How to Drill Straight Holes

Sometimes it really important that holes are drilled straight (or perpendicular) to the work piece. In this video I show 3 different home made jigs that will help you achieve that and a little idea that means you will never need a jig again!

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[HenkjanDeKaasboer]

That bubble-bottom has got to be one of the best little add-ons I've ever seen on this topic.

[anthonyschofield]

I actually stuck two bubbles on my drill, one for vertical drilling and one for horizontal, works great so thank you 👍

[thedevilinthecircuit]

A few makers have incorporated a small target bubble in the backs of their drills; it does help. Another dead-simple drill 'jig' is a business card, folded in half across its short dimension. Fold it flat and then open it so each half is 90 degrees out. Set this on its side on your project; spot the drill where you want the hole, and nudge the outside corner of the folded card against the drill for an instant visual reference. Obviously, this works for smaller drills and not so well for larger ones.

[stephenfoley]

Bubble relies on work surface being level, hole would be off if not. Other two methods jig is square to subject so wouldn't matter if work surface is not level. Good job.👍

[PAC-fphy]

Why on earth cannot Dewalt, Bosch or any other drill manufacturer integrate a bubble into their drills? It would be so easy for them to do it.

[binarydinosaurs]

Accidentally discovered this and Proper Engineering a while back and subbed to both. Like most folk I can't drill a vertical hole to save my life, as the pole for my Swedish log chopper attests to. The little level on the end of the drill is genius and that's what I'll do. Cheers Stuart.

[bmr]

I'm a beginner woodworker. Thank you for these brilliant tips. I've been able to proceed forward with more accurate cabinet making. It's kind of funny that every time I use the jigs the music in this video comes back while I'm doing the work. Thanks a ton from Aberdeen, UK.

[yourtubisfilled]

That bubble nipple is just brilliant. Must get some. Can't understand why they aren't already built in on all power drills.

[haraldgeiger]

The bubble idea previously on wood work web, and I implemented it with a bigger bubble which shows degrees off from Amazon. Mounted with hot glue like Colin Knecht said.
Package contained three bubbles, so I can now use one to check how my work surface is off, and drill correct.
Retired mostly my bought jig from Wolfcraft - which really is a combination of your method 1 and 2. Enjoy watching your channel - Thanks!

[monty]

I had a similar idea with the bullseye level, but had no real idea of how to level it up. In the end I opted for a 12 inch length of stainless steel bar mounted in a vice. This I squared up with a couple of engineers squares and glued the bullseye on the rear of my DeWalt. Works a treat.
As always, great and informative guides, so glad i happened across your chanel 👍

[karmicselling]

Thanks for the great video. Decades ago, back in the early 1970s, I remember my father buying and using an electric drill that was manufactured by a company called Lightburn here in Australia. The model had a built in spirit level that could be used as a guide to drill straight holes in properly aligned timber or wood. I still have it and it works a treat. Cheers from the Land Down Under.

[russdrummond]

The additional advantage of method 4 is that it allows you to drill vertically into a plane that is not level, which can be required now and then.

[optimusprimesqrt]

All the jigs are good. As a model maker I have made and used all off these except the bubble on the drill motor. That never entered my mind. Tried it and it works great. Thanks for the idea.

[darrenrichards]

As others have said, great video. If you don't have a pillar drill but have a router with a straight bit in the drill size required then the router is a good solution. I used that on two pieces of wood, cut a vertical hole in each and glued them together with the drill bit through the hole to keep it all true.

[ThrushCZX]

I had that same idea with the bubble a while ago but I didn’t know how to ensure I mounted it on the butt-end of the drill in exactly the right place. Turns out it was simple!

[donohoe]

The content, production and dare I say it delivery are as good as anything I've seen on television. First Class.

[puntoboy_gaming]

My old Ryobi drill had a bubble built into the end. Worked pretty well.

[danielcairns]

Love your videos and overall approach. One thing I thought mentioning for your 4th method is that it would require your work piece to be level! Aka pop a spirit level on your piece you drilling and 'shimming it' to level before taking your drill to it!

Otherwise, love your content!

[equiliser]

i'd like to see a workshop tour and any hint and tips for anyone setting up a workshop in there garage and shed..especial storage for tools and screws etc

[rambultruesdell]

The corner jig using soft aluminum or even a cut plastic corner bonded to lumber scraps is good idea. Inexpensive to furnish meaning make several and losable / disposable also.