If you’re having trouble drilling a horizontal hole with an electric drill, try hanging a plumb line from the bit’s shank as you bore the hole. I use a brass key ring or a metal shower-curtain ring and let it ride on the shank. From it, I hang a string tied to a couple of washers (see drawing). When a spinning bit is held level, the weight will hang in place. Make sure the ring doesn’t get hung up in the spinning chuck.
Dave Herbert, Laurence Harbor, NJ
Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products
DEWALT Impact Driver (DCF885)
Metabo HPT Impact Driver (WH18DBDL2)