What type of drill bit do I use to a pilot hole for machine screws I
will use to fasten together my gutters?

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Request for Question Clarification by alienintelligence-ga on 10 Aug 2002 18:36 PDT

Hi jimbo0284,

I'm not sure what you have in mind
when you say what type, so I'll try
to answer this widely.

I would suggest a good drill bit
such as a cobalt bit. I recently
got a nice set by DeWalt from 
Home Depot for $16. They look like
this:
[ http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00004RGVZ/ref%3Dnosim/epowertools-20/002-2044884-6326432
]

At the same time I got a set of
bits like this:
[ http://www.toolup.com/ProductInfo.asp?ID=DW1921&Manuf=Dewalt ]

Either of those would be fine for most sheet metal
hole cutting. The second set has a nice pilot point
tip to reduce bit walking, which can be a problem
on metals. 

Now if you meant what drill bit, as in
what size... here's are a few handy charts.

URL is wrapped, you'll have to cut and past this one
[ http://www.aaronsself-tappingscrews.com/free_table_of_recommended_drill_sizes.htm
]

[ http://www.ferocorp.com/images/technical/Tensile_Pullout.pdf ]

[ http://www.americanfastener.com/techref/proper.htm ]

[ http://www.woodmagazine.com/compstor/screwchart.pdf ]

[ http://www.robson.org/woodfaq/woodfaq_5.html ]

If this answers your question I'd be glad to post it officially.

-AI