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In most situations, a #6 screw calls for a 5/64” straight drill bit. However, the ideal size of the drill bit can vary depending on the material you’re using, and you’ll need a narrower pilot hole when working with soft materials.
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What Size Drill Bit For #6 Screw?
For a #6 screw, use a 1/16″ drill bit for drilling softwood and a 5/64″ drill bit for drilling hardwood.
If you are working with hardwoods, you’ll want to go with a smaller size that you would with a softwood. The reason for this is that hardwoods leave you little room for error when it comes to drilling pilot holes.
| Screw Size | Drill Hole Size (Softwood) | Drill Hole Size (Hardwood) |
| #5 | 1/16″ | 5/64″ |
| #6 | 1/16″ | 5/64″ |
| #8 | 3/32″ | 1/8″ |
| #10 | 7/64″ | 1/8″ |
| #12 | 1/8″ | 9/64″ |
On the other hand, softwoods are more forgiving. You will also need to consider the type of bits you are using. You’ll have a choice between straight and tapered bits.
| Type of wood | Drill bit size |
| Softwood | 3/32” (Straight bit) ⅛” (Tapered bit) |
| Hardwood | 7/64” (Straight bit) 9/64” (Tapered bit) |
For a #6 screw, the optimal straight drill bit size that closely matches its diameter, disregarding the threads, would be a 7/64″ bit. This corresponds to approximately 0.109″ or 2.778 mm.
If a tapered pilot hole is required, select a tapered bit of marginally larger diameter. A good choice would be a 9/64″ bit, which translates to roughly 0.141″ or 3.571 mm.
How to Use a #6 Screw
Using a #6 screw will be useful when you are working with small wood projects and large. It is considered to be one of the most common screws that you can use for woodworking. The larger the number, the larger the size of the screw hole.
Once you have chosen the type of wood you want to work with, make sure you have the proper drill bit you need to use. You will need to determine how hard the wood is, and then use the appropriate drill bit size for that type of wood.
Install it on a cordless drill or corded drill. Either will work, but corded drills typically have more power to get through hardwood. Once attached, you can get right to work.
You can screw in a regular #6 screw manually using a regular screwdriver. If time appears to be a factor, you can consider the idea of using your drill as an electric screwdriver. You can apply a small amount of pressure while fitting the screw into the hole.
However, you’ll want to be careful when it comes to the pressure you apply, especially when you are screwing into wood. Wood can be damaged from too much pressure. Practice on some scrap wood like pallets before you get started with the real project.
When to Use #6 Screw?
You can use a #6 screw for your project such as when you are building a deck or building a small wooden structure.
A #6 screw is perfect for a variety of woodworking projects. Whether building a homemade gun safe, a DIY dog fence, or even basic kids woodworking projects – they all involve using screws like the #6.
If you are working on finer woodworking projects, #6 screws are the best option since they are usually smaller in size compared to their #7, #8, #10, and #12 drill bit counterparts. The larger number screws are often reserved for heavier duty projects.
Other Considerations for #6 Screw?
Before you use a #6 screw, it is important to pre-drill your holes. While it may not be necessary, it’s highly recommended by professionals and amateurs alike.
One major consideration is determining whether or not you want to use a manual screwdriver or one that is powered. If you are working on a large scale project such as redoing a deck, the choice is obvious. A power screwdriver will save you time.
You may have a drill that is versatile enough for it to work as a screwdriver. All you need to do is switch the bits (which will likely be the same size or similar). Again, pay attention to the type of wood you are using.
For wood projects, you want to use flathead screws. The type of flatheads are a different story. You can choose between the venerable Phillips heads or the Quadrex, a hybrid of the Phillips head and the Robertson (square) heads.
It comes down to which ones will provide you with enough power transfer to fasten pieces of wood together. Also, the screw material is also worth considering as well. Silicon-coated bronze and stainless steel will be perfect for outdoor applications since they are better protected against the weather.
Meanwhile, zinc will be the best option if you are planning on building something and keeping it indoors. These screws should not be used for outdoor projects as they are poorly protected against nature’s elements.
Before Using a #6 Screw
It’s always a good idea to prepare for the project by practicing your installation with pieces of scrap wood. Choose a piece of softwood or hardwood you plan on using and try applying different levels of pressure. You’ll know exactly how much you can apply (and how much you shouldn’t).
It’s also a good idea to clean off any dust that may be produced from drilling. The cleaner your pilot hole, the easier it will be to install the screw during your project.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking to install one of the most common screws in woodworking, you’ll want to find the best drill bit. Especially if you are installing a #6 screw. Again, pay close attention to the type of wood you are using.
Softwoods and hardwoods can make a difference between the type of drill bits you choose. Don’t use a drill bit on a hardwood when it’s meant for softwoods (and vice versa). I hope that this guide has been really helpful in finding the right drill bit for a #6 screw.
