#12 Wood Screw Pilot Hole — 9/64"
A #12 wood screw needs a 9/64" pilot hole. Hardwood may require a larger pilot hole to prevent splitting.
Result
Answer
9/64" drill bit
Standard
Screw Gauge#12
Shaft Diameter0.216"
Pilot Hole (softwood)9/64"
Pilot Hole (hardwood)5/32"
Clearance Hole7/32"
A #12 wood screw (0.216" shaft) needs a 9/64" pilot hole in softwood or 5/32" in hardwood. Clearance hole is 7/32". Heavy construction, lag screw pilot holes.
Note
Showing softwood pilot hole size by default. Hardwood requires a larger pilot hole to prevent splitting.
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About #12 Wood Screw Pilot Holes
A #12 wood screw has a shaft diameter of 0.216". In softwood (pine, cedar, spruce), drill a 9/64" pilot hole. In hardwood (oak, maple, cherry), use a 5/32" pilot hole to prevent splitting. The clearance hole for a #12 screw is 7/32". Heavy construction, lag screw pilot holes. Always drill a pilot hole in hardwood to avoid splitting and ensure the screw draws the joint tight.