#14 Wood Screw Pilot Hole — 5/32"
A #14 wood screw needs a 5/32" pilot hole. Hardwood may require a larger pilot hole to prevent splitting.
Result
Answer
5/32" drill bit
Standard
Screw Gauge#14
Shaft Diameter0.242"
Pilot Hole (softwood)5/32"
Pilot Hole (hardwood)11/64"
Clearance Hole1/4"
A #14 wood screw (0.242" shaft) needs a 5/32" pilot hole in softwood or 11/64" in hardwood. Clearance hole is 1/4". Large wood screws, structural connections.
Note
Showing softwood pilot hole size by default. Hardwood requires a larger pilot hole to prevent splitting.
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About #14 Wood Screw Pilot Holes
A #14 wood screw has a shaft diameter of 0.242". In softwood (pine, cedar, spruce), drill a 5/32" pilot hole. In hardwood (oak, maple, cherry), use a 11/64" pilot hole to prevent splitting. The clearance hole for a #14 screw is 1/4". Large wood screws, structural connections. Always drill a pilot hole in hardwood to avoid splitting and ensure the screw draws the joint tight.