What size pilot holes for neck screws?

[Last Triumph]

I've removed the machine thread inserts from my neck as i don't like them, I've plugged the holes and now need to drill them to accept conventional neck screws.

What size pilot hole do I need to drill to accept the neck screws?

 

[AirCap]

Standard rule of thumb is 3/4 of the major diameter of the screw - OR, if you have calipers, measure between the threads to get the size of the shaft.... which should be 3/4 of the major diameter.

 

[Cagey]

Fender-style neck heels are typically held on by #8 x 1 3/4" inch wood screws. Pilot holes for #8 screws in hardwood are typically 11/64" diameter.

 

[Strat Avenger]

What's not to like about threaded inserts? You're kind'a going backwards.

 

[Fat Pete]

Fender-style neck heels are typically held on by #8 x 1 3/4" inch wood screws. Pilot holes for #8 screws in hardwood are typically 11/64" diameter.

Just for future reference, are you sure it shouldn't be 9/64"?

 

[Cagey]

Hmm. Maybe. I pulled that number off a chart, as I do it by eye. But, the general rule of thumb is "For most hardwoods, the pilot hole should be at least as large as the screw's minor diameter. If the screw has deep threads, or the wood is very hard, the pilot hole should be another 1/64-in. larger than the minor diameter."