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The old timer who told me to pre-drill every hole in oak was right. I didn't listen.
A retired cabinet maker in Austin told me to pre-drill all pilot holes for screws in red oak, but I figured my cordless driver could handle it. Split three 10-foot boards on a kitchen cabinet job before I learned my lesson. How many of you still skip pre-drilling and just let the screw tell you when to stop?
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parker_bailey1d ago
Do you think it's really about the wood type or more about the bit and technique you use? In my experience, a sharp screw with a nice tip can save you a ton of headache if you start it straight and take it slow. I've put hundreds of screws into white oak with a regular driver and no pilot holes, and I've only split one board in the last five years. Your mileage may vary, but I honestly think the screws and your touch matter more than just drilling every time.
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derek_dixon781d ago
Have you ever tried wax on your screws before driving them into dense wood like that?
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skylerc8612h ago
People really overthink woodworking sometimes.
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