Bored holes through wood members must be kept a minimum distance from the nearest edge?

• A. 1/8"
• B. 1/4"
• C. 1 1/4"
• D. 1"

Answer: (C)

When you drill a hole in a wood member, you remove material that the member relies on to carry loads. If the hole is too close to the edge, there isn’t enough wood left to transfer stresses, which can lead to cracking, splitting, or a weakened member under load. Keeping a generous edge clearance reduces that risk and helps maintain the cross-section’s strength.

The 1 1/4 inch minimum distance from the edge is a standard allowance that provides enough wood around the bore to resist bending and shear and to avoid compromising the member’s integrity. In electrical work, this clearance also helps ensure that wires drilled through framing are protected and that fasteners or nail plates won’t interfere with the bore.