10 best portable drill guides

A portable drill guide is a tool used in woodworking, metalworking, and other applications to assist in drilling precise and accurate holes. It is related to stationary drill presses and other power tools commonly used for drilling, but it offers the advantage of portability and versatility. Here are some key points about portable drill guides:

  1. Purpose: The primary purpose of a portable drill guide is to ensure that holes are drilled accurately and consistently at specific angles and depths.This is especially important for tasks like doweling, drilling pocket holes, or creating joints where precision is crucial.

  2. Versatility: Portable drill guides are versatile tools that can be used with a wide range of hand drills, corded or cordless, as well as drill drivers. They are not limited to a specific drill press or machine, making them suitable for various applications and job sites.

  3. Angle Adjustability: Many portable drill guides come with adjustable angle settings, allowing you to drill holes at different angles, such as 90 degrees (perpendicular), 45 degrees (miter), or custom angles as needed. This feature is particularly useful for tasks like joinery and cabinetry.

  4. Depth Control: Some portable drill guides include depth stop mechanisms, allowing you to set precise drilling depths. This is beneficial when you need to create holes at consistent depths for things like screws, dowels, or bolts.

  5. Material Compatibility: Portable drill guides are designed for use with various materials, including wood, metal, plastic, and more. They are commonly used in woodworking projects and metalworking applications.

  6. Ease of Use: These guides are typically straightforward to use. You place the guide on the workpiece, align it as needed, and then drill through the guide's bushing or sleeve to create a perfectly positioned hole.

  7. Accuracy: One of the primary advantages of portable drill guides is their ability to provide accurate and repeatable hole placements. They are favored by woodworkers and DIY enthusiasts who require precision in their projects.

  8. Portability: As the name suggests, portable drill guides are easy to carry and transport, making them suitable for on-site work, construction sites, or home workshops where space is limited.

  9. Cost: Portable drill guides are generally more affordable than dedicated stationary drill presses, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals who need accurate hole drilling capabilities.

  10. Accessories: Some portable drill guides come with additional accessories, such as clamps or guides for specific tasks. These can enhance the tool's functionality and convenience.

In summary, portable drill guides are handy tools for achieving precise and accurate hole drilling in various materials. They offer versatility, portability, and ease of use, making them a valuable addition to the toolkit of DIY enthusiasts, woodworkers, and professionals who require accurate hole placement in their projects.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best portable drill guides on the market
  

Milescraft 1318 Drillmate Drill Guide with chuck

Milescraft

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Drill straight holes all the time! With the DrillMate you can drill straight or angled holes, drill on the edge of a board or even round stock. The drive shank attaches to your 3/8" Or 1/2" power drill while the keyed output chuck works with most 3/8" drill accessories. The all-metal construction DrillMate provides the precision of a drill press with the ease of a hand drill. Smooth operation and controlled drilling via spring and bearings prevent cutting tool from hitting work piece. Adjustable depth-stop makes repetitive drilling to any depth with near drill press precision. The metal base has a scale with easy to read angles, v-grooves for centering of round materials, and holes for permanent mounting for special fixture applications. Also includes auxiliary handle for controlled movement and rubber feet that give the base a nonslip option.

  • Perfect for straight or angled drilling, drilling on the edge of a board or on round stock
  • Attaches to all 3/8" And 1/2" Power drills and it also includes a 3/8" Capacity chuck with key
  • Angle cuts of 45 Degree to 90 degrees, with a built in angle read out in the all metal base
  • Centering channels built into the bottom of the base, to accommodate drilling any round stock up to 3 inches in diameter
  • Adjustable depth stop and spring action control of the head

