Drill bit size for drilling new pickguard screw holes in squier bullet (basswood or poplar)

JamesC01

I will have to drill some new screwholes for a new pickguard I got, and I'm not sure what drillbit size to buy. I'm buying the drill with it, so I don't have anything to compare to. I just want to drill the hole, and then screw the screw in. If I've got it right, I need something slightly smaller than the screw, then drill the hole, and then thread the screw in myself. What size drillbit should I use? The screws are 3x12mm.

update: I went with 2mm, and it seems to work fine. 2.5mm seemed a bit too wide.

randella

For a 3mm screw into hardwood I'd use a 2mm drill bit, either wood or HSS. Put masking tape over the location of the hole and mark the screw hole position onto that. Drill to the 12mm depth of the screw. Use a bit of candlewax on the screw threads, and drive the screw in with the correct size screwdriver - use your best, newest screwdriver. Don't use an impact!

FelineGuitars

3/32" perhaps (2.3mm)

randella

FelineGuitars said:

3/32" perhaps (2.3mm)

I used to have one - it was only marked with the metric size which I thought was a bit random. It never occurred to me that it would be an Imperial equivalent size! Anyway it snapped, so that was that.

OP - I'd take Feline's advice on the bit diameter. He knows a thing or two about guitars

SteveRobinson

2.5mm is what I use and I countersink the holes to avoid any finish chipping.

FelineGuitars

Steve makes a good point - a slight countersink helps the finish avoid chipping