What Size Drill Bit for 3/16 Tapcon?

I’ll teach you the right size drill bit for your 3/16 Tapcon Screw projects in this article.

As an electrician, I often install 3/16-inch Tapcon screws. The drill bit should have the correct length and diameter. Using the wrong drill bit to install a Tapcon Screw will jeopardize the hold of the screw. The tip should also be coated with the right substance allowing the Tapcon to fit snugly.

To install a 3/16-inch Tapcon Screw, use a drill bit with the following properties (must comply with ANSI B212.15-1994 standards otherwise, the Tapcon screw won’t achieve the intended hold):

• Diameter – 5/32-inch
• Length – 4-5/8 inch
• Carbide-tipped
• Minimum embedment depth – 1 inch
• Use the drill bit with a hammer drill set — in hammer and rotation mode

I will cover more detail below. Let’s begin.

Right Size Getting Started

Use a drill bit with 4-5/8 length to drill a hole for your 3/16 Tapcon screw to fit it snugly into the material.

The drill bits for installing the Tapcon Screw must comply with ANSI B212.15-1994 standards.

The drill bit must be carbide-tipped and used with a hammer drill set in hammer & rotation mode.

The diameter of the drill bit for installing 3/16 Tapcon Screws should be 5/32 inches.

How to Install a Tapcon Screw

Step 1: Drill a Hole

Use a hammer drill to cut a 1/4-inch hole deeper than the anchor embedment. The hole’s depth must exceed the penetration of the 3/16 Tapcon Screw in the base materials.

The extra depth in the hole caters to the dust produced during the installation process. The dust will fall into and out of the way for effective installation.

Step 2: Select the Correct Size Drill Bit

You can easily determine the correct drill bit for your 3/16-inch Tapcon Screw by simply looking it up in a chart. This is a very handy way of selecting a metric masonry bit. (1)

The right drill bit size should be 5/32-inch in diameter from the chart. That way, you will drill a precise hole.

Step 3: Clean the Hole

The best way to clean up the hole is to use a blow-out bulb or compressed air.

Rid the hole of dust and other particles or debris. (2)

Step 4: Drive the Anchor

Use a hammer with a nut driver (or Phillips bit) to drive the anchor until fully seated.

The Length & Diameter of Tapcon Screws

The bits used to install a Tapcon Screw are described by two lengths or dimensions.

These dimensions are critical and must be met. Otherwise, the Tapcon Screw won’t hold properly.

The chart shows the minimum embedment depth of various Tapcon screws. A 3/16 Tapcon Screw has a minimum embedment depth of one inch.

To avoid using the wrong size drill bit, use the metric chart. Otherwise, your 3/16 Tapcon screw won’t fit well in the material.

Take a look at some of our related articles below.

• What size drill bit for 1/4 tapcon
• What size drill bit for 8 screw metal
• What size drill bit for anchor

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References
(1) masonry – https://www.britannica.com/technology/masonry
(2) dust – https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/dust/

Video References