Pilot hole

Pilot hole

A pilot hole is a smaller hole drilled into a material prior to a larger hole being drilled, widening the hole to the desired width. Drilling a pilot hole prevents a larger drill bit from slipping on the material - a potential safety hazard, as well as an increased likelihood of the work being damaged. Normally, a centre punch is used before drilling the pilot hole to ensure that the smaller pilot drill bit does not slip.

Pilot holes may also be used when driving a screw. When a screw is driven into a material, it can act as a wedge, generating outward pressure which can cause many materials (such as wood or plastic) to split. By drilling a small pilot hole into the material, into which a screw is then driven, less 'wedging' takes place, thereby reducing the likelihood of the material being split.

Pilot holes are used on a variety of materials including wood and plastics, though their use is especially essential when drilling into polished or smooth metal, as larger drill bits are very likely to slip on such materials.


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем написать курсовую

Look at other dictionaries:

  • pilot hole — noun A narrow hole drilled or punched into a surface, to facilitate the insertion of a wider screw, nail, drill bit, or other boring tool. During the sinking of the last 150 feet, a pilot hole was kept in advance, so as to prevent any unforeseen… …   Wiktionary

  • pilot hole — When using a large drill bit, it is sometimes hard for the drill to cut through the metal and do it evenly in a straight line. A pilot hole is first made with a small bit. Then, when you use the large bit, the drilling is much easier …   Dictionary of automotive terms

  • pilot hole — …   Useful english dictionary

  • hole — See access hole bolt hole countersunk hole cubby hole drain hole limber hole oil filter hole pilot hole radiator fill hole spurt hole …   Dictionary of automotive terms

  • Pilot — Pi lot, n. [F. pilote, prob. from D. peillood plummet, sounding lead; peilen, pegelen, to sound, measure (fr. D. & G. peil, pegel, a sort of measure, water mark) + lood lead, akin to E. lead. The pilot, then, is the lead man, i. e., he who throws …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Pilot balloon — Pilot Pi lot, n. [F. pilote, prob. from D. peillood plummet, sounding lead; peilen, pegelen, to sound, measure (fr. D. & G. peil, pegel, a sort of measure, water mark) + lood lead, akin to E. lead. The pilot, then, is the lead man, i. e., he who… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Pilot bird — Pilot Pi lot, n. [F. pilote, prob. from D. peillood plummet, sounding lead; peilen, pegelen, to sound, measure (fr. D. & G. peil, pegel, a sort of measure, water mark) + lood lead, akin to E. lead. The pilot, then, is the lead man, i. e., he who… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Pilot boat — Pilot Pi lot, n. [F. pilote, prob. from D. peillood plummet, sounding lead; peilen, pegelen, to sound, measure (fr. D. & G. peil, pegel, a sort of measure, water mark) + lood lead, akin to E. lead. The pilot, then, is the lead man, i. e., he who… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Pilot bread — Pilot Pi lot, n. [F. pilote, prob. from D. peillood plummet, sounding lead; peilen, pegelen, to sound, measure (fr. D. & G. peil, pegel, a sort of measure, water mark) + lood lead, akin to E. lead. The pilot, then, is the lead man, i. e., he who… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Pilot cloth — Pilot Pi lot, n. [F. pilote, prob. from D. peillood plummet, sounding lead; peilen, pegelen, to sound, measure (fr. D. & G. peil, pegel, a sort of measure, water mark) + lood lead, akin to E. lead. The pilot, then, is the lead man, i. e., he who… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
… Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”