Changed my mind about pre-drilling for trim nails

I always skipped it to save time, but after splitting three pieces of oak baseboard on a job in Boise last month, I started using a 1/16-inch bit first. Anyone have a faster method that still prevents splits?

2 comments

2 Comments

luna5501mo ago

Honestly, I never pre-drill for trim. A sharp finish nail and a good nail set has always worked fine for me, even with oak.

keithb511mo ago

Read an article a while back that said skipping the pilot hole in hardwoods can actually split the wood, but the crack might be hidden under the surface. They called it a "blind split." Makes you wonder if it weakens the joint over time.