How do I choose the right drill bit?

The diameter of the hole you drill should be slightly smaller than the diameter of the screw. So, for example, if you're using a 3.5 mm screw, use a drill bit with a diameter of 3 mm. If you're using wall anchors as well as screws, the drill bit and anchors should have the same diameter.

How do I know if a drill bit will fit my drill?

The first thing (and probably most important) is to always match the size of the drill bits shank (the end you would put into the drill) to the size of drill you are using. Drills that have a 3/8” chuck (the end that you put the drill bit into) will only accept bits up to 3/8” in diameter.

How do you choose the right drill bit size for screw and wall plugs?

Choose a drill bit that corresponds to the necessary pilot hole size for the wall plug you intend to use. In other words, use a 5.0 mm drill bit for a yellow plug, a 6.0 mm drill bit for a red plug, a 7.0 mm drill bit for a brown plug, or a 10.0 mm drill bit for a blue plug.

What are the 5 types of drill bits?

Drill bits are designed to drill holes in a variety of different common materials. These include different types of wood, metal, plastic, ceramic tile, porcelain and concrete.

How do you match a drill bit to a wall plug?

Picking the Right Drill Bit Size for a Screw

How do I know what size screw I have?

To measure the diameter of screws and bolts, you measure the distance from the outer thread on one side to the outer thread on the other side. This is called the major diameter and will usually be the proper size of the bolt.

What is the most common drill bit size?

In the United States, standard drill bits are most often sized in fractional, 1/64th inch increments, commonly ranging from 1/16th inch up to one inch. If you need a larger hole, you can opt for a spade bit or hole saw bit.

What is the difference between a 3/8 inch drill and a 1/2 inch drill?

As mentioned, 1/2-inch drills are a bit bigger and more powerful than 3/8-inch drills and because 1/2 inch drills are generally designed for heavy-duty work, they are also made with very tough materials. Generally speaking, a 1/2-inch drill is going to be much more durable and long-lasting than a 3/8-inch drill.

What do the numbers on a drill bit mean?

As mentioned at the beginning of the article, the numbers on a drill represent the amount of torque the tool can apply to an object (such as a screw) or for hole drilling. The numbers usually range from 1 to 20 (or more) with 1 representing the least amount of torque and 20, the greatest.

Should wall plug be bigger than screw?

A wallplug holds the screw securely into the wall. The screw, and hole, should be longer than the plug! The screw should go all the way through the wallplug and split it open to force the tightest possible fit with the wall. For most DIY jobs a bog standard plastic Wallplug will suffice.

What drill bit is for brick?

Masonry or mortar drill bits are the only type that can penetrate brick or mortar with ease. These bits are designed to deal with particular materials, so the central part of the bit is made of steel, while the tip has tungsten carbide to help it cut through tough walls.

How much smaller should a drill bit be than the screw?

But there is a simple way that many pros use to determine the right size bit: The diameter of the drill should be just about equal to the solid body of the screw (without the threads) at about the middle of its length.

What does screw size 8 mean?

The #8 gauge screw has a major diameter of 0.17" and 8 TPI. The screw is 1-1/4" long, a measurement taken from the bottom of the head to the point.

What does G mean in screws?

Screw Gauge Size. (g) (mm)

What size are GREY wall plugs?

The Uno Rawlplug heavy-duty pack of 40 universal plugs in grey is ideal for a variety of base materials, hollow or solid. With their unique split design, they provide secure anchorage, while the anti-rotation feature prevents them from spinning in the hole. Rawlplug size: 10 x 36mm.

What are Brown plugs used for?

Brown Plugs are the main plug used by Plumbers, Builders and Joiners/Shopfitters: all of these trades will use Red Plugs for lighter fitments.

How can you tell if a drill bit is for metal?

Usually, drill bits that are for metal can be distinguished by their black color. They are also usually made from tungsten carbide, cobalt or titanium, which should be noted on the packaging if you're buying new.

Which drill bits are for wood?

What drill bit is used for wood? Generally known as a Spur point bit but also known as a wood or dowel bit, these specialised drill bits have a central point and two raised spurs that help keep the bit drilling straight. The bit cuts timber very fast when used in a power drill and leaves a clean sided hole.

What does shank size mean?

As you can see by the shaft of the bit, a shank is usually the same size as the drill bit. In regards to router bit shank sizes, the most common are 1/4″ and 1/2″. One plus about the straight shank is the accuracy to centering. While with a hex you might get some wobbling, a straight should not wobble at all.

How far should a screw go into a wall?

The general rule of thumb is that the screw should enter at least half the thickness of the bottom material, e.g. 3/4″ into a 2 x 4. The other factor is the screw's diameter, or gauge.