October 4, 2023
Straight hole drilling jig is the most useful attachment for your drill. There will undoubtedly be instances when you need to drill perfectly straight holes using the power drill in some of your woodworking projects. But if you don’t know how to drill straight holes, you might get continually frustrated, unable to drill straight through wood and walls. So, it will help if you learn how to drill straight holes using the power drill. The power drill, of course, is a pretty straightforward tool. You only need to pull the trigger to make the bit spin, and you will surely make a hole. Yet, drilling a straight hole is another thing.
If you want to achieve quality projects, you must position the drill bit in the right place and at the correct angle and depth. One way, of course, to get your hole straight is to drill carefully and hold your drill steady. You can also make a smaller pilot hole to let you locate the bit before drilling the final hole. Another sure way of drilling straight holes is by using a drilling jig. Such a jig can help you make perfectly straight holes consistently and repeatedly.
What are the Most Recommended Jigs for Drilling Straight Holes in Wood?
If it is your first time drilling straight holes into a wood without using a drill press, you might get frustrated, for the drill bit may skitter out of your target. So, you might as well buy a drill press. Yet, a full-sized drill press is relatively expensive. Hence, if you can’t afford it, you might as well use a guide attachment.
A guide attachment can turn your hand drill into something like a drill press. With it, you can easily set the hole’s depth and alter your attack angle. Moreover, you can carry this attachment anywhere you would want to use it.
As you further hone your skill in using the drill, you will soon discover that most holes you would make are drilled straight, perpendicular to the wood’s surface. Such holes, of course, are easy to make if you got a drill press.
However, sans a drill press, you need to balance the drill bit to make straight holes. But such a balancing act is challenging. Thus, a drill guide like the drill block or drill stand can come in handy.
1) Drill Block
One type of commercial drilling guide is the drill block or drilling block. This drill block is either a plastic or metal block. It comes with many holes for inserting drill bits of different sizes. You only need to center the hole in the block on your hole maker. Afterward, you can clamp the block to your workpiece.
Once set up, you can drill. You only need to slip the bit down through the hole of the block and start drilling. The block’s holes are precisely sized and standardized to allow the bit to spin without leaning over. You will find excellent blocks made of alloys. These blocks are wear-and-rust-resistant.
The downsides of using blocks include using long bits because the blocks get positioned between the material and the drill. Moreover, you can’t use them to make angled holes. Plus, you can only use them with some straight drill bits with specific diameters.
The upsides, however, of their use include their straightforward use. They are also easy to carry around. Besides, some come with V-shaped bases allowing you to clamp them easily to round dowels and pipes.
2) Drill Stands
You can also opt for a drill stand if you are desirous of drilling straight holes. The drill stand usually features a metal base that is flat. It also features two upright rods along with a mounting device for holding the drill firmly. With the drill stand, you can drill into something like a drill press.
You can utilize the drill stand together with any drill bit size. You can also use it to drill at various angles. Furthermore, drill stands usually come with V-shaped grooves.
You can also find a simplified drill stand. This one is small and round. Moreover, you can slip it onto the drill bit’s shank before chucking the drill bit onto the drill. You can use these drill bit stands on Forstner bits and other similar bits.
9 Most Recommended Woodworking Jigs for Drilling Straight Holes
Shopping for a jig for drilling straight holes can be time-consuming and confusing, given the myriads of jigs in the market today. To facilitate the buying process for you, you can check out the following most recommended jigs for drilling straight holes:
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1) Big Gator Tools STD1000DGNP
The Big Gator Tools STD1000DGNP comes with a straightforward design. It features 17 drill sizes with 1/64″ increments (1/8″-3/8″). You can use this drill guide when drilling straight holes on corners, round parts, and flat surfaces.
This drill guide is of steel (nickel alloy) for excellent durability. Hence, you can expect this drill guide to last longer. It is also coated with non-plated material and oil coating for preventing corrosion.
This drill guide allows you to cover all drill sizes. It is likewise portable, allowing you to carry it around wherever you want to drill straight holes.
2) Milescraft 1312
The Milescraft 1312 is a super handy and straightforward drill guide. Its design is simple, like that of the Big Gator. Besides, this drill block is inexpensive. You can purchase it for less than ten dollars. It can help you drill perfectly square holes from 1/8″ to 1/2″ with 1/16 increments. If you don’t possess a drill press, you can always rely on this drill guide when drilling straight holes.
The Milescraft 1312 features non-slip feet. These feet hold the drill guide in place. They also prevent marring and slipping on your workpieces. It also comes with a V-groove on its bottom. Thus, you can drill 45-degree holes into the edges and corners with ease.
3) Milescraft 1318
One excellent drill stand is the Milescraft 1318. It is handy if you don’t have a drill press but want to drill straight holes. You can also use it for drilling angled holes. You can easily attach it to your power drill (3/8″, 1/2″).
