How to Drill Straight Holes

[@HenkjanDeKaasboer]

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

[@johnbrown1001]

it only works if what you are drilling is uniform and placed on a prefectly level surface else your drill will be vertical but the object could be skewed. The other methods work from the objects surface.

[@yourtubisfilled7164]

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

[@paintilludrop]

Probably the vibration, and heavy use of drill would make the Bubble level not be accurate after a while.

[@PaxR-r2s]

LOL, something so simple, I could not even think of it. Thanks.

[@bmr8672]

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.

[@anthonyschofield7807]

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

[@ProperDIY]

Nice one

[@paul_my_plumbs_uk]

Done one for my sds drill years ago 👍👍

[@RayMondElec]

Yep same hear. Like reinventing the wheel again

[@SparkleanAutos]

I hadn't thought of this either, like many others, so brilliant tip Stuart, going to make so many jobs that little bit more accurate 👌🏼👌🏼 Myself and many others really do appreciate these little tips/hacks 👍🏼

[@pureunboxingchina]

I was just opened comment section to wrote that idea

[@PAC-fp9hy]

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.

[@karmicselling4252]

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.

[@stephenfoley6185]

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.👍

[@optimusprimesqrt6]

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.

[@linusgallitzin]

This helped answer my question when drilling straight holes for wooden wagon wheel spokes without a drill press.

[@soran1461]

These ideas carries a workshop with them!!!

[@thedevilinthecircuit1414]

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.

[@Srulio]

Well done on innovation! A spirit level glued to the drilling casing can also work for horizontal applications.

[@Mrbobinge]

Bought a handful of those bubble levels the other day. Couldn't fathom how to reference the hand drill to stand vertical for siting the bubble. Now, I really is a mastercraftsman.

[@paulb9769]

So glad to see you use a decent brand of tools.

[@haraldgeiger5857]

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!

[@nuovofresco]

my 20 year old Ryobi drill has a bubble level on the end. Very useful tool and tip for the drills that don't have this aid! Thanks!

[@donohoe71]

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

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you very much. I'll wait for the phone call from the BBC.

[@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

[@user-uq7zx5nc3t]

I need to drill a 12mm hole for a floating shelf bracket, so accuracy is paramount, and I only have a spade bit that big, so your thingumyjig stuck on the end looks really promising. I will visit Amazon for one. Cheers for the idea.

[@monty3524368]

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 👍

[@davedunn4285]

Love the bubble idea I had actually thought of it before seeing this video

[@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!

[@ProperDIY]

Only when you know how

[@Quaker521]

I'm reminded of the old work joke of sending someone to the stores to get a replacement bubble for the level! Informative video, thanks.

[@ProperDIY]

Yes we did that once to a junior - he actually came back with a replacement spirit level bubble!

[@PBRStreetGang68]

I remember those day, can I have skirting board ladder and a long weight please 🤣

[@michealhand1001]

​@@PBRStreetGang68Don,t forget the Tins of Striped ,paint,and ask him when will the Buckets of Steam be in?😂😂😂

[@stuffbyneilsmith]

Totally love the spirit level on the drill. I think that's going to be my solution to wonky drilling

[@ProperDIY]

Nice one!

[@puntoboy_gaming]

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

[@idi0tdetectioninprogress]

Yep, original Ryobi's had one on the top and one on the back. Ive still got the drill/driver in dark blue!

[@firstnamelastname59]

@@idi0tdetectioninprogress now they come bubbleless and in a sweet shade of puke.

[@NotTheRealRyan]

​@@firstnamelastname59 and without a bloody bit holder, bubble and 2x bit holder were great in the original unit

[@puntoboy_gaming]

@@firstnamelastname59 my one with the bubble was green too. I never had the blue/orange ones.

[@darrenrichards4840]

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.

[@SL-ez7qn]

I like the bubble idea. Thanks for sharing.

[@AaronMonk84]

That spirit bubble is a great idea

[@ch1proy60]

My ryobi drill has the bubble built in

[@handlethese]

Dig the bubble idea - the more versatile I can make my tools, the better. Thanks!

[@t.stephen5086]

On a big clay plant pot for use as a hanging basket. I need a long straight bit of metal . Great stuff

[@LeverGating]

Another great exchange of ideas. Thanks Stuart.

