I know you have expanded and grown your business. But I have to tell you I really appreciate this type of content. I remember when you first started you had very practical content for guys like me who do not have fancy tools. We have a saw, drill , hammers and screw drivers and of course a carpenters knife and paint brushes. Thank you for this very helpful practical video.

@TheHonestCarpenter

5 ай бұрын

You’re welcome, RK! Always happy to help 🙂

@VaQm11

4 ай бұрын

Amen!

@gurudogg123

2 ай бұрын

Agree!

Another advantage of using something like this is that it teaches you what being perfectly vertical feels like with your drill. It can improve your free hand drilling.

It's not a trick, it's a tool.

@MetalNick

5 күн бұрын

Tools do tricks. But yeah you have a point.

@Frost.7xx

3 күн бұрын

The click bait is real. You’d think he’d show the “tool” in the thumbnail ☠️

@user-qy9es4dn8v

2 күн бұрын

I tell you

I'm a retired CNC Machinist and although I didn't need something like this, what I did need on occasion was a tapping block. Same concept but just for starting a tap straight. Made quite a few for me and newbies that came into the shop and they were so surprised and impressed there was something like that around. Not sure how long these have been around but now that I don't have a huge machine to drill my holes, this will definitely be on my Christmas list. Thanks for all of your helpful videos. Happy Holidays to you and all that visit.

I actually used the same one for drilling into tiles. The resistance and smoothness of the ceramic would often force the bit to drift without having a chance to get purchase. Because of the rubber on the bottom of the guide block, it stayed steady long enough to actually do its work.

@davidwillard7334

26 күн бұрын

Theres a simple Trick , Drilling into Ceramic Tiles , But you will have to watch ! My you Tube , if ever l decide to go Ahead with that !

TIP for centering the drill block EXACTLY where you want to drill. Use an awl to make a small indentation where the center of your hole is to be. Using a small bit - maybe an 1/8", drill about 1/8" deep freehand. Now fit the bit that is the size of the hole you want to make. Slide the drill block over the bit and all the way up to the drill chuck. Now, while holding the drill block against the chuck, you can place the tip of the bit exactly into the pilot hole while keeping the drill as vertical as possible, then slide the block down to the surface of the work piece. Now, while holding the block firmly, if it is not completely seated flush on the work piece, adjust the drill until the block is completely flush to the work piece and now your bit is exactly perpendicular and you can drill to the desired depth. For large diameter holes just use this process starting with smaller diameter holes and work your way up to the final desired diameter. This ensures the location of your hole is dead center of where you want it!

@conorstewart2214

4 ай бұрын

@peterm2227 yeah that seems much more useful than them doing the exact same thing but drilling a pilot hole first. It’s probably also more precise to just start with the tip of the bit you will be drilling with than their method, it’s probably easier to centre the point of a drill on a mark rather then centring the tip of the drill bit in a hole. It’s much faster too to just use a single drill bit and not have to worry about changing bits.

@betz999

4 ай бұрын

​@conorstewart2214 that's how you crack wood

@sallyjoshelton475

3 ай бұрын

Thanks, Mark.

@TheFloridaPappy

3 ай бұрын

I made about the same point (except for the awl) then saw yours. Guess I'll delete mine now.

Even better is a drill with integrated levels. That's why I'm still using my 1990's blue Ryobi drill. It has a horizontal level on top and a centering level on the back of the barrel, so both horizontal and vertical drilling is true. This no longer seems to be part of drill/drivers today, which is a huge oversight.

@ralphhenderson5276

5 ай бұрын

I glued a surface level to the butt end of my Makita, and it’s saved me a lot of time and trouble. Unfortunately there’s no room on top for a horizontal level.

@b3arwithm3

5 ай бұрын

I did the same but for this to work the piece has to rest on a perfectly level surface

@pazu8728

4 ай бұрын

I have that drill still and love the level. Unfortunately all my batteries are dead.

@RYwoodview

4 ай бұрын

@@pazu8728 FYI, all Ryobi batteries fit all Ryobi tools, no matter how old.

@American-Plague

4 ай бұрын

You would think this would be cheap enough that all major drill manufacturing companies would design this into their drills. Unfortunately, EVERYTHING seems to be just getting to be more and more poorly designed pieces of shyte. I've been through 3 DeWalt impacts this year. The first one, I only drove 6 lag bolts with it before the bearing in the chuck broke so the driving bits fall out. This is a huge hassle. Especially if you're up on a ladder or scaffolding. The other 2 didn't last much longer. The FIRST 20V brushless DeWalt impact I had, when they first came out, lasted several YEARS before that bearing broke. I'm so sick of companies making everything cheaper and shittier but charging more and more money for their products.

I got the same one when I wasn’t drilling straight for cornhole legs. Big difference for a novice like myself. You hit the best issues ALL OF THE TIME!!

Fabulous! Prevents it from bouncing around as well. Thanks, HC...this is terrific.

I'm a senior female, I got one of these years ago. I noted that when I'd see others drilling, they'd appeared to be doing so at an angle, even did so myself. So invested in one of these myself. I love using it when needed ! Men folks don't expect me to know and have these little "do dads" on hand !😅😅😊

I didn't know they had saddles to sit on the edge of lumber!! That's so cool!! I could do dowel holes like that! Thanks!