User questions & answers

Question: What's the max depth of cut
Answer: As answered you can get a copy of the manual from Grizzly or from Amazon.http://cdn0.grizzly.com/manuals/w1668_m.pdfandhttp://ec1.images-amazon.com/media/i3d/01/A/man-migrate/MANUAL000041994.pdfThey are not identical (40 pages on the Grizzly website, and 27 on the Amazon page).On difference is the depth stop. On the Grizzly site it is a jam nut on the depth stop rodon the left side, on the Amazon it is set on a collar lock knob on the spindle on the right side.My drill press has both depth stops, but the spindle does not have the depth label, and is notmentioned in the manual that came with the drill. When using the oscillating sander feature itcould be damaged if either stop is set.
Question: Does it use Bearings or Bushings for the spindle
Answer: I'd been wondering this myself... The Stock part on my W1668 is not a belt, but rather a polyurethane o-ring. The closest analogue I could find was here: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0051Y2LSO/ref=biss_dp_t_asn If you want true OEM parts, you can call Woodstock international at (360) 734-3482 7AM-5PM PST/PDT M-F
Question: Does anybody know how many inches the stroke is? Thank you
Answer: Yes. Page 14 of the manual supplied with the drill press says, "The drill chuck is seated to the spindle with a JT-33 tapered surface and a screw."
Question: What's the diameter of the opening in the base
Answer: Also..it's a GREAT drill press!

Product features

Milescraft DrillMate

With the Milescraft DrillMate portable drill stand, you can drill straight holes, angled holes, on the edge of a board or even round stock. Everyone knows that the success of many DIY projects depends on drilling straight and accurate holes. Now you can add a whole new level of accuracy with this drill guide jig when drilling holes with your standard hand drill.

All Metal Head

Head is all metal construction that has a hex shank chucks to 3/8" and 1/2" drills. Easy glide bushing in the head, eliminate play and wobble, for precise drilling.

Adjustable Angle Settings

Angle readout for setting drilling angles to 45°, 60°, 75°, and 90°

V-groove

Metal base and three v-grooves for drilling on round stock.

TPE Feet

Non-slip TPE feet prevent slipping and marring on the work surface, that can be removed to mount with screws when needed.

Large Handle

Can be mounted in a fixed position on the base for maximum support no matter what drilling motion you are doing.

Depth Stop

Adjustable depth stop for repetitive drilling.

3/8" Keyed Chuck

Compatible with most 3/8” drill accessories and includes chuck key, which can be store in the TPE feet holes.

Wolfcraft 4525404 Multi-Angle Drill Guide Attachment For 1/4In. & 3/8In. Drills,Silver

Wolfcraft

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Turn your portable drill into a drill press and get the accuracy you need at a job site! The guide attaches directly to a 3/8" drill chuck, and allows you to drill larger pieces you can't fit on your stationary press. Pre-drilled holes allow you to attach a base or mount it to a table.

The Wolfcraft Drill Guide can be used in horizontal, vertical or angle positions, and fits all 1/4-inch or 3/8-inch drills. The Guide-bars themselves have springs for a quick return when doing repetitive drilling, while drill adapter itself slides up and down on guide-bars. Angle positions can go up to 45 degrees, and rubber pads in the base hold the guide in place while drilling. The guide also includes spring loaded depth stops.

From the Manufacturer

Now you can achieve drill press precision with your hand drill. Perfect for working on the job site. Guide attaches directly to 3/8inch drill chuck. Maximum 6000 RPM.

  • Drill guide that can be used in horizontal, vertical or angle positions
  • Guide-bars themselves have springs for a quick return when doing repetitive drilling
  • Drill adapter itself slides up and down on guide-bars
  • Angle positions can go up to 45 degrees, and rubber pads in the base hold the guide in place
  • Fits all 1/4-inch or 3/8-inch drills

User questions & answers

Question: Does this come with a chuck key? I haven't had a drill motor in years that needed one
Answer: I've used a 3/64 bit in mine, never tried anything smaller then that.
Question: Country of origin
Answer: The unit measures 12mm from the end of the chuck to the outside of the housing at the 90 degree turn. The unit measures 112mm from the end of the chuck to the rear/back of the 90 degree turn The unit measures 160mm vertically. If you give me your email I can send you a photo showing all the measurements.
Question: What is the dimension from the bottom of chuck to bottom of base
Answer: A few thousandths less than ⅞ of an inch.
Question: What is the diameter of the base & the hole in base
Answer: Yes, the side handle is removable and can be attached to either side. There is a hex shaped recess on each side for the supplied hex bolt. No tools are required to attach or detach the handle.