[@rambultruesdell3412]

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.

[@ExtremeShez]

Great video. Thank you. Would love to see a review of the other tools on the market that help with drilling straight and their effectiveness

[@richardslater677]

Great idea about the bubbles. I’m going to do that. As an aside, I personally wouldn’t be at all,comfortable wearing gloves while using high speed spinning equipment, especially a table saw.

[@alext8828]

Excellent video, as usual. I thought you would rotate the drill around the bit to check level for all angles. I'm a trouble maker. Took the battery out so it didn't affect the balance. Excellent.

[@colinbleach9390]

Genius....you're a master of ideas ...absolutely brilliant

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you

[@danielcairns2597]

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!

[@deanle604]

Talkative jig somehow work. Waste my time better buy a jig from kreg less than 10$

[@davethurston753]

Your little bubble thingie is a great solution

[@GoutamDAS-ls1wb]

Excellent idea! Thanks so much for sharing and the demo.

[@garethcheshire-whatley1485]

Love the idea of a bubble on the back of the drill

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks

[@dannymurphy1779]

Great jigs Stuart. For anyone interested - you can get larger circular 'target' bubbles that are just a bit smaller than the end of the drill. About £3 each when I got mine.

[@tizme2311]

Great, from where, also one for the horizontal.

[@lespaulguitarmn1]

1st and last jigs looked helpful. I also have the milescraft 1312/kreig made drill block for $9, for common holes I drill,(bought 2nd one for go bag during prime days for $8.00 recently). I purchased one from Temu for $6 for metric sized bits if I ever get into boring with metric bits in the future. Just being aware before you pull the trigger I find helpful, I made a habit from my dad of sticking straight out my index finger and looking if it's perpendicular and the alignment before pulling the trigger to make me pay attn to plumb. Great video.

[@georgemacdonald3087]

I had cheapish Black & Decker 9v rechargeable drill 40 years ago which had a levelling bubble built in.

[@melherd4672]

Great set of tips! Great video thanks.

[@paul_my_plumbs_uk]

👍👍👍👍👍 Stu. I've had a bubble glued to my SDS for core drilling for years

[@ProperDIY]

Really

[@paul_my_plumbs_uk]

@@ProperDIY yes ✔️✔️✔️ a triangle 2 way level super glued on

[@IndieGuvenc]

@5:00 nice move, you learn something new all he time

[@toria-j]

Threaded nut inserts - have you ever used these, and if so, any tips on how to insert these in the end of a piece of timber please? (I'd like to use them for outdoor furniture that I can dissemble.)

[@davelordy]

I made a block like the first one, with different hole sizes, but I 3D printed it to make it 100% accurate / vertical, this also meant I could make it as deep (tall) as I like, and when it wears out (they do eventually) I just hit 'print' on a fresh copy.

[@tizme2311]

great video, I agree w2ith you of all the alternatives the bubble is the one I would use, but acquiring one is another challenge especially if one is NOT in the UK/USA I am in Bulgaria. Also, your comment about a Pilar Drill is also valid and most of the time they are large and cumbersome and not used very often for the occasional DIY er Pity there is not a horizontal bubble to attach to the side. I would use the bubble app I have on my phone for horizontal initial set up.

[@terry2346]

The first jig you could add some metal tubing to keep it from wearing as fast, at least for the more common sizes. But the bubble is still the coolest! :)

[@cannontrodder]

If you’d suggested buying some spirit level bubbles around, say, April time I wouldn’t have believed you… I like that you’ve shown a more ‘perfect’ way to approach this with a jig but thank you for the other ideas for those who don’t have such a well-equipped workshop!

[@terry2346]

That is why I like my Drill Press! :) I really like your ideas! Especially the bubble!

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@robloseby3631]

Just found your site a great help

[@ex-engineer6657]

Thanks. My old Ryobi corded drill came with the bubble embeded in the case, so it never bothered me when pushing down while drilling.

[@ProperDIY]

Shame no manufacturer still does it

[@harryinhuahin1272]

Congrats on the subs... You could also put a bubble on top of the drill for when drilling horizontally - it's a bit more fiddly, and won't help the squareness in the horizontal plane - but can be very useful to get a horizontal hole in a wall...

