I still remember the first time I tried to hang a shelf in my kitchen. I grabbed a #10 screw, drilled a hole with a random bit, and twisted the screw in. But halfway through, the screw stopped turning—and the head stripped.
Yep, I didn’t use the right drill bit size.
That little mistake taught me something important: choosing the right drill bit size for your screw isn’t just a detail—it’s the whole game. And if you’re asking, “What size drill bit for 10 screw?” — you’re already ahead of where I was that day.
Let’s break it all down, step by step.
Article Summary
- What Is a #10 Screw, Anyway?
- What Size Drill Bit for a #10 Screw?
- Drill Bit Size for #10 Wood Screws
- Drill Bit Size for #10 Screws in Metal
- What If You’re Using a Wall Anchor?
- Wood vs Metal: Quick Comparison Table
- My Favorite Drill Bit Set for #10 Screws
- How to Choose the Right Drill Bit for Your #10 Screw (Step-by-Step)
- What Size Drill Bit for 10 Screw Metal? (Here’s What I Use)
- Why Drill Bit Size Really Matters (Yes, It’s a Big Deal)
- Common Mistakes I’ve Made (So You Don’t Have To)
- FAQs: What Size Drill Bit for 10 Screw?
- Final Thoughts: Your #10 Screw Will Thank You
What Is a #10 Screw, Anyway?
Before we get to drill bits, let’s understand the screw.
- A #10 screw is a common medium-sized screw.
- It’s used in woodworking, metal work, DIY home repairs, and even automotive jobs.
- It usually measures about 0.19 inches in diameter (or 3/16″).
Here’s a quick look at typical dimensions:
| Screw Size | Major Diameter (inches) | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| #10 | 0.190″ | Wood, metal, plastic projects |
What Size Drill Bit for a #10 Screw?
- For softwood: use a 3/32″ pilot hole.
- For hardwood: go for a 7/64″ pilot hole.
- For metal: use a #21 drill bit (0.159″).
- For clearance hole: a 13/64″ drill bit fits a #10 screw.
But here’s the deal—I’ve used different bits depending on what I was drilling into, and what type of #10 screw I had in my hand.
Let’s walk through the real-world choices.
Drill Bit Size for #10 Wood Screws
When I’m working with wood screws, I always think about two things:
- What type of wood is it?
- Do I need a pilot hole or a clearance hole?
Here’s the difference:
- Pilot hole: smaller than the screw, helps the screw bite in without splitting the wood.
- Clearance hole: slightly larger, lets the screw pass through the top board cleanly.
Drill Bit Size Table for Wood:
| Type of Hole | Softwood | Hardwood |
|---|---|---|
| Pilot Hole | 3/32″ | 7/64″ |
| Clearance Hole | 13/64″ | 13/64″ |
Tip: I always drill a pilot hole if I’m working close to the edge of a board. It stops the wood from cracking—especially with harder woods like oak or maple.
Drill Bit Size for #10 Screws in Metal
Now, metal is a whole different story. You need a tighter fit and more precision.
Use a Numbered Drill Bit:
- #21 drill bit (0.159″) is the go-to size for #10 machine screws.
- If you’re tapping threads, go with a #25 drill bit (0.1495″).
I learned this the hard way trying to screw into aluminum without a tap. It stripped and seized up. Since then, I’ve always used the right bit and tapped the hole first.
What If You’re Using a Wall Anchor?
Great question. I ran into this when installing curtain rods.
If you’re using a plastic wall anchor for a #10 screw:
- Use a 5/16″ drill bit for the anchor hole.
- Tap the anchor in with a rubber mallet.
- Then drive the #10 screw into the anchor.
This setup works like a charm on drywall or plaster.
Wood vs Metal: Quick Comparison Table
| Material | Drill Bit Size | Type of Hole | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Softwood | 3/32″ | Pilot | Prevents splitting |
| Hardwood | 7/64″ | Pilot | Slightly larger for dense wood |
| Metal | #21 (0.159″) | Tap/Through | Needs precision; consider tapping |
| Drywall | 5/16″ | Anchor Hole | For plastic wall anchors |
| Plastic | 1/8″–5/32″ | Varies | Test on scrap piece first |
My Favorite Drill Bit Set for #10 Screws
After testing a bunch, I stick to one reliable set for all my projects:
🛠️ DeWalt 21-Piece Titanium Set
- Covers all pilot and clearance sizes.
