Drilling into oak mantel?

[LeadFarmer]

Which drill bit is best for driving into oak?

Ive got an oak mantel that I need to install above my fireplace. Im using fittings similar to the ones below. Should i expect a normal wood drill bit to be ok, or would an auger bit be better?

Edited by LeadFarmer on Friday 24th May 13:59

[C Lee Farquar]

Either, or a metal drill

[DKL]

I'm sure there is something about not using standard steel fittings in oak as there is a greater tendency to rust. Stainless are ok I believe.

[Mr Pointy]

DKL said:

I'm sure there is something about not using standard steel fittings in oak as there is a greater tendency to rust. Stainless are ok I believe.

The tannin actually attacks steel & will corrode it, hence the use of stainless steel fixings.

OP: are those fixings straight or bent/asymmetric? If they are straight you need to be careful drilling the holes in the wall exactly straight or the beam will be off. You can get fixings that can be turned to allow for any slight misalignment.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/120mm-Floating-Shelf-Br...

[C Lee Farquar]

IMO standard fittings will be OK, inside and above a fireplace

[LeadFarmer]

Mr Pointy said:

OP: are those fixings straight or bent/asymmetric?

They do indeed turn to allow for any shoddy drilling skills :-)

[LocoBlade]

I fitted one of these last weekend, used regular 12mm wood drill bit although I did start the holes off in my pillar drill to ensure they were straight. A titbit of advice from that exprience is that although I was supplied 3 fittings for my 4.5" square x 3ft beam, 2 fittings was sufficient for my needs and a lot easier to line up and fit than 3.