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Fame Shock News

what size drill bit for 10 screw

Author

Charlotte Adams

Updated on May 14, 2026

The correct drill bit to use for a #10 screw is 7/64″ for softwood and 1/8″ for hardwood. Use these to drill a pilot hole, and then you can screw into the wood. There are some variations to apply if you are using self-tapping screws or high low thread forming screws.

How big should drill bit be for screw?

The drill bit should be the same size as the shaft of the screw without accounting for the threads. To do this, simply line up a screw side by side with the drill bit. If they’re the same size, then you’re good to go. You can also look for the measurements labeled on most bits and screws.

What are #10 screws?

Screw Sizes

For screws measured in inches, diameters of 1/4 inch and smaller (for machine and sheet metal screws) or 5/16 inch and smaller (for wood screws) are expressed with a # and a whole number (ex., a screw with a major diameter of 3/16 inch is a #10 screw). Smaller numbers indicate smaller diameters.

What can I use instead of a 5/16 drill bit?

5/16 converts to 10/32. Assuming your bit set is that granular, the next larger size is 11/32, and the next smallest size is 9/32. Those aren’t necessarily common sizes, however. The next size up in x/16 would be 6/16, which is 3/8.

Which size drill bit should I use?

The diameter of the hole you drill should be slightly smaller than the diameter of the screw. So, for example, if you’re using a 3.5 mm screw, use a drill bit with a diameter of 3 mm. If you’re using wall anchors as well as screws, the drill bit and anchors should have the same diameter.

What size is a number 10 wood screw?

In comparison, a #10 wood screw (0.190″ diameter) has a withdrawal design value of 124 lbs./in. of thread penetration under the same conditions.

Is an 8 or 10 screw bigger?

Machine screws are often found in sizes of: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14—the larger the number, the larger the screw.

What size drill bit do you need for a number 12 sheet metal screw?

What Size Drill Bit for a #12 Screw? For a #12 screw, you will need a 3/16” drill bit.

How long is a #10 screw?

#10 General construction, heavy-duty furniture, outdoor projects, decks, lawn furniture, boat building, etc. Available in 3/4 in. to 4 in. lengths.