[@martinmorgan9]

Very useful video. For drilling perpendicular to a surface at ANY inclination, the humble Jig No. 1 (created using the vertical bubble technique) is an excellent adjunct, so assisting perp drilling in just about any situation. Right - I'm off to Amazon for those bubbles! 😊

[@philnolan7193]

Great video. I previously tried the stagered method and then thought of the bubble on the back of the drill plus a small spirit level on the top for doing horizontal holes.

[@michaelpeach7314]

Imaginative cost-effective and creative thanks man💪

[@ProperDIY]

No problem

[@siimseiin]

Wathing this in 0.5x is quite relaxing 🙂

[@pompeyus999]

Excelente idea... la del nivel de burbuja!!!

[@martinwinlow]

Amazing! At 61 years you have thoroughly proved the old adage about old dogs and new tricks... I can't understand why drill manufacturers don't incorporate a bubble level in their drills just like yours! It would probably be less likely to come of if you could recess it a bit but I don't suppose the average drill-end cap has sufficient depth too it to allow for drilling a hole to accept the level...

[@ProperDIY]

Always learning! Some used to but for some reason now I don't see any

[@Midas2010]

Legend !! I went to Amazon and added some to my wish list for Christmas :)

[@Gerry2210]

Very clever, the bubble idea, must give it a shot. Thanks.

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks

[@d.e.b.b5788]

I will be making those home made jigs. THank you for this video!

[@ProperDIY]

Good luck!

[@eugenepohjola258]

Howdy. Amazing. Makes me wonder why hand drill manufacturers have not come up with the idea of mounting bubble levels on the drills. Would be an ace in marketing. Regards.

[@mickyjb2003]

The Best has to be the bubble, as you say always there.

[@ProperDIY]

Yep!

[@user-v4v5c]

This is really clever

[@carlwhitworth]

Bubble level method only works if the item to be drilled is level to start with. If your workbench isn't level, it won't work. Liking the videos though - keep em' coming. Learnt a few tips from them.

[@coltenpulis6679]

this was so helpful. thank you so much

[@SpartanMJO12]

My dad bought a worx drill ages ago because he needed one to abuse - it had a spirit level in the top and a bubble in the back. It's an absolute trooper to say he's had it probably 8 years and when it gets used it gets rough arsed about

[@ProperDIY]

Nice one

[@dangnify]

Great ideas thanks

[@shanegent5804]

Hi Stuart, the simple bubble level on the drill is gold! So simple 👍 Now on a lite note and not intended to offend at all…at time point 7:47 I was not saying what you thought….I was saying to myself when the heck are you going to shout ya self a new pear of gloves 🧤 🧤 😂…I think this every time when I see those holes in them 🤣

[@chrishewlet5471]

Same here, come on, gift yourself some new gloves.

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks. Yes I do actually have lots of new gloves - I'll bin those old ones today!

[@grahameblankley3813]

I enjoy your video's very professional, drills I always wondered why manufacturers don't have at least two flat edges on the drill case & perhaps some tapped holes as well, 👍🇬🇧.

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks. Now that would be useful!

[@mrb4408]

Nice job Tuffty.

[@bookkeepingsmes2089]

Thank you for these! I quickly realised how important it was to drill straight 😝

[@awt]

Surely an issue with the drill-mounted bubble is that you have to make sure the work bench is perfectly level every time you want to use it? The hole/corner jigs seem much more flexible in that regard.

[@ProperDIY]

I've given 4 different ideas, that can be made with different tools and skills. As I said - which one you use is up to you!

[@henri7753]

Also would not work when drilling horizontally, say in a wall. My fav is the V-shaped block. So simple and you can remove it to drill fully. Thanks for the ideas.

[@awt]

@@ProperDIY yep, not knocking it :) I've ordered a pack of bubbles, as, like you say, it's always there once you glue it. Maybe you could have another unattached bubble to put on the surface, to match it to? Might be tricky to match precisely, though, as it is so small. Thanks for the tip.

[@henri7753]

@@djmini2numpty141 My Dewalt, just like the one in the video, doesn't have any, and I've never seen one with a bubble. Not saying that there aren't any though. Also a horizontal bubble doesn't help not to drill sideways.