The Milescraft 1318 comes with centering channels at its base’s bottom. Besides, these centering channels enable the drilling of round stock. It can also allow for the drilling up to three inches in diameter. Moreover, it comes with a depth stop that you can adjust.
4) Wolfcraft 4525404
You can use this drill guide in various positions (horizontal, angle, vertical). Its guide bars come with springs for easy return when engaged in repetitive drilling. Moreover, its drill adapter slides with ease up and down on its guide bards.
The Wolfcraft 4525404 offers a maximum angle position of 45 degrees. Moreover, its rubber pads on its base keep the guide in place. This drill stand can accommodate standard drills (3/8″ and 1/2″).
5) Kreg Pocket Hole Jig 320
Kreg is one of those companies that delivers the best jigs in the market today. One such Kreg product is the Kreg Pocket Hole Jig 320. This pocket hole jig is an excellent tool for making straight holes. It also comes in a compact case that is quite sturdy. Moreover, you will indeed find enough uses for this pocket hole jig.
Kreg Pocket Hole Jig 320 is remarkably unique because it easily attaches to a clamp. It also features self-aligning positive stops, allowing for a quick setup. The kit comes with a spacer and two drill guides. It also comes with small pocket screw boxes and a manual. It will surely get you started in your task.
This pocket hole jig is mostly made of plastic, except for the bit guide sleeves. Yet, despite being mostly made of plastic, you will see that this jig is pretty sturdy and solid. You can disassemble the jig into five pieces, and you can re-attach these pieces to allow you to drill adjacent pocket holes on tight locations and narrower boards. This jig comes in handy when repairing furniture.
It uses a slide-and-rotate functionality to unlock and lock the pieces. Once locked, you will feel that the jig is pretty sturdy. You won’t notice any looseness in it. Lastly, this pocket hole jig is pretty easy to set up and use.
Pros:
- Small and easy to handle and can fit in any space.
- Features a simplified design for ease of setup and use
- Comes with a rubber base for preventing sliding while you drill
- Offers incredible versatility
- Quite affordable
Cons:
- Can’t support wood vertically, requiring you to drill sideways or towards you.
- Best suited for working on medium and larger plywood or boards
- Necessitates the use of Kreg Large Face clamp
6) General Tools Woodworking Pocket Hole Jig Kit
If you are desirous of drilling straight holes, you should check out the General Tools Woodworking Pocket Hole Jig Kit. This drilling jig facilitates the use of your drill. It will allow you to make those corner holes and pocket holes needed for connections and joints. You can also use this jig to build frame cabinets and secure picture frames. With this jig, drilling those straight holes become a breeze. Moreover, you will get a higher level of accuracy when drilling those straight holes.
This drilling kit comes with everything you need to start the drilling process. It comes with a pocket hole jig. Plus, it comes with a (step) drill bit that you can replace. It also comes with a clamp. Moreover, it comes with a square drive bit. This drilling jig, of course, is compliant with established high standards in woodworking tool manufacturing.
With this jig, you will get access to twenty-five drive screws, twenty-five fine square, and twenty-five wooden hole plugs. It likewise comes with a carrying case with hard plastic.
As a starting kit, you will get whatever you need to start drilling straight holes from this kit. It also comes with a carrying case made of hard plastic for conveniently carrying your things. If you’re a beginner in woodworking, you will find this jig handy in completing your projects that require drilling holes. You can drill counterbores and drive screws. This drilling kit will enable you to drill holes with utmost precision.
Pros:
- Inexpensive drilling jig
- Of quality make and materials
- Easy to set up and use
Cons:
- Produces metal shavings when you use it
- Doesn’t come with a height adjustment feature
- Might not drill a clean hole
7) ESFORT’s Cabinet Hardware Jig
Another excellent option is the Cabinet Hardware Jig rolled out by ESFORT. This one is a moveable jig that is made of hardened steel guides. These guides lock in position for proper alignment. Hence, you would feel confident drilling those straight holes with this jig.
This kit features an edge guide that you can move with measuring scales built into it. The scales are in metric and English measurements. Moreover, you may drill multiple holes with this drilling jig. Besides, it comes with a reversible design that lets you flip over the tool sans any adjustment. It is excellent for repairing furniture. It also excels in installing hardware and in building projects.
This cabinet jig allows for splitting into components. Moreover, being lightweight, you can carry it around, and it comes with a storage bag. It also comes with a wood drilling template for your projects. It also features a front-mounted clamp handle. It is convenient to use and comfortable with your hand. It is easy to set up and is durable.
