When installing new drawer pulls or knobs on your kitchen or furniture drawers, choosing the right drill bit is an important first step. The drill bit needs to match the size of the screws that came with your hardware. Using the wrong size drill bit can result in screws that don’t sit right or even damage the finish of your drawers. This article will walk you through how to determine what drill bit to use for installing drawer pulls and provide some recommendations on the best drill bit sets.
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Measuring Your Drawer Pull Screws
The first step is to check the size of the screws that were included with your new knobs or pulls. Cabinet hardware is typically sold with machine screws that are sized using numbers and letters. Some common sizes are:
| Screw Size | Diameter |
|---|---|
| #6 | 3/32 inch |
| #8 | 1/8 inch |
| #10 | 5/64 inch |
| #12 | 7/64 inch |
The diameter listed is the important part – this is the size hole you need to drill. If your cabinet hardware didn’t come with screws, use a tape measure or calipers to measure the diameter of the posts where the screws will go.
Once you know the screw diameter, you can determine what drill bit size you need. Here are some guidelines:
– For #6 screws (3/32 inch), use a 1/16 inch drill bit
– For #8 screws (1/8 inch), use a 5/64 inch drill bit
– For #10 or #12 screws (5/64 to 7/64 inch), use a 3/16 inch drill bit
The drill bit should be slightly smaller than the screw diameter to allow the threads to grip. Going too big can cause the hardware to sit loosely.
Drill Bit Materials
Drill bits come in a variety of materials, each with pros and cons:
High Speed Steel (HSS):
- Most common and affordable option
- Provides good durability for occasional use
- Not as hard or as durable as other materials
Cobalt Steel:
- More durable than standard HSS
- Retains hardness and shape better under high heat
- More expensive but worth it for frequent drilling
Carbide Tipped:
- Extremely hard and durable
- Recommended for heavy duty use in metals and masonry
- Most expensive option
Titanium:
- Lightweight alternative to steel
- Good durability and heat resistance
- Costs more than HSS but less than cobalt
For installing drawer pulls into wood, a standard or cobalt HSS bit will work great. Carbide is overkill for most household tasks.
Drill Bit Sets
Rather than buying individual drill bits, a drill bit set is a handy way to have all the common sizes ready to go. Here are some recommended drill bit sets for installing hardware:
Bestem 13-Piece Black Oxide Drill Bit Set
- Includes sizes from 1/16 inch to 1/4 inch
- Made from black oxide coated HSS
- Strong construction and durability
- Great value for the quality
Neiko Titanium Step Drill Bit Set
- Set includes 3 step bits and 5 individual bits from 1/16 to 3/16 inch
- Made from durable titanium
- Color coded for easy size identification
- Step bits allow you to use one bit for different sized holes
COMOWARE Cobalt Steel Drill Bit Set
- 21 piece set covers sizes from 1/16 to 3/8 inch
- Made from long lasting cobalt steel
- Includes case for organization and storage
- Great set for the serious DIYer
DEWALT Titanium Pilot Point Drill Bit Set
- Features titanium pilot point for faster, cleaner holes
- 21 piece set has bits from 1/16 to 3/8 inch
- Can be resharpened as needed
- Trusted brand known for quality
Any of these sets will provide high quality bits perfect for installing knobs and pulls. Just match your screw size to the right bit diameter.
Using Your Drill Bit
Once you’ve selected the appropriate drill bit, here are some tips for best results:
- Use a power drill on a low speed setting. High speeds can cause excess heat and damage.
- Drill perpendicular to the surface. Angling the drill can cause the hardware to sit crooked.
- Let the drill do the work. Don’t apply too much pressure.
- Drill a test hole in scrap material first to verify you have the right size.
- Apply masking tape over the area to help prevent splintering on wood surfaces.
Take your time and use the right drill bit size for a smooth installation. Refer to your hardware instructions for any additional tips.
Conclusion
Installing drawer pulls is an easy DIY project that can give your cabinets a brand new look. Make sure you start off with the right drill bit size to match your drawer pull screws. Measure your screw diameter, then select a drill bit that is slightly smaller. High speed steel or cobalt bits are ideal materials. Investing in a quality drill bit set will give you all the sizes you need for drawer hardware and other household tasks. With the right drill bit, you can achieve a professional looking installation.