Why pilot holes matter Lag screws—also called lag bolts—have coarse threads that cut into wood. A pilot hole gives the screw’s threaded section room to enter without splitting the lumber, while still leaving enough wood…
Toggle bolts and molly bolts both grip behind drywall, but they work differently. A toggle spreads its load across a hinged bar; a molly expands a metal sleeve inside the wall. The better choice depends…
An impact driver can remove a small screw in a second—and strip its head just as quickly. Its rapid hammering action is built for driving fasteners, not delicate control. You can still use one on…
Stainless steel is harder to drill than mild steel, and it punishes a dull or overheated bit quickly. The choice usually comes down to cobalt bits or standard high-speed-steel bits with a titanium coating. For…
A standard cordless drill can make holes in brick, but it is slow and easy to overwork. A hammer drill adds a rapid forward tapping action that helps a masonry bit cut into hard material.…
Thin galvanized steel is usually easy to drill, but it punishes the wrong bit. The steel layer may be only 18 to 24 gauge—about 0.048 to 0.030 inches thick—yet a dull bit can skate across…
The right impact-driver bit set is not necessarily the one with the most pieces. For cabinet screws, a loose or worn bit can chew up a head before the screw is seated. For construction screws,…
What you need to drill a concrete patio For a few holes in an ordinary concrete patio slab, a cordless hammer drill is usually enough. It combines rotation with a rapid hammering action, helping a…
A small floating shelf is light enough to seem easy to mount, but the leverage at the shelf bracket can pull an anchor out of drywall surprisingly quickly. A shelf holding books, a speaker, or…
Attaching a track to a block wall sounds straightforward, but the wall’s construction determines whether the fastener will hold. Concrete block may be solid, hollow, lightweight, painted, or badly weathered. A screw that works well…