I can't drill a straight hole

Joe W. · Jun 11, 2016

I need help. Whenever I use my hand-held drill, the vertical holes are not vertical and the horizontal holes are not horizontal. Now that's not the drills fault. It creates holes just like it's supposed to. My aim is wrong. Years ago I bought a contraption from Sears that attaches to the drill to keep the drill perpendicular to the surface to be drilled except that it didn't always work that way and most times I didn't have the space to use it. Does anyone have a practical solution to improve my aim?

Greg1959 · Jun 11, 2016

I've seen some drills with bubble levels, both vertical and horizontal, molded into the drill frame. This supposedly helps to drill truer.

Mike(NEOhio) · Jun 11, 2016

Practice.

Phil in Pa · Jun 11, 2016

When we do holes at work where straightness really matters we have a 2nd guy stand off to the side and correct the driller if he gets too far off.

JD Seller · Jun 11, 2016

My Craftsman drills have those bobble levels made in the handle. They do help as long as your drilling straight down or at 90 degrees.

Bob · Jun 11, 2016

Agree.

TimV · Jun 11, 2016

I've also seen drills with bubble levels, but they're of questionable utility for anything other than perfect conditions--straight down or straight in, and then will usually only control one axis. Better than nothing, but far from foolproof. Other than obvious things like drilling in a press (or using a magnetic drill) whenever possible, one other thing that can help is making a "starter block". Take a section of something flat and square, drill a hole in it with something known to be square like a drill press, and then use that hole to start your new hole by sticking the drill down through it and holding it flat on the surface you're drilling. I've used a hunk of scrap 2x4 many times to do this when I need a hole to be square to the surface, and have made up other blocks with various sized holes that I keep handy--works great for starting taps square as well!

MarkB_MI · Jun 11, 2016

If you're drilling into a shiny surface, you can use the reflection of the drill to keep it straight. If the reflection of the bit is straight with the real bit, then you're drilling straight into the surface. I'm told you can affix a mirror to a surface that isn't shiny to do the same thing, although I've never tried it.

Janicholson · Jun 11, 2016

I second this guide idea. I like to take dowels and make bushings that fit my bits as needed. Use a lathe or a "V" block on a drill press to create the set of holes, then use the flat end of the down against the work to set the perpendicular.
Putting a piece of tape, or a small Oring on the drill bit holds the dowel against the work, but lets the dowel slide up the bit as the hole progresses. Jim

Stephen Newell · Jun 11, 2016

You are probably watching the hole. Watch the drill bit and see if it looks square up and down, left and right like you were to put a square against the bit as you are drilling. Larger holes especially a paddle bit watch and see if the shank of the bit stays centered to the hole.

jon f mn · Jun 11, 2016

If you ever figure it out make sure you post the solution. The only way I can get straight holes is with a drill press. Otherwise it's gotta be pretty close is close enough or it will be wrong.

markct · Jun 11, 2016

Push on the back of the drill not just the trigger handle area as that tips you from uneven pressure. If drilling steel my favorite tool is the small mag drill, saves a lot of effort and crooked holes.
Kanetic magbore

RESLLS · Jun 11, 2016

Have one of these, only used it once on pipe. It has a 90 angle cut into it. Might help. Got mine a a Kmart that was closing for $2.
Drill guide

Jason the Red · Jun 11, 2016

Here is a link to a drill guide which several different manufacturers have a variation. If drilling through thicker steel, a mag drill or Hougen may be in order.
drill guide

JGayman · Jun 11, 2016

How about something like this? It is easy to keep handy in your toolbox. It is notched on the reverse side to aid drilling holes in the center of round objects.

hermit · Jun 11, 2016

Since I have never been able to build anything square, plumb, or level, I just figure this is another thing along the same line that ain't going to work out right. I have made some 90 degree jigs for such as that, but it is on a job to job basis. And even at that, it is hit and miss whether it will help me. Lord help me in all that I endeavor.

Steve@Advance · Jun 11, 2016

Don't feel alone! There is no such thing as a straight hand drilled hole!

I used to be about as good as the next guy until around age 40. Then forced to get glasses with astigmatism correction. That was the end of that! If it looks straight to me... It aint!

My solution is to do my best to avoid the situation if possible. Use the available machine whenever I can. Or make a grill guide block.

But when I do have to hand drill, if I can sit something square beside the bit to reference to, it helps. Also I try to move my head to get a couple of different views, or have someone spot me on what direction I need to go.

But it's still not usually a pretty sight!

Dave I Love My H · Jun 12, 2016

Over the years, I've used a drill far more than I ever thought I would. Right before I squeeze the trigger, I always back up my head a bit and look at it from two different angles: the drill from front to rear, and side to side. Guesstimate a 90 to the surface each way. That works pretty well for me.
Dave

flembo · Jun 12, 2016

I made my own drill and tap blocks with the sizes I usually work with.

Blackhole49 · Jun 12, 2016

This is what I use when it absolutely has to be right. Otherwise I'm as crooked as the best of them.

Bill in IL · Jun 12, 2016

I seen a tip where they said to setup a square next to where you are drilling so you have a reference to compare you drill bit to.

OldFarmTractor · Jun 12, 2016

A few decades ago, I remember an article in one of the magazine about adding a bubble level to a hand drill. Put one on top and one on the back.

oliver power · Jun 12, 2016

If the work piece is not level/plumb, what good is the bubble level on the drill?

Joe W. · Jun 12, 2016

Thanks for all of the replies. I'm going to try using one of those drill blocks with guide holes. I'll try to make one myself with my drill press.

PJH · Jun 12, 2016

I remember an old guy who had a mirror on the wall across the shop from his workbench. It was rigged to show his workbench vise while he was at the vise. He'd check the mirror to see if his drill angle was right. I've got the mirror, but haven't devised a swivel mount for it yet.

I can't drill a straight hole

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