Whenever working with MDF, you should always pre-drill your screw holes every time! This is the most common problem beginners have which usually leads to MDF splitting. Using a pilot hole to suit your screw is the single best thing you can do to ensure success!

Do you pre drill MDF?

A: Yes, creating what are called “pilot holes” will help prevent your wood boards—solid or MDF—from splitting or cracking when you drive a nail or screw through them.

Can I screw straight into MDF?

But there is 2 little things that will change the game forever, and let you drive screws into MDF with no splits: ... Use straight-shanked screws. The “regular” tapered woodscrew is like a wedge that's specifically designed to split MDF apart.