Posted By: learnin to fish
Pilot Hole Screw Size for Fiberglass - 06/14/22 02:41 AM
I’m installing the T-Top I am building for my boat tomorrow and am using #14 screws. Should I drill the pilot hole 1 or 2 sizes smaller than the screw size? I don’t want to crack the fiberglass but don’t want it too lose as this is going into the floor and must be a strong connection. I always countersink the pilot holes in the fiberglass to prevent cracking.
Posted By: bronco71
Re: Pilot Hole Screw Size for Fiberglass - 06/14/22 05:53 PM
not sure of pilot size but if you tape the area with painters tape and use a step drill it is less likely to crack than using a regular drill bit....
Posted By: hopalong
Re: Pilot Hole Screw Size for Fiberglass - 06/14/22 07:47 PM
size the bit so when held up to the screw you see the threads and barely any of the main shaft of the screw, don't remember what size I use for #14 but that is how I size bits for pilots.
Posted By: Duke 22
Re: Pilot Hole Screw Size for Fiberglass - 06/15/22 03:27 AM
size the bit so when held up to the screw you see the threads and barely any of the main shaft of the screw, don't remember what size I use for #14 but that is how I size bits for pilots.
x2, or as I call it " The Eyeball Test".
Posted By: hopalong
Re: Pilot Hole Screw Size for Fiberglass - 06/15/22 10:21 PM
run the bit in reverse for a few turns first, it will keep it from chipping so bad.
Posted By: 78Staff
Re: Pilot Hole Screw Size for Fiberglass - 08/15/22 02:36 PM
I struggle with this as well, and found this online - from a sailing site I think, but have found it to be accurate. As others have mentioned, I start with a smaller bit, and also drill in reverse and/or counter sync with a Philips bit depending on what I am mounting.
Formatting is bad due to forum, but the 3rd column is the FG pilot size
size clearance FG Wood
#4 9/64 3/32 5/64
6 11/64 7/64 1/16
8 13/64 1/8 7/64
10 15/64 9/64 1/8
12 1/4 5/32 9/64
14 9/32 3/16 5/32
Posted By: 78Staff
Re: Pilot Hole Screw Size for Fiberglass - 08/15/22 02:38 PM
I struggle with this as well, and found this online - from a sailing site I think, but have found it to be accurate. As others have mentioned, I start with a smaller bit, and also drill in reverse and/or counter sync with a Philips bit depending on what I am mounting.