I need one Insulation sleeper for a project. The ties are in good condition, about 200 lbs each, so good solid wood. I use Spax 1/2" x 12" grommets and they require a .200" pilot hole. I think 3/16" equals .186 close enough, the variation in my chuck makes up for 2 hundredths haha. Definitely is It's not easy to drill a 3/16" diameter hole nearly 12" long. I couldn't find any other bits there. besides. So far I've only drilled a few holes to test this and it does a great job of drilling a clean straight hole right through the ties I use black oxide bits for metal drilling all the time so I assume they will hold up fine if I don't hit rock but for $5 I can afford a few spares per piece.