Pros:
- Easy to set up and use
- Durable and of excellent make
- Provides precision cuts
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with instructions
- There might be a gap between the drawer and the ruler, which can compromise the accuracy
8) Handheld Dowel Jig Kit by Zerotop
If you want to drill straight holes, one excellent option is the Handheld Dowel Jig Kit by Zerotop. Aside from being a dowel jig, this jig functions as a Center Scriber Marking Tool. You can utilize it to self-center your holes. You can also use it as a Center Scriber for making marks.
It is perfect for combining punching holes and marking lines as a kit. It is indeed a worthy investment and adds value to your woodworking endeavors. Moreover, it is made of ABS engineering plastics along with metal.
This drilling jig kit comes with one self-centering dowel, three drilling guides, three pieces of wood drill bits, ten wooden dowels, and three dowel centering pins. It also comes with a wrench kit. You can move this doweling jig, and it comes with screws that fit various wood thicknesses.
You can use it for precise positioning when drilling holes on your workpiece. It is also highly accurate and is versatile enough. Furthermore, it can mark center lines with utmost precision. Moreover, you can accurately align the drill bit with the proper positioning when drilling.
This drilling jig also comes with an English System scale on both sides. No doubt, this dowel jig and Center Scriber combo is indeed a handy tool when drilling straight holes.
Pros:
- It is relatively affordable
- Easy to set up and use
- Provides remarkable accuracy of holes
- Made of durable and quality materials
Cons:
- Might be hard to stabilize while you drill
9) Muzata Drill Guide for Cable Railing Kit
The Muzata Drill Guide for Cable Railing Kit lets you drill a perfect 90° angled hole, whether horizontal or vertical, anywhere you like on your wood piece. You can also use it to drill a 45° angled hole needed for wood railing posts.
It will be good to note that your DIY projects will only result in quality results if you drill accurate and straight holes. Thus, you would need this jig for drilling straight and precise holes. With this jig, you can raise your level of woodworking a notch higher.
This handrail drill guide gets wrought in transparent acrylic that allows for excellent visibility, allowing you to lock in the drill bit to your chosen position when drilling. It also comes with four various-sized track holes compatible with the standard hardware for cable railing.
It also functions well with a six-inch F clamp with no vibrations or shaking. Thus, you can safely drill 45° angled holes and 90° angled holes. It doesn’t come, however, with the F clamp. So, you need to buy it separately.
This cable railing guide, being compact, is quite portable, and you can carry it inside your pocket. Besides, its setup and usage are relatively straightforward.
Pros:
- Allows fast drilling of angled holes and horizontal and vertical holes
- Easy to set up and use
- You can see your marks underneath the tool
- Made of quality materials
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with centerline markings
- Metal inserts tend to come out quickly
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Jig for Drilling Straight Holes
You would surely get frustrated if you needed to drill straight holes and end up with misaligned holes. But if you have the best drilling jig at hand, you need not rely much on the stability of your hands. If you want to zero in on the best drill jigs, it will help if you know the crucial factors to consider when selecting a jig for drilling straight holes:
Brand Value
The market is awash with various brands and models of drilling jigs, all claiming to be the best for drilling straight holes. This fact makes choosing a bit confusing for a newbie. Some brands, however, are known for rolling out quality products. So, you can rely on these trusted brands when selecting a jig. These brands, of course, have a track record of rolling out products with high standards and quality.
Check the Features
When selecting a drilling jig, go for something with sterling features. Go for something sturdy and made of durable materials to ensure that your jig will last longer. Check whether the jig you choose is easy to set up and use. Ask yourself, Is it portable and compact? Does it come with a rubber base to keep the jig from sliding? Does it offer a high level of versatility? Look for those features that could make the drilling process of straight holes quick and accurate.
Specifications
When searching for a drilling jig, check the specifications of the jig. Check the scales used in the jig and see if it allows for drilling angled holes and straight vertical and horizontal holes. Moreover, check if it is stable and precise enough to provide you with accurate holes.
Quality
Another succinct factor to consider is the quality of the product. The purpose of a drilling jig is to guide the drill bit when drilling straight holes. If it fails to deliver this purpose, it is not a quality product. Moreover, you should check its materials and make. Check its design likewise if it is conducive to drilling straight holes and delivers top-notch accuracy.
Conclusion
Drilling straight holes might be easy for woodworking experts, even if they do it freehand without drill guides. However, if you are a newbie, you will indeed find drilling straight holes a huge challenge. Yet, with the abovementioned drill guides and drill stands, you can facilitate the drilling of straight holes for you.
As mentioned above, most of the holes you will drill are straight holes. You can, of course, drill it perfectly using a drill press. But the drill press is expensive. So, if you don’t have enough budget for a drill press at this point, you can use the abovementioned drill blocks, and drill stands to ensure that the holes you will make will be perfectly straight.
Jason is a 40-year-old woodworker, carpenter and author who have been involved in the woodworking and woodcraft industry with 17 years of experience. He is expertise in technical aspects, woodcraft and furniture building projects.