What Size Countersink Bit Do I Need

February iv, 2019 Tools, Woodworking,

Drilling Countersink Holes for Wood Screws

If y'all want the head of each screw to sit flush with the surface of your wood, it's time to start drilling countersink holes. Not only does this practice add to the overall appearance, but certain wood projects require a perfectly smoothen surface. Since countersinks add another step to every screw hole, we've created a quick-reference chart to speed things upward for you.

Referencing Our Countersink Chart

When referencing the chart, keep in mind that we chose sizes that would accommodate the well-nigh common screw head diameters. Thus, screws with a narrower head may desire to consider a smaller size. Likewise, abnormally large screw heads may need extra room to suit their width. If in doubt, get with the recommended size. Unlike pilot holes, countersink holes cannot beget to run on the tight side. Similarly, it's much less problematic to overestimate the size of a countersink hole as information technology is with the initial pilot hole.

Determining the Depth of Each Countersink Hole

Given all the dissimilar types of spiral heads and wood species, pinpointing a unmarried depth for each countersink pigsty is impossible. Thus, yous volition need to adjust the depth of your countersink holes to accommodate your given circumstances. For anyone working with softwood, the countersink hole should measure less in depth than the height of the spiral's head. The reason being is that less-dense wood species will meaty upon pressure level from the screw, which allows for the head to push button in. On the other manus, denser hardwoods are much more stubborn and crave the expanse for the screw head to be completely cleared. In any case, be mindful that you tin e'er increase the hole's depth, but can never compress information technology.

Accommodating the Extra Step in Drilling Wood Screws

Most people skip the countersink pigsty to salvage time. However, this often results in lower quality piece of work and increases the likelihood of an fault. To keep countersink holes in your process, consider drilling them all at once. Swapping out dissimilar drill bits is time consuming so streamlining the countersinking step will save you time. Also, drilling a countersink hole will allow for the screw to enter more smoothly. As a result, yous'll encounter fewer stripped screws and less wood splitting. And then when it's time for your next DIY wood projection, don't be lazy and countersink your screw holes.

Wood Screw Size	Countersink Drill Bit
0	i/viii
one	1/8
2	3/16
three	1/iv
4	ane/4
v	5/16
six	5/sixteen
7	5/16
eight	3/8
9	3/8
ten	7/16
11	seven/16
12	seven/xvi
xiv	1/2
16	nine/16
eighteen	five/8
xx	3/4
24	three/4