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#8 Wood Screw Pilot Hole — 7/64"

A #8 wood screw needs a 7/64" pilot hole. Hardwood may require a larger pilot hole to prevent splitting.

Result
Answer
7/64" drill bit
Screw Gauge#8
Shaft Diameter0.164"
Pilot Hole (softwood)7/64"
Pilot Hole (hardwood)1/8"
Clearance Hole11/64"

A #8 wood screw (0.164" shaft) needs a 7/64" pilot hole in softwood or 1/8" in hardwood. Clearance hole is 11/64". Most common wood screw size; general construction.

Note

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

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Related Sizes

About #8 Wood Screw Pilot Holes

A #8 wood screw has a shaft diameter of 0.164". In softwood (pine, cedar, spruce), drill a 7/64" pilot hole. In hardwood (oak, maple, cherry), use a 1/8" pilot hole to prevent splitting. The clearance hole for a #8 screw is 11/64". Most common wood screw size; general construction. Always drill a pilot hole in hardwood to avoid splitting and ensure the screw draws the joint tight.