[Crick07]

I am attaching 1/2" bolts through (2) 2x10 girders sandwiched on a 6x6 post for a pergola I am building. I was wondering what type of drill bit I need to drill that distance? It will be 8.5" of material I need to drill through. I saw Lowe's has spade bits that long, regular-looking bits that long, and a few other type of bits that long. Thanks

 

[rjniles]

A spade will do it but an auger bit will be a lot easier.

 

[GrayHair]

I agree with rj on the auger bit. I always secure a piece of scrap wood tightly against the exit surface to reduce any splintering.

 

[Oso954]

I tend to use the old stop as the pilot screw emerges,then drill in from the opposite side technique. If I don't have a 2nd pair of eyes watching, I just wrap a piece of tape around the auger at the apprpriate length.

 

[Mingledtrash]

or just use oly's these are what i use most of the time on porches and decks they save a lot of time as there is no need for pre-drilling.

http://www.fastenmaster.com/products/olylog-log-home-fastener.html