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to predrill

to predrill

5.1
To make a hole before putting in a screw or bolt
  • verb
  • /ˈpriːˌdrɪl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : preperforar
  • These were also predrilled, with two holes and two fasteners per wedge, one up and into the tabletop and one to the side and into the leg.
  • predrilled holes
  • predrill the screw

Examples

  • This factory-predrilled split pipe is designed to ease field installation of the Contain-It secondary containment piping system.

    Academic text (2001)
  • Slides install with only two fasteners using standard predrilled mounting holes.

    Academic text (1997)
  • Before assembling the shelves, you should predrill holes to make it easier to insert the screws.

  • To ensure a tight fit, always predrill the wood before fastening the pieces together.

  • It's advisable to predrill the holes in advance to prevent the wood from splitting.

Synonyms

to drill
vsto predrill
170 2.2

To make a hole by using a tool that turns

is done beforehand to create a guide for screws or bolts
to perforate
vsto predrill
12 6.1

Make a hole through something by piercing it

is done beforehand to make space for inserting screws or bolts
to bore
vsto predrill
1 4.9

To make a hole in something with a tool or with animal teeth

is carried out before another operation to ease later fastening
to prepunched
vsto predrill
5.6

To make holes in something before it is used

is performed before another task to allow later insertion or assembly

How Deep

to pierce
110 3.5
to drill
170 2.2
to predrill
  • Specialized
5.1
to prick
14 3.9

Surface Forms

predrill infinitive
predrilled past
predrilled past participle
predrilling present participle
predrills third person singular

Morphology

predrill = drill (transparent) = pre + drill

This is a regular use of pre- meaning 'before', so the verb means 'drill beforehand'.

Etymology

Predrill is formed from pre- ('before') plus drill, so it means 'to drill first'. So to predrill is to make a hole before you insert a screw or bolt, making the final step easier and safer.