If you’re wondering what size Kreg screw you should use, you’re in the right place. In this blog post, we’ll go over the different factors to consider when choosing a Kreg screw. By the end, you’ll know exactly which size screw to use for your next project.
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Decide the size of the hole you need.
The size of the hole you need will depend on the thickness of your material. The chart below shows the appropriate range of Kreg Screw sizes for different material thicknesses.
Material Thickness: 1/2″ (13 mm)
-Kreg Screw Diameter: #7 (2 1/8″ length) or #8 (1 7/8″ length)
-Hole Size: 3/8″
Material Thickness: 5/8″ (16 mm) or 3/4″ (19 mm)
-Kreg Screw Diameter: #8 (1 7/8″ length) or #10 (2 1/2″ length)
-Hole Size: 1/2″
Consider the thickness of your project material.
When it comes to screws, there are a lot of different factors to consider. In this guide, we’ll help you choose the right Kreg Screw for your project by considering the thickness of your project material.
Kreg Screws are available in a variety of sizes, from 1-1/4″ to 3″. The first number in the screw size refers to the diameter of the screw, while the second number refers to the length. For example, a 1-1/4″ screw is 1-1/4″ in diameter and 3″ long.
The majority of Kreg Screws are coarse thread, which means they have a wider thread that grips more material more quickly. Fine thread screws are also available for some applications where a finer thread is needed, such as when working with hardwoods or metals.
When choosing a Kreg Screw, start by considering the thickness of your project material. If you’re working with 3/4″ thick material or thinner, you can use any size screw. For materials that are thicker than 3/4″, use a screw that is one size larger than the thickness of your material. For example, if you’re working with 1-1/2″ thick material, you would use 2″ screws. This will ensure that enough threads grip the back side of your material so that the screw doesn’t pull through.
Keep in mind that longer screws provide more holding power than shorter screws, so if you’re unsure which size to choose, go with the longer option. You can always trim off any excess length later if needed.
Determine the depth of the hole.
Before you can determine what size of Kreg screw to use, you must first determine the depth of the hole you need to create. This is important because it will ensure that the screw doesn’t protrude through the surface of your project, and it will also help you calculate how much of the screw’s length will be buried in the wood. To do this, simply measure the thickness of the material you’re working with and add 1/2″. For example, if you’re working with 3/4″-thick material, you’ll need a hole that’s 1-1/4″ deep.
Choose the correct size screw.
Size really does matter when it comes to Kreg Screws—at least the diameter and length of them. That’s because using the right size screws will prevent splitting, make it easier to drive them in, and create a stronger joint overall.
Diameter: The first thing you need to know is that not all Kreg Screws are created equal; there are four different diameters to choose from. The most common sizes are #7 (1/8″ diameter) and #8 (5/32″ diameter), but there are also #10 (3/16″ diameter) and #12 (7/32″ diameter) screws available for specific applications.
Length: In addition to different diameters, Kreg Screws are also available in different lengths. For example, the most common length for a 2×4 is 2-1/2″, but you might want to use a longer screw if you’re joining two thicker pieces of wood together. Conversely, if you’re working with thinner material or want a less noticeable screw, a shorter screw might be the way to go.
With all of that said, let’s take a more detailed look at each of the four different Kreg Screw diameters so that you can choose the right screws for your next project.
