How do you interpret drill bit sizes?

Question

I just got a drill but I have no idea how to use the appropriate size drill bit. This is the way I make a hole...I find the s***w, and then I find the drill bit that appears to have the same diameter, then I drill the hole and hope that the s***w bites.

I have no idea how numbers like 25/64, 11/16, etc. relate to the screws.

Can you tell me why I am making this so hard? I want to learn how to use the bits properly.

This is the bit set that I have http://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-48-89-1105-16-Inch-Titanium-Assortment/dp/B000FSSIYW/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1211720128&sr=8-1

Answer 1

look at the package the s***w came in and it will tell you what size it is. another thing to consider is to get a sizing plate from the hardware store.

Answer 2

Those numbers are the diameter of the bit in fractions of an inch. Here are some tips. Explore this site for some good basic info.

http://www.woodmagazine.com/woodworking-...

Here's a chart that shows the hole sizes for wood screws:

http://www.woodmagazine.com/woodworking-...

Answer 3

You're kidding, right?   You never learned fractions in school?   11/16ths is 11/16th of an inch or one sixteenth larger than 5/8ths of an inch.

And so on.  Imagine if you had number and letter drills like a machinist.  How do people like you get through the day?

Answer 4

the drill bits are sized by the diameter of the hole you are making. screws are usually named by length and how fine the threads are. you are doing it almost correctly, except you should use a drill bit smaller than your s***w so the s***w has some wood to bite.