Product features

wolfcraft Multi-Angled Drill Guide (4525404)

wolfcraft's Multi-Angle Drill Guide allows you to drill clean, accurate holes with your portable drill. Sets up fast and is perfect for indoor and outdoor projects where you need accurate holes, but using a drill press isn't an option. The guide is most useful for repetitive drilling and for drilling centered holes on board edges and round stock. The guide accommodates all 3/8 in. and 1/2 in. drill chucks and can be used in horizontal, vertical or angled positions, anywhere from 0-45 degrees.

Freehand Drilling Like A Pro

With this lightweight, practical attachment, drilling precise, centered holes becomes child's play. Whether it’s on the wall, on the ceiling, at a slant, or in round materials, exact drilling is easy.

Accurate, Centered Holes

Simply twist the base plate for immediate centering on board edges. Double guide bars are attached to the cast metal base scale and can be shifted back-and-forth to set your preferred angle up to 45°. The straight stop and the adjustable depth-stop make repetitive drilling a breeze.

Holds Round Materials Securely

Round materials are secured in the cast V-Groove channel, so even pipes can be drilled without slipping. The base plate has a centering device which guarantees centered drilling. For materials up to 3 inches in diameter.

No Slipping

The guide bars and removable handle make controlled, accurate drilling a reality. The base’s four pre-drilled holes allow you to attach a base or mount it to a table.

36/37 Precision Drill Guide For 3/8-Inch or 1/2-Inch Power Drills, Portable & Lightweight, Folds Flat for Storage

General Tools

Based on 433 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The General Tools 36/37 Precision Drill Guide multi-purpose drill accessory is ideal for angled drilling, doweling, plug cutting and edge sanding. Attaches to any 3/8 in. or 1/2 in. power drill. Adjustable in 5-degree increments from 0 to 45 degrees, left and right. V-guides on the base permit drilling through the dowel or other rounded stock. A slide lock facilitates sanding and buffing applications. This drill guide and chuck is portable and lightweight, folding flat for toolbox storage.

GENERAL TOOLS - THE PRECISE TOOL FOR DOING THE JOB EXACTLY RIGHT. Offering over 1,000 tools, we’re proud to provide tradesmen, craftsmen and DIYers around the world with a broad range of affordable, specific-purpose mechanical hand tools and precision measuring and inspection tools.

For inquiries, please contact our Customer Service Department at 212-431-6100. We strive to provide our customers with 100% satisfaction.

WORK SMARTER, MEASURE BETTER & BE MORE PRODUCTIVE WITH GENERAL TOOLS

From the Manufacturer

The precision drill guide attaches to all 3/8-Inch and 1/2-Inch power drills

  • BUILT IN PROTRACTOR- drills accurate right-angled or variable-angled holes with the built-in protractor scale
  • ADJUSTABLE- adjusts from 0 to 45 degrees in 5-degree increments in either direction of vertical drill position
  • POSITIVE STOP- built-in depth stop for accurate drill depth
  • WORKS WITH DOWELS- v-groove for positioning round stock, pipe or tubing. A slide lock facilitates sanding and buffing
  • STABLE- anchoring pins to hold the guide securely in place on flat surfaces, narrow edges or large tubing

User questions & answers

Question: Is this suitable for drilling 4x4 posts for cable railing? Can it handle
Answer: It should work for 4 x 4 posts actually 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 drilling straight through the 4 x 4. If you are going to be doing stairs you will have to make yourself a jig based on the rise of your stair angle. I don't think the guide allows for enough angle to work for the stair riser. Hope this helps....
Question: How does it stay secured on work piece
Answer: If its rough work, such as drilling through a 6x6 post, its has holes that allow you fasten the base to the wood with screws. If its finished work, you need to make a jig. I traced the outline of the base on a piece of 3/4 plywood and cut a hole to fit the base. Then i secure the plywood with a clamp.
Question: Regarding the body's construction; Is it plastic or cast metal
Answer: Horizontal parts are almost all plastic; vertical parts are mostly metal (but not cast metal).
Question: Where was this drill guide made
Answer: in a third grade classroom in china

