What is the size of the dowel drill (expert advice)
Tools and Tips

What is the size of the dowel drill (expert advice)

Are you installing or planning on inserting various dowels and are wondering what size drill to use? Let me help.

There are four main types of wall plugs, distinguished by color codes. We have yellow, red, brown and blue dowels and use them in holes that meet different diameter requirements. Using the correct drill will help you avoid drilling larger or smaller holes, making your installation unprofessional or dangerous. As an electrician, I use a variety of drill bits on a daily basis for projects like this and will teach you the proper drill bit for any particular dowel in this guide.

Correct size drill bit for various dowels:

  • Yellow dowels - use 5.0mm drill bits.
  • Brown dowels - use 7.0mm drill bits.
  • Blue dowels - use 10.0mm drill bits.
  • Red dowels - use 6.0mm drill bits.

We'll take a closer look below.

Dowel measurement

The correct choice of Rawplug or wall plug depends on the screw gauge used. So the size of the dowel will vary depending on the size of the drill used to create the hole. There are four main types of sockets: red, yellow, blue and brown. They use bits of different sizes, which are entirely dependent on the weight of the application in question.

The type of your wall determines the type of bit you are using. For example, you will need a slightly smaller bit than a dowel for plastic dowel and concrete walls. The bit can be driven into the wall with a light hammer blow. Use a small drill for drywall anchors. Then screw in the plastic dowel.

What is the drill size for the yellow dowel?

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

You will need a drill of the correct size for the yellow dowel. Usually the size of the drill 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 to be used in the project.

The yellow plugs are the smallest and you can easily afford them. However, they are limited to lightweight applications. Everything else will damage them. So, if you have a heavy application, consider the other types of wall plugs discussed below.

What is the drill size for the brown dowel?

If your home has a brown wall outlet, Use a drill with a diameter of 7.0 mm - 7/25.4 in.

Brown plugs are heavier than yellow and red ones. So you can use them for heavy applications. I use brown and blue plugs because they are compatible with most setups.

Use brown dowels in the holes made with a 7.0mm drill bit. Just like blue and dowels, you can use brown dowels on brickwork, stones, and so on.

It is recommended to use smaller outlets such as yellow and red outlets if you need something very inconspicuous.

What is the drill size for the blue dowel?

Always use a 10.0mm drill for blue dowels equivalent to 10/25.4 inches.

Blue wall plugs are powerful wall plugs and are widely available. However, they are also useful for anchoring light loads in solid block, brick, concrete and stone.

What is the drill size for the red dowel?

Make sure you use 6.0mm drills for the red dowels, which are 6/25.4 inches.

Simply divide the millimeter readings by 25.4 to get the reading in inches.

The red plugs are lightweight and can be used for light applications. Use the red dowels in the holes made with a 6.0mm drill bit. The red sockets are made of durable plastic and can be used in and around the home. They are especially suitable for concrete, stone, block, tiled walls and masonry. (1)

F.A.Q.

How to insert a drill into an electric drill?

Follow the procedure below to insert a drill into an electric drill.

– Rotate the chuckle clockwise

– Watch the laughter as it opens

- Insert a bit

– Then turn the chuck counterclockwise.

- Watch how it (the cartridge) closes

– Tighten the chuck

– Drill test

What to do if the bit slipped?

Perhaps you are in the middle of your job and the drill is advancing away from a point or pilot hole.

Do not panic. Place the punch with the sharp end straight into place and hit it with a hammer. This will help hold the drill in place.

Attention: Always wear safety goggles when working with drill bits to prevent metal chips from getting into your eyes.

How to identify a dull drill?

It's simple. Just inspect the nozzle and carefully check the sharp edges. If you are farsighted, simply rub the edges of the nozzle on your thumbnail. If you see any bites, your bit is fine. 

What's the easiest way to find out what drill size to use for different dowels?

Use a color code. For example, yellow dowels are compatible with 5.0mm drills and red dowels are compatible with 6.0mm drills.

Take a look at some of our articles below.

  • How to drill a hole in plastic
  • What is a step drill used for?
  • How to use left hand drills

Recommendations

(1) durable plastic - https://phys.org/news/2017-05-plastics-curse-durability.html

(2) brickwork - https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/brickwork

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