Screw Pilot & Clearance Hole Planner
Compare a manufacturer-specified pilot diameter with your drill bits and check clearance around the screw shank.
Set up your calculation
An illustrative example is loaded. Replace its values with your measurements, costs or documented settings.
Calculation
Your result
- Pilot size difference
- 0 in
- Selected pilot in metric
- 3.175 mm
- Diametral shank clearance
- 0.00787 in
Confirm the manufacturer’s pilot tolerance and countersink requirements before drilling.
The quote handoff carries your inputs and assumptions. Only an explicit base cost is suggested as a quote cost; prices, rates and measurements remain planning notes.
How it works
Pilot difference = selected bit − specified pilot. Shank clearance = clearance bit − shank diameter. Diameters are inches; metric equivalents use 25.4 mm per inch.
- Screw gauge alone does not specify root diameter or a universal pilot. Use the fastener maker’s diameter for the actual wood, thread form and insertion direction.
- The clearance hole is normally in the first member; the pilot is in the receiving member. This tool checks sizes, not joint strength or embedment capacity.
Learn the method in the Academy
Follow the matching lesson or workshop reference before applying the result.
Use this in your project
Continue with the next measurement or cost, then keep the assumptions with your quote.
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