Being a keen DIYer or a veteran woodworker, you ought to know better that a misaligned and jagged drill hole results in an unsatisfying and ambiguous denouement.
A drill guide with congenital features can save you from that major kick in the teeth irrefutably. Power drill with guide attachment gives you both competency and complacency towards your project.
But if you’re not exact with the specifics, the cant of the dealers will be more than enough to overwhelm you.
Hence, to make sure that you get your hands on the best drill guide, we’ve organized all the skimpy details so that you err on the side of caution. If you want a versatile drill guide, to get you through straight holes as well as angles, then this Wolfcraft 4522 Tec Mobil is perfect for the job. It’s actually used a lot in woodworking projects because of its stand, but you can do so much more with it.
I’ll talk a little more in-depth about it later, as well as what to look for in a drill guide. But first, let’s check out all of your best options:
Best drill guide | Images |
---|---|
Overall best drill guide: Wolfcraft 4522 Tec Mobil Drill Stand | |
Best cheap budget handheld drill guide: Milescraft 1312 DrillBlock | |
Most versatile drill guide for straight holes: Big Gator Tools STD1000DGNP | |
Best drill guide for concrete: Milescraft 1318 Drillmate with chuck | |
Best drill guide for angles: Wolfcraft 4525404 Multi-Angle Drill Guide Attachment | |
Best drill guide for rotary tool: Dremel 335-01 Plunge Router Attachment | |
Best foldable drill guide: General Tools Precision |
In this post we'll cover:
- Best Drill Guide Buying Guide
- Best Drill Guides reviewed
- Overall best drill guide: Wolfcraft 4522 Tec Mobil Drill Stand
- Best cheap budget handheld drill guide: Milescraft 1312 DrillBlock
- Most versatile drill guide for straight holes: Big Gator Tools STD1000DGNP
- Best drill guide for concrete: Milescraft 1318 Drillmate with chuck
- Best drill guide for angles: Wolfcraft 4525404 Multi-Angle Drill Guide Attachment
- Best drill guide for rotary tool: Dremel 335-01 Plunge Router Attachment
- Best foldable drill guide: General Tools Precision
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Best Drill Guide Buying Guide
What matters more when buying a product is not the product itself, it’s to study the basics. This is where we dive in to notify you about the yes’s and no’s of a drill guide that you’re aiming to buy.
Type of Guide
A simple portable drill guide works in a pressing mechanism. There’s a chuck where you attach your power drill of specific drill bit sizes. In case your job is large-scale then you have the option of buying a high-speed drilling guide.
You might also come across a mini magnetic drill base which utilizes its electromagnetic attribute to firmly attach itself to metallic surfaces.
If you’re looking for more options regarding bit capacity, then you can get yourself a guide block that has several well-measured holes with different diameters to carry out drilling.
Construction
Steel and aluminum dominate the drill guide market. While steel-crafted guides give you superior durability and longevity, they come as expensive. On the other note, guides made of aluminum are lightweight and easier to handle but less durable. Chuck
Capacity
Drill guide with chuck arrangement refers to the simple portable ones. Chuck capacity implies the number of drill bits with specific diameters that can be attached to the drill guide chuck.
Normally, power drill bits with diameters of 3/8 and 1/2 inches can be mounted on a drill mate chuck. Thus, a higher chuck capacity should always be preferred.
Base
The base of the drill mate can be metallic or plastic. Metallic bases provide better precision and stability. But such a base adds more bulk.
However, plastic bases are usually clear and they let you see the work surface ultimately ensuring better placement. But plastic bases are non-durable and less stable. Some of the drill guide bases can be fixed onto a surface using anchor pins.
Protractor Scale
The protractor scale lets you measure the drilling angles. Whether it’s vertical, horizontal, or inclined drilling, this scale allows you to conveniently set the angle and start drilling.
For inclined angles, most of the drill mates usually permit up to 45 degrees in the protractor scale.
Portability
Portability mainly depends on weight while compactness on dimensions. Drill mates are usually very lightweight. They can weigh from 0.10 ounces up to 8 pounds. As heavy as your power drill already is, your drill attachment has to be compact.
