CMT Screw Slot Bit - 7/16" Diameter, 1/2" Shank by CMT is a precision-machined routing bit designed to cut elongated screw slots in large panels, tabletops, and wide wood assemblies. When solid wood or large sheet goods need to be fastened while still allowing natural wood movement, this screw slot router bit creates the clearance channels that let panels expand and contract freely - preventing splits and protecting the integrity of the fastening points. With a right-hand rotation, 2-flute hardwood carbide (HW) construction, and a 1/2" shank for stable chuck engagement, this bit is built for both handheld router and router table use where controlled, repeatable slot routing is required.

Key Features

• 7/16" Cutting Diameter with 4.4mm Small Diameter - produces a precisely sized screw slot channel that accommodates a range of standard screw heads while keeping the slot narrow enough for a firm, controlled hold on the panel.
• 13/16" Total Cutting Height with 1/2" Inner Cutting Height (I1) - the dual cutting height geometry gives you both a full-depth slot pass and a controlled shoulder cut, letting you dial in the exact slot profile needed for your application without secondary passes.
• 2-Flute HW (Hardwood Carbide) Construction - harder and more wear-resistant than standard high-speed steel, this carbide tipping maintains a sharp, clean cut edge through solid hardwood, softwood, plywood, and sheet goods over extended use.
• 1/2" Shank Diameter - the full 1/2" shank provides maximum grip in the collet, minimizing vibration and deflection during the slot routing pass for straighter, more consistent channels.
• Right-Hand (RH) Rotation - matches the standard spindle direction of all common handheld routers and router tables, so the bit runs true without any special setup or adapter required.
• 2-1/2" Total Length - provides enough clearance between the collet and the workpiece surface for comfortable, unobstructed routing passes on panels and tabletops of typical thickness.

Why This Product

• Large tabletops and wide solid-wood panels are prone to splitting when rigidly fastened - this screw slot bit solves that problem directly by creating elongated slots that allow the panel to move with seasonal humidity changes while staying securely held in place.
• The 1/2" shank keeps chatter and deflection to a minimum during the slot cut, which means cleaner slot edges and less tear-out compared to smaller-shank equivalents - especially important in visible or finished panel undersides.
• With a 13/16" cutting height, a single pass through a standard panel or apron delivers a fully functional screw slot without the need for repositioning, saving setup time on production or batch runs.
• The 2-flute HW carbide construction handles the range of materials commonly used in furniture and cabinetry - solid hardwood, softwood, MDF, and plywood - without requiring a bit change between material types.

Specifications

• Manufacturer Part Number: 813.701.11
• Brand: CMT Orange Tools
• Diameter: 7/16"
• Small Diameter: 4.4mm
• Cutting Height: 13/16"
• Cutting Height (Inner): 1/2"
• Total Length: 2 1/2"
• Shank: 1/2"
• Number of Teeth: 2
• Material: HW (Hardwood Carbide)
• Rotation: Right-Hand (RH)
• Product Type: Screw Slot Bit

Approved Applications

• Screw slot routing in solid wood panels and tabletops
• Creating elongated countersink screw channels that allow wood movement
• Securing wide panels to aprons or frames while permitting expansion and contraction
• Furniture and cabinetry construction where panel stability and fastening flexibility are both required