Wood Screw Pilot Hole Sizes Reference Values
Lookup pilot and clearance drill sizes for common wood screw gauges in softwood and hardwood.
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Reference Value Index
This page lists 12 reference values for quick browsing and lookup.
All Reference Values
- #2 wood screw = 0.0625 in softwood / 0.0781 in hardwood
- #3 wood screw = 0.0781 in softwood / 0.0938 in hardwood
- #4 wood screw = 0.0938 in softwood / 0.1094 in hardwood
- #5 wood screw = 0.1094 in softwood / 0.125 in hardwood
- #6 wood screw = 0.1094 in softwood / 0.1406 in hardwood
- #7 wood screw = 0.125 in softwood / 0.1406 in hardwood
- #8 wood screw = 0.125 in softwood / 0.1562 in hardwood
- #9 wood screw = 0.1406 in softwood / 0.1562 in hardwood
- #10 wood screw = 0.1406 in softwood / 0.1719 in hardwood
- #12 wood screw = 0.1562 in softwood / 0.1875 in hardwood
- #14 wood screw = 0.1719 in softwood / 0.2031 in hardwood
- #16 wood screw = 0.1875 in softwood / 0.2188 in hardwood
Reference Table
| Screw Gauge | Softwood Pilot (in) | Hardwood Pilot (in) | Clearance (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| #2 wood screw | 0.0625 | 0.0781 | 0.0938 |
| #3 wood screw | 0.0781 | 0.0938 | 0.1094 |
| #4 wood screw | 0.0938 | 0.1094 | 0.125 |
| #5 wood screw | 0.1094 | 0.125 | 0.1406 |
| #6 wood screw | 0.1094 | 0.1406 | 0.1562 |
| #7 wood screw | 0.125 | 0.1406 | 0.1719 |
| #8 wood screw | 0.125 | 0.1562 | 0.1719 |
| #9 wood screw | 0.1406 | 0.1562 | 0.1875 |
| #10 wood screw | 0.1406 | 0.1719 | 0.2031 |
| #12 wood screw | 0.1562 | 0.1875 | 0.2188 |
| #14 wood screw | 0.1719 | 0.2031 | 0.25 |
| #16 wood screw | 0.1875 | 0.2188 | 0.2813 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions for Wood Screw Pilot Hole Sizes and its reference values.
Why use different pilot holes for hardwood and softwood?
Hardwoods split more easily, so they usually need a larger pilot hole than softwoods for the same screw gauge.
What is a clearance hole?
A clearance hole is drilled through the top piece so screw threads do not bite that layer, helping pull parts tightly together.
Should I always drill pilot holes?
Pilot holes are strongly recommended near board ends, in hardwoods, and for larger screws to reduce splitting and improve driving accuracy.
Do these values replace manufacturer guidance?
Use these as practical defaults, then adjust to screw type, wood moisture, and manufacturer recommendations for critical work.
Methodology and Review
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