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A pilot hole is a small hole used as a guide for drilling, screwing or nailing. It is used to avoid slippage, cracking or splitting of the surface and to improve accuracy. It is also used as a guide in flatpack furniture.
A pilot hole is a small hole created in a surface to serve as a guide for drilling, screwing or nailing. There are a variety of reasons for creating a pilot hole, and a variety of techniques can be used. One of the most common involves using a drill with a small bit to drill the hole, although people can also create a pilot hole by inserting a small nail halfway through and then removing the nail, leaving a clean hole behind.
One of the most common reasons for drilling a pilot hole is to avoid slippage. When drilling large diameter holes, it is not uncommon for the drill bit to slip or slide, which can damage material and potentially endanger the drill operator. Small holes are easier to drill, so a pilot hole can be countersunk first, then the larger drill bit can be centered over the pilot hole to enlarge the hole. This is much safer than starting with a large bit and can improve accuracy, as the bit won’t slip and end up poking a hole in the wrong place.
Drilling pilot holes is often recommended with hardwoods, because they can be difficult to work with. Trying to drive a large diameter screw or drill through hardwood without using a hole that has already been started can be a frustrating process. The bit could slip, slide on the wood and damage it, and the hole could come out uneven or at an angle.
Another reason to create a pilot hole is to avoid cracking or splitting the surface you are working on. Both wood and plastic tend to crack when drilling large holes or when driving a screw in. A pilot hole reduces the strain on the material, making it less likely to break. This can be especially critical with delicate materials or irreplaceable materials; While drilling the pilot hole takes time, it’s preferable to cause permanent damage to something that can’t be repaired or replaced.
The pilot holes are also used as guides. Flatpack furniture often comes with pilot holes, both to show people how to assemble the furniture and to minimize the need for additional tools. The pre-drilled holes also eliminate the risk of cracking, a common concern with cheaper woods and plastics used to make some flatpack furniture products. For projects that people are doing themselves, a pilot hole can improve accuracy, since the hole that’s already started is where a screw, drill bit, or nail will naturally slide into.
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