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How to drive a screw into timber pole using hammer drill?

Hi Team,

I'm new to drilling and having trouble driving screws into a timber pole for attaching a mailbox.

I'm using a hammer drill, 12G x 65mm timber screws, and a 5/16" nutsetter. I've tried various speeds and both drill and hammer modes, but the screw won't penetrate the wood. I have to apply a lot of pressure and it just made a small dent into the wood.
Should I be pre-drilling a pilot hole? Or is an impact drill job? If a pilot hole is needed, what size drill bit should I use?

Also, could you recommend a good general-purpose drill bit set for future projects? (Pictures of the mailbox,pole, screws and nutsetter attached.)

Mailbox to be attachedTrying to drive the screws like this one here.

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EricL

Hello @rohans

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your screws.

The screw set you have is the Zenith 12G x 65mm Galvanised Hex Head With Seal Metal Screws - 6 Pack which is designed for steel applications. Its screw threads are not that high, but they are tougher as they are meant to anchor onto steel. I propose exchanging the screws at the store for the Zenith 12G x 50mm Galvanised Hex Head With Seal Type 17 Timber Screws which is designed for timber. The sharp tip of the timber screw will allow you to drill into your timber post. I also suggest drilling pilot holes for your screws in order to prevent snapping the heads off.

I recommend using a drill bit it that is two sizes smaller than the body of the screw. You can still use the hex head bit you have as the screws I suggested have the same hex head size.

Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves and goggles when drilling into timber.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

rohans

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/51105#Comment_51105

Thanks Eric for the reply!

Sorry,I mistakenly copied the wrong screenshot of the Metal screws from the website. Infact, I do have the "Timber" screws (screenshot below) and had tried driving them directly with the drill. However, they hardly made a dent in the timber pole. I had thought that the drill would easily drive these screws.

I will take your suggestion and make a pilot hole before driving the screws and see how it goes.

Thanks again!

WhatsApp Image 2025-04-14 at 10.32.47 AM.jpeg

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