When drilling holes larger than 1/2 inch, drilling a smaller hole first is a good practice. This is called a pilot hole, and the pilot drill should have a diameter __________.

Correct Answer: Option A — slightly larger than the web thickness of the larger drill

The dead center of a drill bit does not cut but rather scrapes material. A pilot hole must be slightly larger than the web thickness of the larger drill to ensure the cutting edges of the larger bit engage the material properly, reducing axial thrust and preventing the drill from wandering or binding.