FASTENERS 101™
Drilling FAQ

What are pilot holes?

Pilot holes are a pre-drilled hole for the screw or bolt to go into.

What are tapped holes?

Tapped holes are holes with threading cut into them with a specific kind of bit.

What is a countersunk hole?

A countersunk hole is a hole sunk down into the material so the head of the fastener sits flush or under the top material.

Do I need to drill into wood?

It is always a good idea to pre-drill into wood before driving a screw, it will prevent cracks and splitting in the woods.

How can I drill into concrete?

Using a hammer drill and a drill bit rated for masonry work.

Whats the difference between a hammer drill and an impact drill?

A hammer drill can and usually should be used for drilling into a hard surface like brick or concrete. In contrast, an impact driver is used mainly for driving in fasteners like screws and nails.

Can I use spade bits on sheet metal?

No, spade bits are made for wood using them in sheet metal will ruin the bit and result in an unclean hole.

What are wood drill bits?

Wood drill bits are bits made specifically to efficiently cut into wood.

What is a drill?

A drill is a tool that spins drill bits at high speeds to quickly and efficiently cut holes into different materials.

How do I drill a hole in drywall?

Using a hole saw.

What is a car reamer used for?

A car reamer is used to make an already existing hole bigger than the previous one.

What is drill bit lubricant for?

Drill bit lubricant is used on metal to keep a drill bit from generating too much heat which can cause it to expand and snap inside of a hole.

How does a step drill work?

A step drill is commonly used when many different sized holes need to be drilled but carrying around a whole set of bits is inconvenient.

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For more detailed information please visit our Fasteners 101 Resource Pages

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