How to Properly Drill a Screw
Before drilling a screw into wood, you should make a pilot hole. This hole will ensure that you have the correct direction for the screw. Once the pilot hole is completed, you can begin drilling the screw. This article will cover the different ways to drill a screw, from using star or square-drive screws to using a magnetic bit holder. This article was written with the intentions of helping you understand how to properly drill a screw and avoid common mistakes.
Drilling pilot hole
Before you begin drilling a screw, make sure to drill a pilot hole in the piece of wood you’ll be screwing into. Pilot holes are crucial for high-precision drilling. While it may be tempting to simply finger-mark the spot where you’ll be inserting the screw, Bob Vila advises making a visible mark with a pencil or tape. The tape will create an indentation for the drill bit to grip on and a place to hold the screw while it’s still in place.
The pilot hole is the first step in screw installation. The purpose of this hole is to prevent screw breakage, so the hole should be at least as large as the screw’s minor diameter. If the screw is deep-threaded, it should be drilled with a larger pilot hole than a small one. Smaller pilot holes work well with softer woods. Skipping the pilot hole is a bad idea because it will cause visible cracks in the wood, which can lead to joint failure.
Keeping drill bit perpendicular to the wood
When drilling a screw, keeping the drill bit perpendicular to the wood is an important step. The hole that is created by the screw should be a constant depth. Drilling a screw at a shallow angle will cause the bit to skip or slide across the surface. To prevent this, start drilling at a low angle. Gradually increase the speed of the drill as the bit bites into the wood.
One way to ensure that your drill bit is aligned perpendicular to the wood when drilling is to draw a straight line on the surface of the wood. This line will represent the path of the hole. Drill the hole to the depth that the mark marks. The drill bit and CD reflection should form a straight line. This will make sure that the screw is drilled perpendicular to the wood.
Using square or star-drive screws
Torx-head screws have a star-shaped head and carefully matched bits. Invented by the Textron aerospace conglomerate in 1967, the Torx screw was developed to eliminate the problem of cam-out in Phillips head screws. The official international designation of a Torx screw head is hexalobular internal, but the name “star drive” has become more familiar. In addition to Torx screw heads, manufacturers have started making square-drive screws as well.
Choosing the correct screw for your project is a critical step in the installation process. Several factors must be considered, such as screw size, type of wood, and type of screw. If you are not sure which screw type to choose, consult a professional. Some companies include a driver bit in a square drive screw bag. It is better to carry a screw with a square-drive head than one with a star-drive head, as these screws require a different type of driver bit.
Using magnetic bit holder
A magnetic bit holder is a tool that keeps screws from wobbling and can help reduce the risk of slipping or wobbling during drilling. Magnetic screw holders attach to the chuck and work with the power of magnets to secure a screw. Magnetic bit holders are designed to hold up to 10 screws in place. When using these holder, you can drill a screw with a 1/4″ hex bit.
When using a magnetic bit holder, the magnetic bit should be of good quality to ensure a secure fit. Make sure to select a holder that is at least three inches long and has a sleeve that fits the length of the screw. If you’re drilling a large screw, you’ll need a good magnet. Manufacturers typically provide the specifications of the magnet used in their products.