What is a countersink used for?

A countersink is primarily used to allow screws to sit flush with or below the surface of the material being fastened. This is important for a number of reasons, including maintaining a smooth surface for aesthetic purposes or ensuring that a surface is free of protruding fasteners that might interfere with the function of a machine or assembly.

When a countersink is created, it enlarges the top of a hole into a conical shape, which provides space for the screw head to sit below the material surface. This process can improve the overall finish of a project and can also prevent damage to the materials by minimizing the risk of snagging or catching on the screw heads.

While creating a pointed hole, enhancing the drill's cut, or measuring angles are related to drilling and machining operations, they do not directly pertain to the function or purpose of a countersink.