- Includes #21 for metal screws.
- Works great on wood, metal, and plastic.
(Just being honest—I’ve had this set for over 2 years and haven’t broken a bit yet.)
How to Choose the Right Drill Bit for Your #10 Screw (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Know the Material
Are you drilling into:
- Softwood?
- Hardwood?
- Drywall?
- Metal?
Different materials need different bit sizes.
Step 2: Decide the Hole Type
Ask yourself:
- Do I want the screw to bite in? → Pilot hole
- Do I want the screw to slide through the top piece? → Clearance hole
- Am I using an anchor? → Anchor-sized hole
Step 3: Match the Drill Bit to the Screw
Here’s what I do:
- I hold the screw next to the drill bit.
- I make sure the bit matches the core of the screw, not the threads.
- If I want a clearance hole, I match the bit to the outer thread diameter.
Pro Tip: If in doubt, go smaller. You can always go bigger. But once the hole’s too wide, there’s no going back.
What Size Drill Bit for 10 Screw Metal? (Here’s What I Use)
The first time I tried drilling into metal with a #10 screw, I totally messed it up.
I used a wood bit (bad idea), guessed the size, and pushed too hard. The bit overheated, dulled out, and the screw never went in straight.
Since then, I’ve learned a better way.
If you’re asking what size drill bit for 10 screw in metal, here’s the short answer:
Use a #21 drill bit for a #10 screw in metal.
That size gives you a nice, snug fit without stripping the threads. And if you’re tapping the hole to make your own threads? Then you’ll want a different size—I’ll explain that below.
Why Drill Bit Size Really Matters (Yes, It’s a Big Deal)
Let me tell you a story.
Last year, I built a wooden planter box. I skipped pilot holes (lazy, I know). When I drove in the #10 screws, the wood split on both corners.
Lesson learned: drill bit size matters.
Here’s why:
- Too small? The screw might break or strip.
- Too big? The screw won’t grip.
- Just right? The screw goes in smooth and tight—no cracks, no stress.
Common Mistakes I’ve Made (So You Don’t Have To)
- ✅ Guessing the drill bit size (I used to eyeball it… big mistake).
- ✅ Forgetting pilot holes (especially in hardwood).
- ✅ Using wood bits on metal (spoiler: they overheat and go dull fast).
- ✅ Skipping clearance holes on top boards (screws don’t pull pieces together right).
I’ve made all these errors, and now I double-check every bit before drilling. Saves me time, materials, and a whole lot of swearing.
FAQs: What Size Drill Bit for 10 Screw?
Q1: What size drill bit for a #10 wood screw?
- Use 3/32″ for softwood, 7/64″ for hardwood.
Q2: What size drill bit for a #10 metal screw?
- Use a #21 drill bit (0.159″).
Q3: What size hole do I drill for a #10 screw with a wall anchor?
- Use a 5/16″ bit for the anchor.
Q4: Should the drill bit be the same size as the screw?
- No. Match the bit to the screw’s core, not the threads.
Q5: Can I drill without a pilot hole?
- You can, but you risk splitting the material. I always drill pilot holes—especially with hardwood or long screws.
Final Thoughts: Your #10 Screw Will Thank You
Choosing the right drill bit size might seem like a small thing, but it makes a huge difference in your project’s success. I’ve had my fair share of stripped screws, cracked boards, and wobbly shelves—but I learned from it.
Next time you’re staring at a #10 screw, wondering what bit to grab, just remember:
👉 3/32″ or 7/64″ for wood.
👉 #21 for metal.
👉 13/64″ for clearance.
And don’t forget—take your time, measure twice, and drill once.
Thanks for hanging out with me in the shop today. Got questions or want to share your own drill bit fail story? Drop it in the comments or shoot me a message. I’d love to hear it.