How to Drill Pilot & Clearance Holes in Wood

Drilling a Pilot Hole

• 1

  Mark the spot on the wood where you want your pilot hole. Note the length and diameter of the screw.

• 2

  Refer to a pilot hole chart to determine the size of the drill bit to use. Pilot holes are narrower than the screw.

• 3

  Hold the screw up to the drill bit so the ends are flush. Mark the drill bit with a piece of electrical tape or a marker at the point where the threads begin on the screw.

• 4

  Position the end of the drill bit on your mark, perpendicular to the wood. Hold the drill in a way that gives you optimum control; an effective drilling position is your hand on the drill, finger on the trigger, face close to the wood and elbow bent back.

• 5

  Squeeze the trigger and guide the drill bit into the wood. Stop when the mark on the bit is flush with the wood. Reverse the drill direction and pull back slowly until the bit is out of the wood.

Drilling a Clearance Hole

• 6

  Mark the place on the wood where you want to drill your clearance hole. Note the length and diameter of the screw.

• 7

  Refer to a clearance hole chart to determine the size of the drill bit to use. Clearance holes are slightly larger than the screw.

• 8

  Position the end of the drill bit on your mark, perpendicular to the wood. Hold the drill in a way that gives you optimum control; an effective drilling position is hand on the drill, finger on the trigger, face close to the wood and elbow bent back.

• 9

  Squeeze the trigger and guide the drill bit into the wood and out the opposite side. Reverse the drill direction and pull back slowly until the bit is out of the wood.