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Thread: Proper shank/clearance hole size?

  1. #1

    Proper shank/clearance hole size?

    Can anybody out there point me a chart for the proper size
    shank/clearance , pilot hole size for a variety of standard wood
    screws ?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Waterford, MI
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    4,673

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    Wichita, Kansas
    Posts
    1,795
    Frank, it's no help for pilot hole sizes, but a simple relationship for the shank diameter of numbered screws is:

    Diameter = .060 + .013 x Number

    Example: A #6 shank = .060 + .013 x 6 = .138
    Tom Veatch
    Wichita, KS
    USA

  4. #4
    Different types of screws vary...your best bet may be to simply hold up the screw to the drills.

    Generally in softwood the pilot should be slightly smaller than the root, while in hardwood the pilot should be slightly larger. The clearance hole should be big enough that the shank passes loosely, and if the threaded part of the screw extends back up into the top piece the clearance hole should be big enough that the threads don't grab.

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