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#3 Wood Screw Pilot Hole — 1/16"

A #3 wood screw needs a 1/16" pilot hole. Hardwood may require a larger pilot hole to prevent splitting.

Result
Answer
1/16" drill bit
Screw Gauge#3
Shaft Diameter0.099"
Pilot Hole (softwood)1/16"
Pilot Hole (hardwood)5/64"
Clearance Hole7/64"

A #3 wood screw (0.099" shaft) needs a 1/16" pilot hole in softwood or 5/64" in hardwood. Clearance hole is 7/64". Light-duty wood screws, hinges.

Note

Showing softwood pilot hole size by default. Hardwood requires a larger pilot hole to prevent splitting.

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About #3 Wood Screw Pilot Holes

A #3 wood screw has a shaft diameter of 0.099". In softwood (pine, cedar, spruce), drill a 1/16" pilot hole. In hardwood (oak, maple, cherry), use a 5/64" pilot hole to prevent splitting. The clearance hole for a #3 screw is 7/64". Light-duty wood screws, hinges. Always drill a pilot hole in hardwood to avoid splitting and ensure the screw draws the joint tight.