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Look for Torx-Head Screws
Torx-head screws have been common on automobiles for a long time, but now they’re available for general construction use too. Star-shaped Torx bits fit tightly into the star-shaped recess in the head of the screw, providing a firm grip that rarely slips out or strips the screw head. It’s easier to drive these screws because you don’t have to press down as hard to maintain good bit contact. Plus, most Torx-head screws are premium-quality fasteners available with other features like self-drilling points, self-setting heads and corrosion-resistant coatings.
Torx-head screws require star-shaped bits that are labeled with a ‘T’ followed by a number. Most screw packages include a driver bit, but if yours doesn’t, check the package to see what size is required. If there’s a downside to Torx-head screws, it’s the price. You wouldn’t want to use them to hang drywall.
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Buy a Set of Countersink Bits
Drilling a pilot hole for the screw and then creating a recess, or countersink, for the screw head is standard practice on cabinets and furniture projects. The pilot hole bit creates a hole that reduces friction to make screw driving easier, and the countersink allows you to set the screw head flush with or below the surface. For straight-shank screws, the less expensive straight-bit design works fine. For tapered-shank wood screws, use a countersink fitted with a tapered-shank bit.
Countersink bits are available with or without stop collars. An adjustable stop collar lets you set the maximum depth of the countersink for more consistent results. Also, you can hide the screw by drilling a deep countersink, called a counterbore, and gluing a plug into the hole. Countersink drill bits are available in sizes to match screw sizes. If you’re an avid woodworker, it’s worth buying a full set. Otherwise, a No. 7 or No. 8 will cover the most common screw size.
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