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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/wood-nail-lead-hole

A pilot (lead) hole for a nail should be about what size compared with the nail shank?

A bit smaller, about 90% of the shank diameter.

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  1. About 150% of the shank diameter
  2. The same as the nail head
  3. About 90% of the shank diameter ✔

Why: A hole slightly smaller than the nail still lets the shank grip the wood. It gives somewhat better holding than driving with no hole and helps prevent splitting, especially in dense woods.

Huh, didn't know that: Clinching, which bends over the protruding point, greatly increases a smooth nail's withdrawal resistance.

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References

Answer: About 90% of the shank diameter. A hole slightly smaller than the nail still lets the shank grip the wood. It gives somewhat better holding than driving with no hole and helps prevent splitting, especially in dense woods.

  1. Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material, FPL-GTR-282 (USDA Forest Products Laboratory, 2021) research.fs.usda.gov/treesearch/62200
    Nails driven into lead holes with a diameter slightly smaller (approximately 90%) than the nail shank have somewhat greater withdrawal resistance
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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