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Cabinetry & Furniture
Precision work in expensive hardwoods. Use the Hardwood Pilot column to avoid hairline fractures in face frames.
- •Countersinking for flush finish
- •Pocket hole screw alternatives
- •#6 & #8 standard cabinet sizes
The professional standard for avoiding split wood and broken heads. Compare #4 to #14 Wood Screws, Machine Screws, and Metric sizes. Get the exact drill bit size for Softwood vs Hardwood pilot holes.
Woodwork • Wood (#0-#24)
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Pilot Hole Recommendations for Softwood & Hardwood • A4
| Size | Major Dia | Pilot (Soft) | Pilot (Hard) |
|---|---|---|---|
| #0 | 0.060" | 1/64" | 1/32" |
| #1 | 0.073" | 1/32" | 3/64" |
| #2 | 0.086" | 3/64" | 1/16" |
| #3 | 0.099" | 1/16" | 5/64" |
| #4 | 0.112" | 1/16" | 3/32" |
| #5 | 0.125" | 5/64" | 3/32" |
| #6 | 0.138" | 5/64" | 1/8" |
| #7 | 0.151" | 3/32" | 1/8" |
| #8 | 0.164" | 3/32" | 1/8" |
| #9 | 0.177" | 7/64" | 9/64" |
| #10 | 0.190" | 7/64" | 5/32" |
| #12 | 0.216" | 1/8" | 11/64" |
| #14 | 0.242" | 9/64" | 3/16" |
| #16 | 0.268" | 5/32" | 13/64" |
| #18 | 0.294" | 3/16" | 7/32" |
| #20 | 0.320" | 13/64" | 1/4" |
| #24 | 0.372" | 1/4" | 9/32" |
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Sizes
17
Type
Wood (#0-#24)
≈0KB
300 DPI
| Screw Gauge | Decimal (Inch) | Metric (mm) | Common Pilot Bit |
|---|---|---|---|
| #4 | 0.112" | 2.84mm | 1/16" or 5/64" |
| #6 | 0.138" | 3.51mm | 5/64" or 3/32" |
| #8 | 0.164" | 4.17mm | 3/32" or 1/8" |
| #10 | 0.190" | 4.83mm | 7/64" or 9/64" |
| #12 | 0.216" | 5.49mm | 1/8" or 5/32" |
Proper drilling prevents wood failure and ensures maximum holding power.
Softwoods (Pine, Cedar) need smaller pilot holes. Hardwoods (Oak, Maple) need holes closer to the shank diameter.
Find the screw gauge on the packaging. If unknown, measure the major thread diameter with calipers.
When joining two boards, the top board should have a clearance hole so the screw pulls it tight against the base board.
Screw diameter is only one part of the choice. Use the Drill Bit Sizes chart when a plan lists a numbered, letter, fractional, or metric pilot bit, and check the Lumber Size chart before selecting fastener length for nominal boards such as 2x4, 4x4, or 1x6 stock.
If the screw spec gives a numbered, letter, or fractional pilot bit instead of a simple wood-screw table value, check the numbered drill bit chart before drilling. Pilot-hole choice still depends on screw diameter, material, and whether the hole is for clearance or thread bite.
If you are comparing nails and screws for a general DIY project, the Nail Size chart can help with penny length and gauge references. When comparing 1/8 in, 9/64 in, or other fractional bits, the fraction-to-decimal reference can help you compare the decimal sizes before choosing a nearby bit.
Why your choice of screw head matters as much as the size.
The standard for decades. Designed to 'cam out' (slip) to prevent over-tightening.
Traditional look. Difficult to drive with power tools without slipping.
The modern pro choice. Zero cam-out and maximum torque transfer. T25 is standard.
Square drive. Extremely popular in Canada and deck building for stability.
Precision work in expensive hardwoods. Use the Hardwood Pilot column to avoid hairline fractures in face frames.
High-load applications where Robertson or Torx drives are essential to avoid bit slipping and stripping.
Precision machine screws (uniform diameter) require exact clearance holes for tight fitment in pre-tapped holes.
An old system where #0 is small and #24 is large. It relates to the outer diameter of the threads. Always use a pilot hole to make room for the core shank.
The simplest system. M followed by millimeters (e.g. M5 = 5mm diameter). Metric screws are increasingly common in US flat-pack furniture.
Complete your garage reference wall with these printable guides.
| Number | Fraction | Decimal (in) | Millimeters |
|---|---|---|---|
| #80 | — | 0.0135 | 0.34 |
| #50 | — | 0.0700 | 1.78 |
| #52 | 1/16" | 0.0625 | 1.59 |
| #41 | 3/32" | 0.0938 | 2.38 |
| #22 | 5/32" | 0.1562 | 3.97 |
| #11 | 3/16" | 0.1875 | 4.76 |
| #7 | 13/64" | 0.2031 | 5.16 |
| — | — | 0.2570 | 6.53 |
| — | 3/8" | 0.3750 | 9.53 |
| — | 1/2" | 0.5000 | 12.70 |
| Size | M-Bolt | S-Bolt |
|---|---|---|
| 8mm | M5 | 5/16" |
| 10mm | M6 | - |
| 7/16" | - | 1/4" |
| 13mm | M8 | - |
| 1/2" | - | 5/16" |
| 17mm | M10 | - |
| 9/16" | - | 3/8" |
| 19mm | M12 | 3/4" |
| 3/4" | - | 1/2" |
Wrench sizes for common bolt heads with metric and imperial references.
Customize & Download| Size | Pitch/TPI | Head |
|---|---|---|
| M3 | 0.5 | 5.5 |
| M4 | 0.7 | 7.0 |
| M5 | 0.8 | 8.0 |
| M6 | 1.0 | 10.0 |
| M8 | 1.25 | 13.0 |
| 1/4" | 20 | 7/16" |
| 5/16" | 18 | 1/2" |
| 3/8" | 16 | 9/16" |
| Nominal | Actual Size |
|---|---|
| 1 x 2 | 3/4" x 1 1/2" |
| 1 x 3 | 3/4" x 2 1/2" |
| 1 x 4 | 3/4" x 3 1/2" |
| 2 x 4 | 1 1/2" x 3 1/2" |
| 2 x 6 | 1 1/2" x 5 1/2" |
| 2 x 8 | 1 1/2" x 7 1/4" |
| 4 x 4 | 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" |
| 4/4 | 13/16" |
| 8/4 | 1 3/4" |
| 3/4" Ply | 23/32" |
Nominal vs actual lumber sizes for woodworking and construction planning.
Customize & Download