2:57 really helpful. I’ve bought several of the items you show us as presents for my friends and relatives. Lots of workmen don’t know about a lot of these helpers.

I never knew something like this existed. Thanks for another very useful video!

Who said you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. lol Learning new things from you pros all the time. Appreciate it a lot Ethan. Keep up the good work my man !!

@TheHonestCarpenter

5 ай бұрын

Thank you Bill, will do! 😄

I'm 49 and up until now, I didn't know these existed. What a simple and brilliant tool. Thank you!

Thanks Ethan. It looks so easy I have to get one! You're the best. 😊😊😊😊❤❤❤❤

This is a great tip. And very timely. I have to drill some deep-ish holes into the edge of 3/4" MDF to mount some furniture leveling feet. In the past, my wife would 3D-print a single-hole drill guide for me; I had no idea these multi-hole guides existed. I like Kreg tools, so I bought a Kreg drill block. I can't wait to get started. Thanks for the video.

I could have used one of those blocks recently, but didn't know about them. Thanks for this tip for my future projects. 👍👍👍

I've been subscribed for a good while now, and THIS is exactly why! It's all these little hints and tidbits that make you a great resource for amateur me! Thanks a bunch!

Great tip , i worked in the aviation for over 35 years , way way back , we made our own using a drill press or having the machine shop make them. They definitely are practical , love watching your videos 👍 awesome stuff

@abrogard142

Ай бұрын

I'd think to make my own but where am I going to find a block of steel that thick?

Thank you for providing such incredible great advice.

Unreal Eric! I was not aware they even made drill blocks. Especially drilling at an angle, or the one with lines on the side.I appreciate your sharing, which adds to my gaining more knowledge and tools! 👍⚒🔧

Short and sweet! Great tips, thank you!

Super simple and versatile too. It'll make a great stocking stuffer! Many thanks for all you do, I always appreciate your posts. Merry Christmas!

This was a big help! Thanks for sharing this.

I'm glad you're posting new content

Nice vids. Straight to the point with details and accuracy. Thanks!

Very effective solution, especially for the ones who are not expert but curious for simple handwork. Thanks mate.

I haven't really been that interested in these, but seeing how easy it makes drilling into a pipe or at an angle might have sold me on it Another tip I learned from Rex Krueger is to keep a 90° reference in your sight line while drilling or making a square cut. Just having the vertical edge there will make it easier to intuitively hold the drill vertically

As someone who is brand new to the DIY world, these helpful tips are so useful. Thank you.

@TheLovelyMissBeans

4 ай бұрын

Milescraft is a great brand with lots of practical little gadgets. You should check them out.

Great video. I’ve found that using my middle finger (instead of my index finger) on the trigger of the drill has significantly improved the accuracy (angle) of my drilling. Your index finger ends up along the side of the drill, pointing in the direction you want to drill. Give it a try!

@Paul.Douglas

4 ай бұрын

Yep! This is a technique we used in building airplanes, along with using an "egg cup." It does exactly what you said.

Brilliant ! I wasn’t aware of these but will get one. Thank you.

Many of us greatly appreciate your tips. Thank you.

I had no idea these existed! Your channel is the gift that keeps on giving. Thank you!

Wow what a great, simple, and inexpensive idea! Thank you so much, I'm definitely going to get one!

I highly reccomend one of these drill blocks. SUPER cheap and super handy. I'm reaching for it in these situations often in our shop.

This is great! I've never seen anyone demonstrating a drill block and I appreciate the tip. Thanks!

Thanks. I've never even seen these before while browsing tool sections. Got you another sub.

You just genius and you are truly "the honest carpenter" ❤

Never knew a tool like that even existed. Thanks Ethan for the heads-up. 👷🏿‍♂️

@TheHonestCarpenter

5 ай бұрын

Sure thing, W! 😄

Thanks again. Great tip.

Brilliant. Thanks👍

I love your content. These tips are such a great help. I am also in awe of how neat your shop is. 🤔

Thank you. You solved a bunch of problems for me in just 3 minutes.

This is fantastic, thank you!

thank you for showing me such a thing exists; i'm gonna check it out and buy one for myself ASAP!

Excellent illustration.

This is great! Thanks for posting this.

I always like your videos. They are well done and informative.

another wonderful, useful video thanks

Thanks for sharing this . I added it to my Christmas list !

Thanks Ethan. I have that exact block and it is great. Cheers

Very cool little tip!

I've been using one for years. Since I work with 6 different brands and sizes of drills/impact drivers, no two of them have the same feel. A drill block gives me consistent accuracy with all the drills I use.

Very useful tip. Thanks a lot.

Brilliant that mate ,Happy New Year.

This guy is the best. Very valuable information, knowledge and experience 🙏😁❤👍

Very helpful. Thank you!

Just ordered it! Thanks.

been looking for a solution like this one...thanks a wack! 👍🏼

Excellent method. Thanks!

Mighty cool. Thanks for the tip.

I happened across the milescraft block a few year ago and really liked it, great to know I'm not alone!

