#12 Sheet Metal Screw Pilot Hole — 11/64"
A #12 sheet metal screw needs a 11/64" pilot hole.
Result
Answer
11/64" drill bit
Standard
Screw Gauge#12
Shaft Diameter0.216"
Pilot Hole (thin gauge)11/64"
Pilot Hole (thick gauge)3/16"
A #12 sheet metal screw (0.216" shaft) needs a 11/64" pilot hole in thin gauge material or 3/16" in thick gauge. Heavy gauge sheet metal, structural.
Note
Pilot hole size depends on material thickness. Thin gauge (up to 18 ga) uses the smaller hole; thick gauge (16 ga and heavier) uses the larger.
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About #12 Sheet Metal Screw Pilot Holes
A #12 sheet metal screw has a shaft diameter of 0.216". For thin gauge material (up to 18 ga), drill a 11/64" pilot hole. For thick gauge material (16 ga and heavier), use a 3/16" pilot hole. Heavy gauge sheet metal, structural. Sheet metal screws are self-tapping, but a pilot hole ensures clean entry and prevents the metal from deforming.