How to Countersink
Select a drill bit that is the same diameter as the shafts of your screws., Measure the length of your screws., Drill pilot holes in each point on your lumber that needs a screw., Select a second drill bit., Measure the depth of the conical heads on...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Select a drill bit that is the same diameter as the shafts of your screws.
(the solid part, not the threads) -
Step 2: Measure the length of your screws.
Mark that length on the drill bit by wrapping a piece of masking tape around it at that point. , A pilot hole is a guide hole you drill in your lumber for the screws to follow.
Drill the hole until the bottom of your masking tape touches the surface of your lumber.
Pilot holes are also useful for making sure your screw goes in at a level angle.
And it helps prevent splitting if you have to drive a screw into a thin edge of lumber. , This one should be the same diameter as the heads of your screws. , Mark this drill bit to that length using your masking tape.
This is unlikely to be more than 1⁄4 inch (0.6 cm). , Drill down until the bottom of the masking tape touches the surface of your lumber.
Do your best to keep the wider hole centered on the narrower pilot hole. ,, Twist it in by hand until it can stand on its own. , Push firmly on the drill and use pulses to avoid stripping the screw.
With the countersink hole in place, the screw should sink easily below the level of your lumber. -
Step 3: Drill pilot holes in each point on your lumber that needs a screw.
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Step 4: Select a second drill bit.
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Step 5: Measure the depth of the conical heads on our screws.
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Step 6: Widen the top of each of your pilot holes using the wider drill bit.
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Step 7: Replace the drill bit with a screwdriver bit appropriate for your screws.
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Step 8: Set a screw in one of your pilot holes.
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Step 9: Drive the screw into the hole using your power drill.
Detailed Guide
(the solid part, not the threads)
Mark that length on the drill bit by wrapping a piece of masking tape around it at that point. , A pilot hole is a guide hole you drill in your lumber for the screws to follow.
Drill the hole until the bottom of your masking tape touches the surface of your lumber.
Pilot holes are also useful for making sure your screw goes in at a level angle.
And it helps prevent splitting if you have to drive a screw into a thin edge of lumber. , This one should be the same diameter as the heads of your screws. , Mark this drill bit to that length using your masking tape.
This is unlikely to be more than 1⁄4 inch (0.6 cm). , Drill down until the bottom of the masking tape touches the surface of your lumber.
Do your best to keep the wider hole centered on the narrower pilot hole. ,, Twist it in by hand until it can stand on its own. , Push firmly on the drill and use pulses to avoid stripping the screw.
With the countersink hole in place, the screw should sink easily below the level of your lumber.
About the Author
Judith Gibson
Professional writer focused on creating easy-to-follow creative arts tutorials.
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