- Why does wood split?
Screws screwed directly into wood without pre-drilling may cause the following problems:
Uneven stress on wood fibers, especially hardwoods, which are prone to cracking by screws screwed in by force due to their high density.
Screws cannot be firmly fixed, resulting in loose screws and affecting the overall structural stability.
Wood deforms over time, especially in environments with large changes in temperature and humidity.
Therefore, pre-drilling (Pilot Hole) is an important step that should not be ignored when installing hardware.
- The correct method of pre-drilling
(1) Selecting the correct drill size
The diameter of the pilot hole should be the same as the size of the body of the screw (excluding the threads), so as to ensure that the screw can enter smoothly without damaging the wood.
For longer screws, consider drilling the hole in two steps, first drilling a smaller hole and then enlarging it to a suitable size.
(2) Drill holes to sufficient depth
The depth of the drilled hole should be at least as deep as the length of the screw so that the screw can enter the wood completely without causing external pressure.
Using a drill with depth control will avoid drilling too deep or not deep enough.
(3) Use the right type of screws
Different types of wood require different types of screws:
Hardwoods (e.g. oak, maple): brass or stainless steel screws are recommended to prevent rust or breakage.
Softwood (e.g. pine): standard steel screws can be used, but pre-drilling is still recommended to avoid wood cracking.
- Choose the right hardware to enhance the stability of the installation
In addition to the correct installation of screws, the quality of the hardware is also crucial. We offer high-strength architectural hardware made of stainless steel, brass and alloy steel to ensure structural stability after installation for a variety of indoor and outdoor environments.
Recommended product examples:
✔ Stainless steel screws – rustproof and durable, suitable for high humidity environment (e.g. kitchen, bathroom).
✔ Brass Screws – Suitable for high-end wooden furniture, providing stable fixing effect.
✔ Nuts & Washers – can reduce the force on wood and improve the stability of connection.
- CONCLUSION: Proper installation makes hardware more durable!
Pre-drilling is an indispensable step to ensure optimal use of the hardware. By drilling the holes correctly and choosing the right screws and hardware, you can effectively minimize the problem of wood cracking, improve the quality of your installation and extend its service life.
If you’re looking for high-quality hardware, feel free to browse our collection of customized screws and hardware for a variety of construction and furniture projects. 📩 Contact us today for expert advice! 🚀
