buy a countersink/screwdriver (if you don't already have one)

[mmmPeanutButter]

I worked on my cabinet today and it was extremely helpful.  It saves a ton of time.

I imagine that most regulars already have one, but just thought I would suggest it to the ones who don't and for the newbies.

(this site has it pretty cheap too)

[MameMe]

Instead of buying one you could always do what I did...

Assuming I would be wood-filling the counter-sink hole with wood filler, I simply used a drill and a typical "star screw bit" and drilled my own counter-sink.  All I did was hold the drill against the wood for a couple seconds and voila!

After wood filling it everything looks fine!  And its free..

[Sylentwulf]

big problem with those countersink bits is the drill bit is only like 1/2" long, making it USELESS for pre-drilling.

[DrewKaree]

big problem with those countersink bits is the drill bit is only like 1/2" long, making it USELESS for pre-drilling.

Contrary to this opinion, the drill bit should be at least an inch long, probably more like an inch and a half long.  Take the end with the little allen key nub and loosen the set screw that holds the drill bit in the countersink portion.  Pull the drill bit out, making sure not to pull it out further than the set screw opening.  Tighten the setscrew.  Fire away.  You may not be able to flip it around back into the holding mechanism (if yours is set up like that, that is), but that's the only downside to doing that.

[Bumblebounces]

I have used one of these for years.  I would not build a thing without it.  In fact, the one I have is a little on the worn side.  The hex piece that fits inside the body has started to "round off" a little from continual use.  This makes it stick in the holder sometimes.  I STILL would not be without this thing when building ANYTHING.

BTW...  The drill bit is adjustable and there is ample room inside the body for the full extension of the bit (on the one I have at least -- it's a Makita similar to the posted pic but I bought mine years ago so I don't have the cool case)

Bumble

[Wade]

When building a cab, why not put all the screws on the inside so there is no filling or countersinking necessary?

Wade

[mmmPeanutButter]

When building a cab, why not put all the screws on the inside so there is no filling or countersinking necessary?

Wade

I agree... screw from the inside (where you can).  But even when you screw from the inside, if you use a countersink bit with a countersink screw, you can have a clean look on the inside because everything will be flush (even if you decide not to fill them).  Also helpful if you have clearance problems where a screw head protruding would be a problem.

[Wade]

Yeah, I'm gonna have to try one of those things.  I'm constantly screwing things together with my cordless screwdriver.

Wade