[@awt]

@@djmini2numpty141 the goal (probably) isn't to drill a vertical hole, it's to drill a hole perpendicular to the surface. That's only the same thing when the surface is level.

[@OYMInternetRadio]

Hi Stuart, great tips. I'd like to know how you would drill a hole with an eight inch bit through an 18mm piece of pine from one end to the other without having it come out either side! This is the project I have to do. Any idea's?

[@inkman002]

Thats a really nice router bit set you have there. Who makes it?

[@ESF19791111]

AFTER I WATCHED A FEW VIDEOS YOU PRESENTED IN THIS CHANNEL I DID SUBSCRIBE TO THIS CHANNEL AND DID A THUMB-UP TO ALL THE VIDEOS I WATCHED :) THANK YOU FOR SHARING :) THANK YOU FROM ISRAEL :)

[@daz4627]

I had this problem just this week fixing my patio... some of the vertical holes were drilled on my drill press (100% vertical) but I had to freehand horizontal holes in-situ which took a fair bit of guesswork... the job turned out pretty good but I think that was down to good luck more than good DIY skills.

[@henri7753]

Your patiowork reminded me of a trick I used on mine and that's to use a CD as a mirror and drill through it. If the bit and its reflection form a straight line, it's all good. It's a bit fiddly to hold the CD while drilling. I only used it once and I think I got it right by chance too!

[@NeoGhk]

I was thinking of making a drill press or buying one. But this bubble is a brilliant cheap alternative. Why don't all drills have that. this is the first time I've seen one installed on a drill.

[@philtebble4390]

Very clever my friend . Should have patented the bubble system the drill manufacturers will steal your idea . 💡 👍

[@ProperDIY]

Yes maybe

[@christopheradams7158]

Great video & some really practical tips but what about when your drilling horizontal have you got any tips for that stu ?

[@RBnPA]

Good Informative information! Going down to make my own drill block and to look for bubble levels. Thanks for taking the time to make this video.

[@michaelw2288]

NATO has a standard for an accessory rail that indexes very accurately and repeatedly. It is moulded into many aluminum and plastic products. The Picatinny Rail could easily be moulded into a drill casing.

[@ibisman1593]

Very Clever, I LIKE . Subscribed.

[@ego602]

Nice Reference to Norm.....Great Carpenter

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks

[@PawfectLuxurySofas]

Thanks that was Excellent !

[@martindicken7894]

I think one drawback to the bubble level, although I like it, is that it can't be used in "out of plumb" situations whereas the blocks etc. can be used on any flat surface to achieve perpendicularity. All in all a great video however. Cheers!

[@stuartduncan2772]

Makes me wonder why manufacturers haven't included bubbles as a feature. Great idea.

[@therealdojj]

props for the norm reference

[@brianhunt5353]

Excellent video Stewart as always,I'm a big fan of your channel and I love your passion how you explain things to us DIY folks brilliant idea of the bubble on the drill I'm amazed the manufacturers don't do this built-in,

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you. I'm not sure why they don't. Maybe they'll steal my idea!

[@neilsumner1929]

@@ProperDIY I have an old Ryobi cordless that has bubbles in it. It's a blue drill before they all turned lime green. Very useful it was too.

[@susanmei9980]

Had a Black & Decker drill years ago that came with a level built in. Cdn’t find the same when I went to replace it. 😬

[@kelvinteoh9058]

Nice idea! But now you'll need to put another bubble on the top of the drill for when you drill into a vertical face. 😊

[@ProperDIY]

Yes but no problem because now you know how!

[@sammorgan8047]

Great timing, first for once, what about the old CD reflection trick?

[@Stu1982]

Proper job, I’ll be on my Amazon page right now. Thank you 🤙🏻

[@ProperDIY]

Nice one!

[@Stu1982]

@@ProperDIY my bullseyes are coming today. I will set them up. You always have the best ideas 😃

[@walterburdon5325]

Good job

[@radinsyah1574]

Would the bubble work when drilling a wall?

[@MrRusty-fm4gb]

I had the 4th idea already in my head but had no idea that you could buy those level bubbles... 😎

[@ProperDIY]

Nice one!

[@MrRusty-fm4gb]

I had the idea of carefully snagging 2 out of a level but those are just side to side. I now wonder about the idea of actually trying to make one and what I’d possibly use. 🤔