Kreg KPDGB Jig Portable Drill Guide Base

KREG

Based on 200 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Kreg KPDGB Jig Portable Base gives you the flexibility of 2-tools-in-1 and the ability to work almost anywhere. The base connects directly to your Kreg face-clamp. Simply remove the drill guide from your benchtop base and add it to your portable base. Can be secured to the workbench or used on-the-go with the Face Clamp.

  • 2-tools-in-1 functionality
  • Works with Kreg face clamp
  • Secure to workbench for benchtop speed
  • Made from durable glass-reinforced nylon
  • Includes brass pin

User questions & answers

Question: Does it work with th micro jig
Answer: Yes it will, as will the medium and large jigsscott vmtwcom
Question: Does this work with kreg hd
Answer: Hello, The Heavy Duty Jig will work in the portable base, but there is just one setting in the portable base just like there is when you are using the Heavy Duty jig by itself. Thanks!
Question: does this have index settings on it for material thickness
Answer: The index settings will be on the drill guide block that you will slide into this Portable Base.
Question: Does it work with K5 Jig
Answer: The drill guide from the k5 works in this portable drill guide base especially when you need something more portable.

Big Gator Tools V-Drill Guide, Standard Sizes 3/8" to 1/2"

BIG GATOR TOOLS

Based on 217 reviews Check latest price

Product description

V-Drill guide automatically aligns drill bit to work surface for precision alignment similar to a drill press. The V-Drill guide prevents drill bits from drifting off of center on all surfaces. Heat treated nickel alloy steel guide provides years of service and accuracy. Precision ground base provides perpendicular alignment of drill bits on flat surfaces. V-Groove aligns drill bits on round and square cornered materials. Drill hole centering alignment marks are provided on both sides of the guide. Compact & Portable, the V-Drill guide is perfect for field service, shop, industrial and applications.

  • Universal & portable V-Drill guide provides perpendicular alignment of drill bits on flat, round and square cornered materials
  • Includes 9 standard drill sizes: 3/8", 25/64", 13/32", 27/64", 7/16", 29/64", 15/32", 31/64", 1/2"
  • Heat treated nickel alloy steel provides durability & accuracy
  • Precision ground base provides perpendicular alignment of drill bit on flat materials
  • V-Groove aligns drill bits on round and square cornered materials

User questions & answers

Question: Is the size of this drill guide a true rectangle? Also, is the height of the drill guide the same on both the smallest and largest drill guide holes
Answer: The bit length is 1-in
Question: I understand hole alignment is done per markings on the drill guide x-axis long side against pencil mark. however, how do you align on y-axis
Answer: This is a 1/4" hex drive
Question: Doesn't this metal drill guide increase the wear on the drill bits and shorten their lives
Answer: Hi Thomas, these pieces are not specifically designed for use with impact drivers. That being said though, they can be used with an impact driver, but may not stand up to long term or repeated use.
Question: I need to drill an 8" deep shaft for a floating shelf rod to be inserted. Can this be relied on for this drill depth
Answer: The sleeves will work with any standard bit

AMYAMY Wood Vertical Drill Guide for Portable and Electric Drills

Based on 39 reviews Check latest price
  • A drill guide that can be used in horizontal, vertical or angular position
  • The angular position can rise to 45 degrees and the base rubber pad holds the guide in place
  • The drill adapter itself slides up and down the guide bar
  • Material: Aluminum Die Casting
  • holding dia:43mm

User questions & answers

Question: Whats the distance between the verticle bars
Answer: About 92mm.
Question: Can you adjust the Clamp part from 1" to
Answer: Sorry I cannot answer this. For me, things can usually be made to fit using sandpaper, files, glue, drill, etc. "Fitter" used to be a job description.
Question: Can this item replace the need for a Pocket Hole Jig system
Answer: No, this product is a very crude vertical drill press, meaning that you can’t expect much in terms of accuracy.
Question: Could I adjust the Clamp the hold a dowel end from 1/2" to 1" dowel ends
Answer: No, you can't. the shortest distance of a dowel end is about 1".

