From first pilot hole to clean drive
View the Drill Bit Sizes Chart
Fractional, metric, number and letter entries appear in diameter order. In the #80-to-#1 series, diameter grows as the designation number decreases.
By B Power Tools Editorial Desk · 2026-08-07Learn the system in order: read the fastener, match the bit and driver, choose the pilot hole, drive with control, then diagnose what went wrong.
Power tools from zero to one
5 stages · build in order-
01Head · drive · diameter · length · thread
Read the fastener
- What’s happening
- Learn which part of a screw name describes shape, fit, material, and holding behavior.
- What you’ll notice
- You can explain why Phillips truss head and countersunk flat head are not interchangeable descriptions.
- What to do
- Start with fastener anatomy before choosing a bit or tool.
-
02Fastener ↔ bit ↔ driver
Match the interface
- What’s happening
- Match the recess to the correct bit profile and size, then choose a drill, driver, or impact tool.
- What you’ll notice
- The bit seats fully without rocking and the tool suits the fastening job.
- What to do
- Use the matcher before buying another tool.
-
03Pilot · clearance · countersink
Prepare the material
- What’s happening
- Select a pilot hole from the screw root, material hardness, and thread engagement needed.
- What you’ll notice
- The hole guides the screw without removing the material the threads must hold.
- What to do
- Test on scrap when the material or finish is unforgiving.
-
04Speed · torque · alignment
Drive with control
- What’s happening
- Keep the bit square, start slowly, and use only enough torque to seat the fastener.
- What you’ll notice
- The head seats cleanly without cam-out, crushing, or stripping.
- What to do
- Stop when the joint is seated; more trigger is not more secure.
-
05Strip · snap · split · stall
Diagnose the failure
- What’s happening
- Trace the symptom back to interface fit, pilot size, material, alignment, speed, or torque.
- What you’ll notice
- You can change one variable instead of guessing at a stronger tool.
- What to do
- Fix the cause before repeating the drive.
Use this as a learning path, not a shopping list. Each stage removes one common source of stripped heads, split material, snapped screws, or unnecessary tool purchases.
Start here: Find the Right Drill Diameter Across Every Common Sizing System
How this site is written
Dimensions and compatibility depend on the exact fastener, material, tool, and manufacturer. We show the matching logic and name the source; verify the packaging and tool manual before drilling or driving.
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