Changed my view on pre-drilling for trim screws after a bad split

I always thought it was a waste of time for small trim, but I split a piece of oak baseboard last week and had to re-cut it. Now I pre-drill with a 1/16" bit every single time, even for the little 2-inch screws. Anyone have a favorite bit brand for this that holds up?

2 comments

2 Comments

hunt.shane3d ago

Yeah, that split oak will change your mind fast. I just use whatever cheap bits are on sale.

grayw323d ago

That "split oak will change your mind" line is so true! My buddy learned that the hard way last fall. He was using a bargain bin bit on some old oak and it just grabbed and snapped, sending the piece flying. Scared him half to death. He's a convert to spending a few more bucks now, @hunt.shane. I get the appeal of cheap bits for softwood, but hardwoods really do play by different rules.