spirit levels for drill/driver

[fp]

ciao a tutti,

I have been looking around for aftermarket spirit level vials I could somehow affix to my tools. While I have found some very nice products it occurred to me that someone in the group may have already solved this problem.

What say you? Another solution would be for Festool engineering itself to incorporate three axis spirit levels into the design, obviating the need for a drill stand to drill perfectly straight holes when the project requires it ...

[blink]

 

[bobfog]

To be honest, I think it's a bit of a DIY tool gimmick. For professionals/experienced users, most have an inbuilt spirit level that comes from experience and should that not be enough most of us would probably either use some sort of guide or knock up a jig of some description like a square, to use as a guide.

 

[TomE]

How about....

A laser line, dot or audio feedback system that would allow the user to align the drill 'square' to the reference surface regardless of it's position relative to gravity.

A square on surface targeting system, if you will.

Despite my many decades of experience, I've found that my innate 'leveling bubble' is still off a bit when drilling from awkward positions.

 

[mkasdin]

Hang a washer from the bit with a piece of line. I saw this under tips in fine Homebuilding.

 

[waho6o9]

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Welcome to the FOG fp!

 

[Cheese]

I still employ and suggest one of these, they correct in 2 different planes.

 

[Brice Burrell]

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Welcome to the FOG fp!

Why didn't I think of the that super simple right angle wood jig. [doh]

 

[rst]

If you just hold a block close to a smaller drill bit, you can use just an outside corner and judge if it is square in two planes.  I install core drilled handrails in this manner...don't need no $2000.00 drilling rig.  I've installed hundreds of handrails with this method and a 30 year old Hilti TE 75.  Often I will use the door frame for sighting a two inch hole for 1 7/8" stainless rails. 

 

[charley1968]

Doesn't really look like a right angle, the bloke with the Bosch..

 

[fp]

Thanks to waho6o9 and to rst. I'll try your suggestions in the event the v-drillguide is impractical.

To cheese, thanks for your input. My web searches didn't reveal this source. It's nice to see that not all fine tools available to us are from Deutschland. Made in America works for me.

I have been a Festool customer for a looong time dating from when they were new in North America, then known as Festo Tool Technic. The Owner's Group is the icing on the cake.  [wink]

 

[Cheese]

[member=59504]fp[/member] ...welcome to the Fog.

The guide is manufactured from an alloyed, heat treated steel that has minimal wear characteristics and also a high surface lubricity. Available in imperial and metric and they also manufacture a guide that works with taps.  [big grin]

They're available from Woodcraft or Rockler but if you order it directly from Big Gator, it will come in its own protective plastic case. That's the avenue I took. I've added a photo below.
https://www.biggatortools.com/drill-guides.html

 

[RKA]

They're available from Woodcraft or Rockler but if you order it directly from Big Gator, it will come in its own protective plastic case.

Quick clarification, it comes in a plastic case even if ordered from amazon, if that's easier.