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Embarking on a project requiring screws and unsure about the need for pilot holes? As a seasoned DIY enthusiast, I’ve had my fair share of experiences. Most screws, barring self-drilling ones, demand a pre-drilled pilot hole. Sizing is crucial, especially for blunt tipped screws. Drawing from my years as a DIY hobbyist, I’ll unravel the complexities of screw and drill bit sizing for a #12 screw.
Contents
What Size Drill Bit for a #12 Screw?
For a #12 screw, you will need a 3/16” drill bit for softwood and a 5/32″ drill bit for hardwood.
If you are drilling a pilot hole for a #12 screw, you will want to use a 5/32″ drill bit.
| Screw Size | Drill Hole Size (Softwood) | Drill Hole Size (Hardwood) |
| #6 | 5/64″ | 7/64″ |
| #7 | 3/32″ | 3/32″ |
| #8 | 3/32″ | 1/8″ |
| #10 | 7/64″ | 9/64″ |
| #12 | 3/16” | 5/32″ |
Here are some other common screw sizes and the drill bits you might need for your next project.
Also refer to my guides on the correct drill bit size for a #6 screw, a #7 screw, a #8 screw, and a #10 screw.
No matter what type of screw you are using, you need to make sure you are using the right drill bit size you will not be able to get the correct size holes for your screws. Keep in mind you are making pilot holes to make the insertion of the screw or the bolt much easier.
Some screws that need the proper sizing for the insertion of materials include Type B Tapping, Type F Thread Cutting and thread forming screws for plastics and metals. These are types of blunt-tipped screws.
Sharp pointed screws also need to make sure they have the right pilot hole or you can split the wood or distort the metal. These include Type A or Type AB Self Tapping screws.
How to Use a #12 Screw
Choosing the right size screw for your project is important because you want to make sure you can bind and fix the materials you are using together. If you are using metal as a material, it’s even more important that you choose the right screw and the right drill bit size.
Screw Sizes
Screw sizes are given numbers 0-24. This does not define the length as many people think it does, but it instead defines the head and shaft diameter. This means a size #12 screw is twice the shank diameter of a size 6 screw.
Thread Count
Thread count also matters when it comes to using a size #12 screw. All screws will have a pitch that equates to the number of threads possible within 1 inch of screw length. The last number you see on the screw will be the length of the screw.
The numbers are always in the order of size, thread count, and length. This is the best way to make sure you are using the #12 screws and that you have the right screw in your hand when you are making the pilot holes.
Anytime you need to use a #12 screw, you need to make sure you are drilling correctly. Always use protective eyewear and make sure you have protective gear to ensure there are no sheet metal shavings or wood flying into the air near your face. Before you drive in another screw, you also need to clear the drill bit you are using of all the shavings.
When to Use a #12 Screw
If you are using sheet metal, you might be aware that there are self-tapping screws and standard screws. Your #12 screw is self-tapping because it will have a notched tip that acts as a drill bit which helps to drive the screw through the sheet metal.
It will also keep thin metals from denting while you are drilling. If you have a standard #12 screw, you will need to have a pilot hole drilled into the material to make sure there is no splitting. It will also make sure the materials are being fixed easily together.
#12 Screw Pilot Holes
Size #12 screws will have a different pilot hole size than screws of other diameters as each different screw size will need a different pilot hole to ensure they are drilling correctly into the base material.
Size 12 screws need a 5/32″ size pilot hole. Here are the sizes of the other screws and the pilot holes they need before you can begin drilling:
- Size 4- 3/32 inches
- Size 6- 7/64 inches
- Size 8- 1/8 inches
- Size 10- 9/64 inches
- Size 12- 5/32 inches
- Size 14- ¼ inches, 3/16 inches, 5/16 inches, ¼ inches
If you aren’t sure if you should use a #12 screw or another size, remember that the screw should enter at least half the thickness of the bottom material. #12 screws are also typically used with thicker and heavier materials such as metal.
While most people choose #8 screws when they aren’t sure what screws to use, this is because #8 is the most basic size and works for most materials unless they are very thick. If you aren’t sure if you need a #12 screw or not, you can ask for guidance from a worker at the local home supply store.
They can usually look at the material you are wanting to use for your project and see if they recommend the right screw size for you.
Other Considerations for a #12 Screw
If you are making something in your home or at work that is using heavy metal, you will need to use a 12 screw. With the thicker screw and diameter and the right drill bit size, you can easily make pilot holes into the metal to make the insertion of the screw extremely easy.
If you do not make pilot holes, you will have a really hard time putting the screws into the metal and you might run the risk of not being able to complete your project.
Final Thoughts
Screws come in many different sizes and kinds, but the #12 screw is pretty versatile because it can be drilled into many different types of metals and other types of heavier materials. Using the right drill bit size will ensure the drilling goes smoothly.
