Most DIYers have some sort of drill in their home, and it’s likely that they have a variety of drill bits to choose from. If you’re wondering what size drill bit you should use for a 6-screw project like hanging a picture frame or putting up shelving, there’s no need to guess. There are standard sizes for most drill bits and screws.
So, what drill bit is ideal for a 6 screw?
The answer is simple – use a #6 screwdriver bit. This size screwdriver bit fits most screws that are used in household projects. It will fit the screws on your furniture, as well as any other project where 6 screws are required.
If you don’t already own one, it can be purchased at any hardware store or home improvement center.
What Size Drill Bit Do I Need for a #6 Screw?
The answer depends on the type of screw you are using. If you have a flathead screwdriver, you will need a flathead drill bit to complete the job. Flathead screws are standard and very common in home improvement projects.
They come in different sizes and shapes, but they all have flat heads that can be easily driven with a flathead screwdriver.
If you are using a Phillips-head screwdriver, you will need to use a Phillips-head drill bit to complete the job. Phillips-head screws are also very common in home improvement projects because they allow for easy installation and removal of screws when compared to flathead screws.
You can find Phillips-head drill bits at most hardware stores or online retailers such as Amazon or eBay.
How Do I Choose the Right Size Drill Bit for a Screw?
There are several factors that determine how to choose the right size drill bit for a screw. The most important thing is to make sure that you know what type of material is being drilled into. This will help you make sure that you have the right tool for the job. It is also important to consider what size screw you need and its purpose.
Type of Material
The type of material being drilled will determine which bit you should use. This includes whether it is wood, metal, plastic or some other material. Each one requires its own bit for drilling holes in it.
For example, if you want to drill a hole in an oak board then you want to use a flat head bit or brad point bit because they can cut through hard woods like oak without breaking or damaging them too much as with other types of bits like spade bits which can split the wood apart when used on harder materials such as oak or maple boards.
The Size of the Pilot Hole
The pilot hole is the smaller diameter hole drilled into a surface before using a larger bit to drill through it. The purpose of this pilot hole is to prevent the bit from walking and tracking off course during use.
If you’re using flat-head screws, then you’ll want to use a drill bit that’s 1/64 inch smaller than the screw head diameter (the distance from tip of head to top).
If you’re using Phillips head screws, then you’ll want to use a drill bit that’s 1/32 inch smaller than the screw head diameter (the distance from tip of head to top).
Whether It’s a Flathead or Phillips Head Screw
Flathead screws require a different size drill bit than Phillips head screws because of the way they are made. A Phillips head screw has a small groove on the top, where as a flathead screw does not have such grooves and requires a bigger hole in order for it to fit properly.
The Size of Your Drill Bit Holder or Collet
This refers to the opening at the top of your drill chuck. The size of this opening determines what size drill bit you can use with your machine. Most electric drills have collets that are 1/4″ in diameter, but if you have an older machine or a more basic model, it may be smaller than that. If this is the case, you may need to upgrade your machine so it will fit larger bits.
Whether You’re Using a Hand Drill or Power Drill
Whether you’re using a hand drill or power drill, it’s important to use the correct size drill bit for your screws. The wrong size bit can cause damage to your work piece and rob you of time and money.
If you’re drilling wood, choose a wood bit that is slightly larger than the diameter of your screw. This will allow the bit to sink into the wood without stripping the threads or damaging the screw head.
If you’re drilling metal, choose a metal-cutting bit and make sure it’s at least as large as the diameter of your screw. If it’s too small, it will strip out the threads and break off in the hole before you’ve driven it all the way through.
Use a pilot hole when drilling metal so that if your bit breaks off in the hole, there will be enough room for another one to pass through without damaging things further.
Is M6 the Same as #6?
M stands for metric and it’s a standard size of bolt head. The number is the diameter of the shank in millimeters. So, 6 mm means that the bolt has a 6 mm diameter shank (the part that goes through a hole).
So yes, M6 is an imperial equivalent for #6.
There are some exceptions though. For instance, in the UK, the standard drill bit size for wood screws which have a round head is called an “F” bit and has no relationship to its diameter or its size in millimeters.
Bottom Line
When you are going to drill a hole in something, you need to know what size drill bit to use. The size of the hole you want to drill is determined by the size of the screw or bolt that needs to be inserted into it.
The most common screw sizes used on wood surfaces are #6 and #8. These are the same sizes as standard wood screws, which are made to fit into pre-drilled holes in wood.