Multi-Angle Drill Stand, 0-45 Degree Adjustable Portable Drill Press Drill Guide with Aluminum Casting Base

Product description



Drill Press Stand Size:

Overall Size: 140mm x 290mm / 5-1/2" x 11-3/7"(WxH);

Base size: 140mm x 22mm / 5-1/2" x 7/8" (DxH);

Itinerary: 145mm / 5.7"

  • Drill workbench tool can used in horizontal, vertical or angular position, the angle range is 0-45°.
  • The drill base is made of aluminum die casting material, and the bars are made of steel.
  • This multi-angle drill stand fits 1/4" or 3/8d" drills
  • For drill press stand,there are springs in guide-bars for a quick return when doing repetitive drilling
  • The multi-angle drill adapter slides up and down the guide bars

YaeTek 0-45 degree Adjustable Angle Drill Stand, Portable Drill Press Drill Guide, Mobile Drill Stand

Based on 28 reviews Check latest price

Product description

1- Multi Angle: the drill Guide is Versatile , 0-45 degree free adjusting, it can be used in vertical , horizontal, or angled positions.Drilling like a Pro at given angles in any situation.

2- Precise & Centered holes: with Special designs ,it can make controlled, accurate drilling a reality.

3- Adjustable Depth: the height of clamp can be adjusted along with two guide bars and locked by a locking screw, the drill stand also has an adjustable depth- stop make repetitive drilling a breeze.

4- Easy drilling- the Drill Guide Attachment is able to turn a portable drill into a Drill Press ,You can drill on Round materials or tubular- shaped objects because they are secured in the cast V-Groove channel.

5- Multi Purpose: exact drilling is guaranteed no matter it is on the wall, on the floor,on the ceiling, at a slant, or on various shapes materials .



Warm notice: 1- This drill stand can adjust height and angle, for details, please kindly refer to the pictures in the listing, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us, thank you:)

; 2- Dear customers, your satisfaction is our top target, to avoid misunderstanding, please kindly check the dimensions of this drill stand to make sure it fits your drill before you purchase; besides, when you start to drill, please fasten the parts to avoid unstability during drilling; dear customers, if you receive any defective items, please never hesitate to contact us, we have 30 days return policy, thanks much!



  • A drill guide that can be used in horizontal, vertical or angular position
  • The angular position of this Angle drill stand can rise to 45 degrees and the base rubber pad holds the guide in place
  • The drill adapter itself slides up and down the guide bar
  • Material: Aluminum Die Casting Base + Steel Bars; Drill holding dia of this drill press stand: 42mm / 1.65";
  • Dear customers, your satisfaction is our top target, to avoid misunderstanding, please kindly check the dimensions of this drill stand to make sure it fits your drill before you purchase; besides, when you start to drill, please fasten the parts to avoid unstability during drilling;

