Question on drill size....

[Spikeman]

Last year I used buckets with the type of spouts that you hung the bucket on. This year I'm going to use Leader Check Valve spouts with tubing to a bucket.

The Leader Spouts are 5/16 clear check valve spouts - what size drill do I need to tap the tree with as a 5/16 drill bit seems way too large....?

Steve

[30AcreWoods]

You will need a 5/16 bit.

[Spikeman]

I think I will have to drill a hole in some spare wood tomorrow, certainly, when I measure the width of the spout with a micrometer it is no where near the diameter of the 5/16 drill bit that i have.....

When I purchased them I though 5/16 spout, well I have a 5/16 drill bit because that is what I use for the taps that I hang buckets on but it just seems they are way to narrow for 5/16 bit.

we will see.........

Steve

[Andy VT]

The spout is not supposed to go in very far. The less far the better. The most sap is obtained on the outermost sapwood. I see a lot of beginners bury the whole shaft into the tree and it is not good. Not sure if this is your issue. Try a 5/16 drill bit and gently tap it in to a scrap piece of wood and show us a picture if you don't have an experienced person nearby. [Sorry, re-read your post, seems you have the opposite problem I thought at first. And you've been around the block. Still show us a picture, now I'm even more curious!]

[30AcreWoods]

I'm curious as well. I've used the cv spouts with 3/16" tubing for years now and use a 5/16 bit and it has worked well.

[Spikeman]

Ok everyone, update:

My bad. It was not a 5/16 drill I had but a 7/16 bit. I purchased a 5/16 bit, drilled a piece of wood and the spout fits fine. Sorry to have confused everyone, like I said, my bad!

Steve

[30AcreWoods]

No worries! Glad you got it worked out.

[Andy VT]

Glad you got that figured out! Sounds like you've inadvertently transitioned from 7/16 to 5/16, which I think is a good transition!