Have you ever wondered what size pilot hole you should use for a #8 screw? If so, then read this blog post to find out!
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Introduction
Screws come in a variety of lengths and diameters, so it’s important to choose the right size pilot hole. The pilot hole should be slightly smaller in diameter than the screw, and its length should be equal to the screws’ length plus 1/8 inch. For example, if you’re using a #8 screw that’s 1 inch long, you’ll need a pilot hole that’s 1-1/8 inches deep.
What is the #8 Screw?
The #8 screw is a common screws used in a variety of applications. It is important to know the right size pilot hole to use when drilling for this type of screw, in order to avoid damage to the screw or the material it will be used in.
The #8 screw has a diameter of 0.164 inches (4.166 mm). The most common pilot hole sizes used for this type of screw are 3/16 inch (4.763 mm) and 7/64 inch (2.778 mm).
What is the Pilot Hole?
The pilot hole is the initial hole drilled in order to allow the rest of the screw or bolt to be inserted. The threading on the outside of the screw or bolt allows it to grip into the material, but first there needs to be a small hole for it to start. That’s what the pilot hole is for. It also provides a path for the shank of the screw so that it doesn’t strip as easily.
The size of a pilot hole depends on both the type of screw being used as well as the material being drilled into. Different materials have different compressibility rates and hardness, so a pilot hole that is too small will strip easier, and one that is too large will not allow the threads to grip properly. In order to avoid these issues, it’s important to drill a properly sized pilot hole.
##Size Chart:
| Screw Size | Pilot Hole Size (Soft Wood) | Pilot Hole Size (Hard Wood) | Pilot Hole Size (Sheet Metal) |
|————|—————————–|—————————|——————————-|
| #4 | 1/8″ | 3/32″ | 1/16″ |
| #6 | 5/32″ | 1/8″ | 5/64″ |
| #8 | 3/16″ | 5/32″ | 3/32″ |
| #10 | 7/32″ | 3/16″ | 7/64″ |
What is the Pilot Hole Size for the #8 Screw?
This is a very common question, because many people don’t know there is such a thing as a pilot hole size for screws. The simple answer is that the #8 screw requires a 5/32″ pilot hole. But let’s take a step back and look at what exactly a pilot hole is, and what other sizes are available for different screws.
A pilot hole is simply a smaller diameter hole that is drilled before driving in a screw. This does two things; first, it provides clearance for the body of the screw so it can freely pass through the material without binding. Second, it forms a small “pilot” thread in the material for the screw to “bite” into, which gives it extra holding power.
For light duty applications like attaching plywood to studs in walls, the general rule of thumb is that you can get away with using a slightly smaller pilot hole than what is called out for the particular screw you are using. For example, if you are using #8 screws, you can use a 1/8″ (3.2mm) or even 3/32″ (2.4mm) drill bit to make your pilot holes. However, if you are going to be putting any significant amount of weight or stress on the connection (such as in shelves or cabinets), it is always best to follow the recommended pilot hole size to avoid stripping out the threads or worse, having the whole thing pull out of the wall.
In summary, here are some of the most common pilot hole sizes for various screws:
– #6 Screw: 1/16″ (1.6mm) drill bit
– #8 Screw: 5/32″ (4mm) drill bit
– #10 Screw: 3/16″ (4.8mm) drill bit
Conclusion
After doing some research, we have concluded that the best size pilot hole for a #8 screw is 1/8″. This will give you the most optimal hold without stripped threads or a loose fit.