11. To fasten boards with nails, first drill pilot holes to avoid splitting the wood. 12. If you use a finish nail, drill a pilot hole through the hardwood first. 13. The pilot hole should be slightly smaller than the thread diameter of the screw. 14. Drill pilot holes first and countersink each screw head into the tr % ad 15. In addition to the pilot hole , drill a clearance hole for the screw shank. 16. Drill pilot holes along the inside edge of the casing. 17. You can nail into studs, but you must screw into lath, predrilling pilot holes . 18. Or, let the epoxy set, drill a small pilot hole , and drive in the screw. 19. For metalwork, this is countered by drilling a pilot hole with a spotting drill bit. 20. If you have to install sheet metal screws, you need to drill pilot holes first.
