#11 screws aren’t a typical sized screw. This makes them used less frequently because of their uncommon sizing. Standard sizes are much preferred if you don’t know what size drill bit for a #11 screw.
Contents
What Size Drill Bit for a #11 Screw?
If you are using a #11 screw with hardwood, you need a drill bit that is 5/32 inches. When using softwood, your drill bit size will be 9/64 inches with a #11 screw.
Don’t confuse this with taps like the 5/8-11 tap. This is a unique and uncommon drill bit size, much like the #20 screw.
Other types of #11 screws may have different drill bit sizes, including:
- AB self-tapping screws
- Type B self-tapping screws
- Type 25 thread-cutting screws
Tips for Using Medium Drill Bits
Wear Protective Eyewear
Since I’m dealing with medium drill bits, debris could fly away and land into your eyes. Accidents related to eyes are one of the most common mistakes people do when handling drills. It’s important to protect your eyes from flying debris, which might lead to serious injuries.
Wear safety glasses as a precaution. There is a lot of protective eyewear you can choose from that has different designs. Choose one that fits snugly in your head so it doesn’t slip off as you are drilling.
You can put it in a checklist before drilling so you won’t forget to wear them.
Consider Using Stud Finder
A stud finder ensures you are not drilling into a water pipe or electric cables. Drilling through electric cables can create a huge accident, like electrocuting yourself. So, it’s best to use a stud finder as a safety precaution.
It’s also useful to avoid hitting water pipes which can cause leakage and flooding in your home. You should use a stud finder when drilling with hazardous materials near the drilling spot.
If you’re drilling into an unfamiliar surface, it’s best to use a stud finder to ensure you are drilling precisely and accurately. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Deburr the Hole
Most medium drill bits are used for drilling holes. So, deburring the hole is a sensible thing to do. After you’re done drilling, make sure the hole does not have sharp edges or burr left in the hole. Feel the hole until it’s smooth.
It ensures your hole is smooth and clean, so you produce quality work. You can deburr a hole by running it in a bit of power and running the bit around the edges of the hole.
You can also use deburring tools to make the process simpler and easier. Most of them come with an instructional, so you should have no problems learning to properly use them.
Conclusion
#11 screws are used for general woodworking projects, even though they are not a very common size. They are more commonly used in the United States, Canada, and even the UK. Make sure you use the right drill bit size to ensure the stability of your woodworking.