Guides
Short, practical guides to common drilling and screwing problems. No fluff — just what actually works.
Guides
How to keep wood from splitting when screwingWood splitting when you drive a screw? Here's how to stop it — starting with the one fix that does most of the work: a correctly sized pilot hole.
Do deck screws need pilot holes?Most deck screws drive straight into softwood and pressure-treated framing without a pilot hole — but dense hardwood decking like ipe should always be pre-drilled. Here's how to tell.
Do I need a pilot hole?Not always — but a pilot hole is cheap insurance. Here's when you can drive a screw straight in, when you should pre-drill, and when it's essential.
How to countersink a screwCountersinking sinks a screw head flush with the surface for a clean look. Here's how to do it right — plus the honest difference between a countersink and a counterbore.