Block types win this race but aren’t as versatile as their counterparts.
Handle
A drill guide with a handle improves your placement and stabilizes your driller. They are movable along the guide bars and can be fixed as well for maximum support. Generally, handles are made of durable metals such as steel. They also work as the storage of drill bits and chuck keys in some cases.
Accuracy
Drill guides are primarily used to make sure that the holes you drill are as accurate and flawless as possible. Some guides, however, have issues with accuracy. The angles on the guide may be off, the size of the holes may not be as advertised and so on.
So it is important to check that your guide provides results as accurate as possible!
Straight and Angled Drilling
Different tasks require different types of drilling. Some call for straight drilling while others call for angled. That is why it is very important to know the nature of your project and buy a guide accordingly.
Multi-Angle
If you are looking into angled drilling guides, keep into consideration the range of angles you can achieve. Some models offer a set number of angles you can set your guide to whereas others allow you to set the angle anywhere within a given range. Having the option to choose angles will make your work more accurate and better!
Size of Drilled Holes and Drill Bits
Drill guides do not have a set size of holes that it allows you to drill – the size varies greatly from one model to another. Additionally, some guides even require drill bits of different lengths (especially for handheld models).
Warranty The dealers offer from no warranty to lifetime warranty to their products. Needless to say, a warranty gives you a sense of assurance and flexibility in exploring the product thoroughly. Hence you should look for one with a minimum of a one-year warranty.
Best Drill Guides reviewed
Drill guides with the most efficient attributes are rare in the market. You’ll have to put extra effort into researching or else you might end up with one with no value. In the following section, we have made an effort to get you to the most valued one that can take your productivity level up a notch.
Overall best drill guide: Wolfcraft 4522 Tec Mobil Drill Stand
Assets This drill stand apparatus distinguishes itself from the previous ones on account of its mobility. You can effortlessly carry out your projects anywhere without feeling any extra bulk on your drill machine. Its smart and ergonomic design aids your small to medium-scaled projects with sublimity. The drill stand has two swiveling guide bars that are accurately scaled to lead your drilling action. Whether it’s vertical, horizontal, or any inclined angle up to 45 degrees, you can carry out your drilling pretty smoothly. The mobile drill guide allows power drills with a diameter of 43mm. This implies that you’ll perfect cuts and holes onto flat surfaces, corners, round workpieces, and rails with precision and accuracy ascertained. Moreover, the adjustable depth stop ensures quick return and rapid drilling. You can precisely secure the placement and prevent slipping with the additional handle down at the bottom. The handle also works as the storage unit for drill bits. Besides, the base interior is clear so that you can see the work surface and place your drill bit accordingly. It can also be tightened as a fixed drilling stand.
Drawbacks
- Relatively pricey.
Check prices and availability here
Best cheap budget handheld drill guide: Milescraft 1312 DrillBlock
Assets Milescraft drill block is a decently made one to take your drilling discretion up a level. Its consecutive and unerring set of holes make sure that you get straight drill holes every time. To befit that purpose, there are vertical and horizontal centerlines embedded ensuring proper alignment. You get six perfectly fit holes covering the common drill bit diameters. As a result, this tool is rendered appropriate for diverse purposes. Tolerance for the brushing block is stringent which allows you to drill holes onto any surface be it rounded or corner of the job. This solid metal guide is sturdy and exquisitely durable. With its ergonomic design, comes a non-slip bottom which secures the drill block in place. You’ll wonder about the last time when you had such complacency while drilling. As stiff as it is, the drill block is comprehensively handleable with just the palm of your hand. To sum up, if you’re looking for a cost-efficient drill guide to aid your medium to small-scale projects without rough edges and splinters, then Milescraft DrillBlock is what you’re looking for.
Pros
- Centerline for accurate alignment
- Non-slip
- V-grooves
- 6 diameter options
- Great value for money
Drawbacks
- The sizes you’re able to work with are limited.
- Long drill bits are required.
