Learning, Drilling,

What Size Drill Bit for Wall Plug (Expert Advice)

Are you installing or planning to put various wall plugs in and wondering which drill bit size to use? Let me help.

There are four main types of wall plugs that are differentiated by color codes. We have yellow, red, brown, and blue wall plugs, and we use them in holes that match their various diameter requirements. Using the correct drill bit helps you avoid drilling larger or smaller holes, making your installation unprofessional or dangerous. As an electrician, I use various drill bits for similar projects daily and will teach you the appropriate drill bit for any given wall plug in this guide.

The correct size drill bit for various wall plugs:

  • Yellow wall plugs — use 5.0 mm drill bits
  • Brown wall plugs — use 7.0 mm drill bits
  • Blue wall plugs — use 10.0 mm drill bits
  • Red wall plugs — use 6.0 mm drill bits

We will go into detail below.

Measuring the Wall Plug

The correct Rawplug or wall plug will depend upon the screw gauge in use. So, the size of the wall plug will vary according to the size of the drill bit used to create a hole. There are four main types of wall plugs: red, yellow, blue, and brown wall plugs. They use different size bits that entirely depend upon the weight of the application in question.

The type of wall you have determines the type of bit to use. For instance, you need a slightly smaller bit than the plug for a plastic plug and concrete walls. The bit can drive into a wall with a light tap of a hammer. Use a small bit for drywall anchors. Then screw the plastic anchor in.

The Image Below May Help.

drill sizes table


What Size Drill Bit for a Yellow Wall Plug?

For a yellow plug, use a 5.0 mm drill bit — 5/25.5 inches.

You need the correct size drill bit for the yellow wall plug. Usually, the size of the drill bit is indicated on the back of the cardboard on the packaging. Additional information includes the size of the Rawplug and the size of the screw you need to use in a project.

Yellow wall plugs are the smallest ones, and you can easily afford one. However, they are restricted o lightweight applications. Anything else will damage them. So, if you have a heavyweight application consider other types of wall plugs — discussed below.


What Size Drill Bit for a Brown Wall Plug?

brown wall plug

If You Have a Brown Wall Plug-in Your House, Use a 7.0 Mm Drill Bit — 7/25.4 Inches.

Brown wall plugs are heavier than yellow and red wall plugs. So, you can use them for heavyweight applications. I use brown and blue wall plugs because they are compatible with most installs.

Use brown wall plugs in holes made by a 7.0 mm drill bit. Just like blue and the wall plugs, you can as well use brown wall plugs on brickwork, stones, et cetera.

It is recommendable to utilize smaller wall plugs such as yellow and red wall plugs if you need something very discrete.


What Size Drill Bit for a Blue Wall Plug?

Always Use a 10.0 Mm Drill Bit for Blue Wall Plugs Equivalent to 10/25.4 Inches.

Blue wall plugs are heavy-duty wall plugs, and they are common. However, they are also useful in light-duty anchoring in a solid block, brick, concrete, and stone.


What Size Drill Bit for a Red Wall Plug?

red wall plug

Ensure You Use 6.0 Mm Drill Bits for Red Wall Plugs that Equal 6/25.4 Inches.

Simply divide the mm values by 25.4 to get readings in inches.

Red wall plugs are light-duty and can be used for lightweight applications. Use red wall plugs in holes made by a 6.0 mm drill bit. Red wall plugs are made from durable plastics and can be used in various locations in and around a home. They are particularly suitable for concrete, stone, blockwork, tiled walls, and brickwork. (1, 2)


FAQs

How Do I Insert a Drill Bit Into an Electric Drill?

Follow the procedure below to put a drill bit into an electric drill.

– Turn the chuckle clockwise
– Observe the chuckle as it opens up
– Insert the bit
– Then turn the chuck counterclockwise
– Observe it (chuck) closing
– Tighten the chuck
– Test the drill bit

What Should I Do if The Bit Slips Off?

Perhaps you are in the middle of your work, and the drill bit advances away from the spot or the pilot hole.

Do not panic. Place a punch with a sharp point right on the spot and strike it with a hammer. That will help keep the drill bit in position.

Caution: always wear safety goggles when using drill bits to prevent the metal shavings from piercing your eyes.

How Can I Detect a Dull Drill Bit?

It is simple. Just inspect the bit, and check the crisp edges keenly. If you are long-sighted, simply rub the bit edges against your thumbnail. If you see any bites, your bit is fine. 

What is the Easiest Way to Know What Size Drill to Use for Various Wall Plugs?

Use color code. For instance, yellow wall plugs are compatible with 5.0 mm drill bits, while red wall plugs go with 6.0 mm drill bits.

Take a look at some of our related articles below.




References
(1) durable plastics – https://phys.org/news/2017-05-plastics-curse-durability.html
(2) brickwork -https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/brickwork

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About Sam Orlovsky

AvatarCertifications: B.E.E.
Education: University Of Denver - Electric Engineering
Lives In: Denver Colorado

Electrical engineering is my passion, and I’ve been in the industry for over 20 years. This gives me a unique ability to give you expert home improvement and DIY recommendations. I’m not only an electrician, but I also like machinery and anything to do with carpentry. One of my career paths started as a general handyman, so I also have a lot of experience with home improvement I love to share.

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