Not sure which drill bit to reach for when pinning a handle? Drilling a 1/8″ hole for 1/8″ pin stock runs too tight — the pin won’t seat cleanly and the epoxy has nowhere to key in. Below are the recommended drill bit sizes for the most common pin stock — stainless steel, brass, and copper.
Recommended drill bit sizes by pin diameter
Each bit is a few thousandths of an inch over the nominal pin diameter, so the pin slides in snug with just enough room for epoxy to grip.
- 1/16″ pin stock — drill size #52
- 3/32″ pin stock — drill size #39
- 1/8″ pin stock — drill size #30
- 3/16″ pin stock — drill size #11
- 1/4″ pin stock — drill size F
- 3/8″ pin stock — drill size V
- 7/16″ pin stock — drill size 11.2 mm
Tip: back the blade with a sacrificial wood block and drill at a slow, steady speed. That keeps the bit from wandering or grabbing as it breaks through the far side.
Shop the products in this guide
Everything you need to drill and pin your handles — all in stock at Nexus Grinders and Knife Supply.
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Brass Pin
Price range: $2.50 through $6.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Stainless Steel Pin
Price range: $2.75 through $3.50 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Copper Pin
Price range: $2.35 through $6.75 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Pilot for Counterbore – Various Sizes
$10.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Counterbore – HSS Straight Shank – Various Sizes
$49.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Step Drill Bits for Loveless
$19.99 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Step Drill Bits for Corby
$19.99 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Step Drill Bit AVSD1
$26.00 Add to cart
Frequently asked questions
What size drill bit do I use for 1/8″ pin stock?
Use a #30 drill bit (0.1285″). It sits a few thousandths over 1/8″ (0.125″), so the pin seats cleanly with just enough clearance for epoxy to grip.
Why not drill the exact pin diameter?
An exact-size hole is too tight — the pin galls going in and leaves no gap for adhesive. A bit that is a hair oversized gives a snug, fully-glued fit that will not work loose.
What drill bit matches 3/32″ pins?
A #39 drill bit (0.0995″) is the right match for 3/32″ (0.09375″) pin stock.
Do you sell the drill bits and pin stock?
Yes — both the numbered drill bits and pin stock in brass, stainless, and copper are in stock. See the “Shop the products in this guide” section above.