Installing a LV vise screw - okay to use an oversized hole?

[Nathan Callender]

Hey all. So, I'm making some progress on my bench build, and I'm about to drill the holes to mount my leg vise screw which is 11/8" thick. Here's the link:

http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/page.aspx?p=41664&cat=1,41659,41661,41664

The problem is that I have a 1 1/4" bit. :( So, for those who have done this before, should I go get a 1 1/8" bit or do you think it's okay to drill an oversized hole? My forstner bit set is in 1/8" increments except for this size. !!!

[Sam Stephens]

i don't see how it would make much difference in this application. fwiw, spade bits are cheap and much faster than forstner bits for drilling a through hole.

[Brian Loran]

1 1/4" bit is fine. You don't want the screw dragging on the outside walls!

[Nathan Callender]

Thanks for the feedback. I don't know why I didn't think of spade bits. They definitely do drill much faster. I can't wait to get this bench finished.

[Hilton Ralphs]

I would take the opportunity to complete the Forstner set. It's only $13.

Whatever you decide, it may be a good idea to start the hole with the forstner to get that clean edge and then once the spade pops out the other side, do the same.

[Tom Vanzant]

The size of the hole is not critical. The metal flanges locate the screw within the hole.

[Phil Thien]

Get the right size bit so the screws that hold the flange have enough material to bite into.