#9 Wood Screw Pilot Hole — 1/8"
A #9 wood screw needs a 1/8" pilot hole. Hardwood may require a larger pilot hole to prevent splitting.
Result
Answer
1/8" drill bit
Standard
Screw Gauge#9
Shaft Diameter0.177"
Pilot Hole (softwood)1/8"
Pilot Hole (hardwood)9/64"
Clearance Hole3/16"
A #9 wood screw (0.177" shaft) needs a 1/8" pilot hole in softwood or 9/64" in hardwood. Clearance hole is 3/16". Medium-duty wood screws.
Note
Showing softwood pilot hole size by default. Hardwood requires a larger pilot hole to prevent splitting.
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About #9 Wood Screw Pilot Holes
A #9 wood screw has a shaft diameter of 0.177". In softwood (pine, cedar, spruce), drill a 1/8" pilot hole. In hardwood (oak, maple, cherry), use a 9/64" pilot hole to prevent splitting. The clearance hole for a #9 screw is 3/16". Medium-duty wood screws. Always drill a pilot hole in hardwood to avoid splitting and ensure the screw draws the joint tight.