Good tip thank you. I have ordered two from Amazon UK.

I have that exact drill block & it works great plus stair stepping your drill bits is an excellent idea.

This helpfull, thank you!

Great guide man...! Thanks

Thank you!…you’re the best

VERY useful tip - thanks!

I love tips like these!

Great tip,thanks

25year carpenter, and this vid was great. I have never used one of these, and now I will be buying one tomorrow. Thanks for the tip!

@davidcooper2516

Күн бұрын

Same here!

Clever device!!!👌🏽

I can use this tip! Thanks!

Thank you!

You sir have a consistently great channel!

You do it exactly the way I’ve done it for years, and I couldn’t agree more! I even have the same guide. Maybe the first video I didn’t learn something new from you, but the confirmation made me feel good! 😂 A bonus tip: If the guide thickness prevents drilling to the required depth, I sometimes use a longer, narrower bit to get the depth I want, then remove the guide and drill with the bit I need. Starting with that full-depth pilot hole makes it nearly impossible to drill the final hole skewed. (I could also buy a collection of long bits, but I don’t really need them.) FWIW, years ago I had one of those portable drill press guides, and it was dreadfully inaccurate. Thanks again, Ethan, for your content, which is always clear, to the point, and great advice.

@TheHonestCarpenter

5 ай бұрын

Thank you, Phil! Great points 😄

Good recommendation 👍

Great tip, Ethan! Just in time for Christmas too.

now that is an Honest advice !

And it'll fit in my Christmas stocking! 😊

Did not know of these. For tubes very interesting.

Thank you ! My next purchase.😊

@TheHonestCarpenter

5 ай бұрын

👍😁

Great content. Well presented. Thanks. I wish I'd found your channel sooner.

I never thought about this technique, but I should have. Thanks.

Perfect for me. So many times without making a pre hole, with a nail, my drill would go in crooked. I saw this somewhere and though it’s just what I need. Thanks for showing how to use it.

This is a very useful tool and video. To mark where I want to start drilling, I usually use a nail-set to make an indentation, then place the block over the hole, the tip of the bit will settle into the indentation and allow me to find the exact center.

Thank you.

I've always struggled with this. I'm about to be putting some cabinet handles in and will definitely use a block like this to make sure my holes are straight all the way through!

@TheLovelyMissBeans

4 ай бұрын

You might want to get a cabinet hardware jig. Kreg has one for about $25.00 It allows you to set up where your holes are gonna be drilled on each cabinet, in relation to the edge of the door, so once you have it set up,you take the jig from one door to the next, clamp it on, make your holes and move on. Otherwise, you have to measure for each door, and you are bound to have a couple of them end up off a little bit.

I needed an exact 90 degree hole a while back and ended up buying the Milescraft drill press you showed in the beginning. I had no idea they also did something called a drill block which achieved essentially the same thing. In fact, I had no idea drill blocks existed at all until this video! Having said that, I needed to use a Forstner drill bit for that task so the block would not have been suitable there but I think I'll get a drill block too as it is lighter and easier to use for normal drilling. Thanks for the info!

Very timely video, I'm doing a lot of drilling and something like this will be a big help to me. Only downside is that now I have to buy another tool. Oh darn, oh heavens no, twist my arm.

@maggienelson4437

5 ай бұрын

twist twist twist (is it working yet?)

Ethan years ago DeWalt use to have a 3/8 corded drill that had a level on the back of it for drilling straight but these days all the drills have gone away from that simplicity

@TheHonestCarpenter

5 ай бұрын

You’re right Fred-a handful of models still being made today, but not by many companies!

I have one of those DrillBlocks. They work great when having to drill a quick perfect 90° hole.

Thank you

I like the Milescraft drill block too.

1) I love that you came out and are endorsing a drill block/guide. These little guys don't get enough praise. I don't know if people are embarrassed to use it or think it's gimmicky, but it really does the trick. I guess that's why you're The Honest Carpenter! 2) AMATEUR-TIP: Instead of having to worry about sighting your drill mark through the hole, or using a center punch as other comments mentioned, I go with something even simpler, and I think more accurate: Slide the drill block over your drill bit and slide it back towards the chuck before you go to drill. Put your drill bit down onto your drill mark, then slide the drill block down onto the wood. It makes sure your drill bit is where it's supposed to be without the drill block being in the way. Disclaimer: This tip is definitely a bit late, and I admittedly only glanced over the first 30 or so comments to make sure it wasn't a duplicate, but I apologize if others have mentioned it already.

This is good…adding the Milescraft to my list. I do recommend the milescraft drill press for your drill. Makes no sense to for me to have a drill press, but needed to run some forstner bits for a one time project…was great.

@kevinhilton8683

5 ай бұрын

I agree -- The "Milescraft" style drill press is totally useful, however I think it has a use that is a little bit different than these drill blocks.

Oh man such a timesaver! Aff link used for the Kreg! I use Kreg for cabinets so it worked.

Also, when drilling put most of the pressure on the end of the drill opposite the chuck....not on the pistol grip. You will break less drill bits that way especially in metal.

I like the all metal Big Gator. Precise and comes with a plastic case