V-Drill Guide Standard Hole Sizes 1/8-1/2 Inches - 2 Pack

BIG GATOR TOOLS

Based on 148 reviews Check latest price

Product description

BIG GATOR TOOLS' STD2000DGNP V-DrillGuide is like a portable drill press for precision drill bit alignment! The precisely milled V-groove along the bottom of the drill guide allows for perpendicular alignment with all drill sizes on round parts like pipes, dowels and outside corners. Bottom surface is precision ground to assure stability and accurate perpendicular alignment on flat surfaces. The flat side allow 90° drilling into flat surfaces-just clamp and drill. Drill guide is sized for 9 Standard Imperial Fractions (SAE) drill bit sizes from 13/8, 25/64, 13/32, 27/64, 7/16, 29/64, 15/32, 31/64, ½". 9 SAE hole sizes to work with. Guides are made from special nickel alloyed steel that is heat treated for durability. Drill straight - every time! | BIG GATOR TOOLS' STD1000DGNP V-DrillGuide is like a portable drill press for precision drill bit alignment! The precisely milled V-groove along the bottom of the drill guide allows for perpendicular alignment with all drill sizes on round parts like pipes, dowels, and outside corners. Bottom surface is precision ground to assure stability and accurate perpendicular alignment on flat surfaces. The flat side allow 90° drilling into flat surfaces-just clamp and drill. Drill guide is sized for Standard Imperial Fractions (SAE) drill bit sizes of 3/8" drill index—everything from 1/8" to 3/8" in 1/64" increments. 17 SAE hole sizes to work with. Guides are made from special nickel alloyed steel that is heat treated for durability.

  • Made in USA, Portable, pocket-sized,Prevents drill bit wander
  • Round stock hole alignment marks on one side
  • Special nickel alloyed steel heat treated for durability
  • Non-plated material with light oil coating to prevent rust
  • Centers the holes on pipes, dowels & outside corners

User questions & answers

Question: Description says 1/8 to 1/2. Image shows 3/8 to 1/2. Which range of bit sizes is correct
Answer: Yes, it has a self-retracting guide sleeve.
Question: How many pieces should I expect to receive? There seems to be a concern customers are only getting one
Answer: The DW2055B has not been tested with other brands, so we area unable to say if it will work with Bosh bits.
Question: Can they be used as a tap guide
Answer: it is 6 inches in length
Question: How many will I receive if I order this pair? I see the customers only got one, but paid for two
Answer: It is the extension

Big Gator Tools MDG1000NP V-Drill Guide

Big Gator Tools

Based on 174 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Portable Drill Guide for 17 metric drill sizes: 3, 3.3, 3.5, 4, 4.2, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 6.8, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5mm. Heat treated for durability like drill bushings. It’s like having a portable drill press anywhere! Straight perpendicular alignment wherever you go. Drill Straight – Every Time!

  • Universal & portable V-Drill guide provides perpendicular alignment of drill bits on flat, round or square materials
  • Includes 17 metric drill sizes: 3mm, 3.3mm, 3.5mm, 4mm, 4.2mm, 4.5mm, 5mm, 5.5mm, 6mm, 6.5mm, 6.8mm, 7mm, 7.5mm, 8mm, 8.5mm, 9mm, 9.5mm
  • Heat-treated nickel alloy steel provides durability & accuracy
  • Precision ground base provides perpendicular alignment of drill bit on flat surfaces

User questions & answers

Question: I am very confuse the actual dimension of this product
Answer: The product is small. It is used to direct the drill bit so it is straight going into any material with a flat surface. It comes in both inch measures and metric measures. When you are in an difficult place to make a straight drill hole this is the tool for you. It isn't as good as a drill press but it comes very close to the same 90 degree you may get with a drill press. It is compact enough to carry with you in a pocket though it is fairly heavy for its size. It can also be used to direct the angle into a piece of wood if necessary. I have both the metric and the inch one.
Question: Is there a big gator v-drill guide for metric sizes that are larger than 9.5mm
Answer: Yes, there is. Look up Metric V-DrillGuide - MDG2000NP. It goes from 10mm to 14mm
Question: What is the difference between mdg1000np and std1000dgnp drill guides
Answer: The Big Gator Tools MDG1000NP V-Drill Guide is to be used with drill bits in metric sizes ie mm and the Big Gator Tools STD1000DGNP V-Drill Guide is for use with bits in parts of inches (imperial sizes). Cheers
Question: I'm very confused as to what i'm buying. The picture show one piece 17 hole drill guide. Upon adding to cart I see a 9 hole drill guide
Answer: Hi Nick. I have bought 3 different drill guides by Big Gator. I could safely say from the product description, it accounts for the 17 holes sizes. However I did check out the picture of the product after adding item to cart, is for 9 holes which I do have also.--but is for larger standard hole sizes. Therefore the 9 hole guide picture is incorrect for the product .

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