Most versatile drill guide for straight holes: Big Gator Tools STD1000DGNP
Assets Big Gator Tools Drill Guide is unlike any other guide you’ll see in the market. It’s fundamentally a hub with a series of precisely drilled holes. The holes allow 17 different drill sizes ranging from 1/8″ to 3/8″, incrementing by 1/64″. This saves you the hassle of chuck adjustment and ensures quick drilling. Depending on your project, you might be required to drill holes on several types of job pieces. To your convenience, you can utilize the perfectly machined V-groove of this guide to accurately inflict holes on flat surfaces, round workpieces, and corners. Another notable aspect is that the guide is made of steel specially alloyed with nickel. Such construction makes the guide robust and durable. It has also undergone the heat treatment process so that you get a tougher, stronger, and wear-resistant tool at your disposal. Easy and perfect alignment is ensured so that you can get the best out of your power drill. For this purpose, alignment marks are inscribed on the surface of the guide holes. Besides, the material of the guide is non-plated and coated with light oil so that you get a lifelong service free of rust. Drawbacks
- The drill guide is relatively heavy.
- You’ll need to clamp the guide before drilling.
Best drill guide for concrete: Milescraft 1318 Drillmate with chuck
Assets Drilling holes accurately and conveniently without any distortion is a cakewalk with the Milescraft Drill Guide. Be it straight drilling or angled drilling, this gem of a tool can take your work efficiency up a level. With its sturdy and metallic base, you can drill holes into the edge of a board or round stock. As for the size, you can attach power drills with chuck sizes of 3/8″ and 1/2″. You also get an additional chuck that has a capacity of 3/8″ along with a key. Therefore, you’re guaranteed versatility and reliance. If you observe the guide mate further, you’ll see a solid base that has a built-in angle reader for angled cutting. You can cut from any angles ranging from 45 degrees to 90 degrees. Moreover, you can drill any rounded stock up to 3 inches in diameter with the help of this drill guide pretty easily. At the bottom side of the base, you’ll find centering channels to capacitate such stocks. The guide bars have springs mounted for better control of the head. Not to mention, the stop depth can be adjusted and as a result, you can repetitively and precisely drill holes. Overall, it’s a compact and lightweight designed drill guide for your DIY projects.
Pros
- Strong spring
- Has mounting holes
- Both angled and straight drilling
- Cost effective
- Adjustable depth stop
Drawbacks
- Not appropriate for heavy duties.
Best drill guide for angles: Wolfcraft 4525404 Multi-Angle Drill Guide Attachment
Assets Compared to the previous one, the Wolfcraft drill guide is more lightweight and thus, perfectly portable. The base is crafted with aluminum which provides superior endurance and can be maneuvered with ease. What sets this product apart from the contemporary ones is its V-groove base. This gives you more flexibility in your operation on different round and odd-shaped workpieces with a maximum diameter of 3 inches. You can make drill holes of diameters of 3/8″ and 1/2″ with the help of this drill guide. Moreover, you can set your preferred drill angle up to 45 degrees with this drill mate. All you have to do is shift the guide bars in accordance to get the smoothest of drill holes. The double guide bars have a spring mechanism to facilitate repetitive drilling and quick returning. If your operation involves drilling holes onto the edge of a board, the Wolfcraft drill guide’s centered holes will serve the purpose. Besides, down at the bottom alongside the base, the guide has a removable handle for easy lifting and leverage in case you’re dealing with heavy-duty operations.
Pros
- Portable
- Removable handle
- Rubberized base
- Multi angle
- Easy to set up
Drawbacks
- The chuck quality is cheap.
- Precision is not up to the mark.
Check prices and availability here
Best drill guide for rotary tool: Dremel 335-01 Plunge Router Attachment
Assets This unique guide converts your rotary tool into a fast plunge router. Given that you’re to engage with small scale projects or DIY works then this plunge router attachment is just what you need. The arrangement is quite simple as you’ll have to just get your Dremel rotary tool compatible with the attachment and follow the procedures. The most important thing about drilling is producing a cleanly cut hole whatever the scale of the project may be. You’ll see that the plunge router supports 1/8″ drill bits to perfectly carry out your project. The tool also features a handle that can be locked in for smooth installation. As for the construction, it’s made of plastic and metal that gives you durability as well as portability. Another appreciable aspect is the spring-loaded transparent base which allows you to see the work surface and accurately determine your point of drilling. Dremel plunge router also features two quick releasable depth stops that enable you to swiftly adjust the routing depth. Moreover, there’s integrated storage for drill bits and wrenches which saves you from unwanted hassles. The additional inclusions such as edge guide, mounting wrench, circle cutting guide, and instructions increase your convenience. Not to mention, the one year guarantee is another one of the reasons for your attention. Drawbacks
- The springs are stiff.
