Sheet metal scew pilot holes

[smcadman]

I am having trouble finding a chart for the pilot hole diameter for sheet metal screws. These are not the self-tapping kind. I have found some online-charts for the major-diameter of these screws, but not the shank diameter. Anyone have any links?

Flores

 

[diamondjim]

Isn't the max shank diameter defined by
the screw nomenclature i.e. 3/4 diameter
screws are .750 diameter max.?

 

[smcadman]

No, a 3/4" screw is 3/4" nominal to the outside of the THREADS, not the shank.

Flores

 

[StoneCold]

Here is the technical way I do it. I hold up the screw and several different drill bits until I find one that is visibly close to the shank diameter. Best to be a little under. Then I go for it.

Maybe not smart but done.

StoneCold