Q:

I like the chamfered screw slots found on the bottoms of many drawers. What’s a good way to make them?

Carl Engel, Pawtucket, RI

A:

A slotted screw hole is critical in traditional drawer construction. Without it, the drawer bottom would be trapped between the drawer front and the screw. And with nowhere to go, the bottom’s seasonal expansion would eventually damage the drawer’s joints, if not tear them apart altogether.

You can make the hole quickly and easily with a countersinking drill bit, a handsaw, and a chisel. First, drill a clearance hole and countersink in the drawer bottom, drilling from the underside. On the top side, mark a line from the outside edges of the pilot hole to the back edge of the drawer bottom. Use a handsaw to cut along both lines and open up a slot. Then, on the underside of the bottom, chamfer the slot with a chisel to match the taper of the screw head.

 

 

Photos: Staff

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