- Too many plastic segments throw off the stability.
Best foldable drill guide: General Tools Precision
Assets General Tools Precision Drill Guide is a versatile accessory that is smartly designed and feature-packed. This tool is perfect for making right and variable angled holes thanks to its built-in protractor scale. You can easily measure in any of the vertical directions up to 45 degrees with 5 degrees incrementation. If your project involves dowels or rounded stocks then you’ve got it covered with this unique drill guide. There’s also a slide lock feature that comes into play during sanding and buffing operations. You’ll be able to drill holes into any intricate shape with these features. Moreover, you get pins to anchor your drill mate to surface securely. Such a feature gives you more stability while drilling. Not to mention, this allows you to tighten your power drill on flat surfaces, corners, and large tubings. Similar to the most decent drill guides, you also get an adjustable built-in depth stop to ensure accurate depth of holes. This also helps in rapid drilling and quick return of the bit for repetitive action. Whether you’re a DIYer, tradesman, or craftsman, this tool can be a great addition to your kit bag. The precision and productivity it provides are like none other. Drawbacks
- The base is made of plastic.
- Not suitable for heavy work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know that I have chosen the right drill bit? Ans: You must first determine the material you’re going to work on and its thickness. Then select a drill bit based on its diameter and type. As long as you hit the bull’s eye in these, the perfect bit will be on your way. Q: How do I clean my drill attachment? Ans: You’ll not be required to clean your drill guide extensively. Just clean the chips off of your guide with a scrap of clothing after your drilling is done. Q: Do all drill guides come with chuck keys? Ans: No, chuck keys are provided by some specific brands for specific chuck sizes only.
Q: Is it mandatory to have a drill guide?
Ans: For a product that comes in at such a low price, drill guides really do make a difference to your project. We recommend buying a drill guide for more accurate results and consider it somewhat of a staple tool.
Q: Are drill guides and drill press the same?
Ans: No, the drill guide and the drill press available in the market for metalworking and woodworking are not made for the same purpose, rather for quite different purpose. Drill presses are equipped to do more intricate tasks, whereas the drill guide only helps to make accurate holes.
Q: What is a drill block?
Ans: Drill blocks feature V-grooves, which allows for cylindrical objects to be drilled. It adds great versatility to your project.
Q: Do I need a special type of drill to be used with drill guides?
Ans: No, drill guides are to be used with the conventional rotary power tool. You do not need any other equipment to put the guide to use. However, before purchasing a guide for your drill (or vice versa) ensure that the guide allows for the size and diameter of the drill bit.
Q: How much can I expect to spend on a drill guide?
Ans: Drill guides come in varying designs, sizes, categories, and qualities. Thus, it is difficult to boil it down to a single price point. Our list covers drill guides that cost right under 15 dollars to a little over 100 dollars. The expected price point will depend heavily on the type of guide you choose to buy.
Conclusion
If you’ve noticed, you’ll realize that drill guides come in various shapes and sizes with distinct features. What matters is that you determine your work scale and then look for the three basic elements that are portability, durability, and features. Regardless, we have sorted out some of the products that piqued our interest to help you narrow down your options and get to the best drill guide. Big Gator Tools caught our attention with its versatility and sturdy design. This one has more drilling options as well as a sublime alignment mechanism to get yourself a smooth and precise hole. Given that your project involves angled cutting and you’re looking for a solid one packed with features and more control, then Milescraft Drill Guide with chuck should be your pick. Long story short, just like every other product, it’s a must that you study your ground before leaping out to buy your thing. For drill mates, it’s all the more so.
I'm Joost Nusselder, the founder of Tools Doctor, content marketer, and dad. I love trying out new equipment, and together with my team I've been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with tools & crafting tips.