sizes for Type C Steel Thread Forming Screws in Sheet Metal
Screw Size Metal Thickness Hole Size
4-40 0.105 0.102
0.134 0.102
6-32 0.037 0.113

What is the diameter of a #8 screw?

American Screw Sizes

THREAD DIAMETER
Size Nearest Fraction Inch
#6 9/64 0.13
#8 5/32 0.16
#10 3/16 0.19

Why is my wood splitting when drilling?

If the wood is dry, the boards are narrow or you screw too close to the end, however, the displacement of the screw can force fibers apart, creating a less-than-perfect joint and possibly ruining the wood.

How deep should a pilot hole be for a wood screw?

The pilot hole size varies according to the type of wood:

  1. For softwoods, use a drill bit that’s slightly smaller than the screw diameter.
  2. For hardwoods, use a drill bit that’s slightly larger than the screw diameter.
  3. If you’re unsure which to select, choose a drill bit that’s 1/64” larger than the screw diameter.

What size drill bit do I use for a 8-32 tap?

To Tap This Size Screw Or Bolt: Use This Drill Bit: Decimal Inches
8-32 NC #29 .1360
8-36 NF #29 .1360
8-40 NS #28 .1405
3/16-24 NS #26 .1470