Use a Level or Mirror for Visual Alignment

Attach a bubble level to your drill body or place a small mirror on the workpiece to provide real-time visual feedback on drill alignment.

How It Works

Level Method: A small bubble level strapped or taped to the top or side of the drill body shows whether the drill is plumb (vertical). By keeping the bubble centered as you drill, you maintain perpendicularity. Two levels mounted at 90 degrees to each other check both the front-back and left-right planes.

Mirror Method: A small flat mirror placed on the work surface next to the drilling point reflects the drill bit. When the bit and its reflection form a continuous straight line (no bend at the surface), the drill is perpendicular to the surface.

Instructions (Level Method)

1. Secure a small torpedo level or line level to the top of the drill body using tape, rubber bands, or a Velcro strap
2. Center-punch your drilling point
3. Position the drill bit on the mark
4. Adjust the drill angle until the bubble is perfectly centered
5. Start drilling at slow speed while keeping the bubble centered throughout the first inch of travel

Instructions (Mirror Method)

1. Place a small flat mirror on the workpiece surface immediately adjacent to the drilling point
2. Position the drill bit on the mark
3. Look at the reflection of the bit in the mirror and adjust the drill until the bit and its reflection form one continuous straight line
4. Check from at least two perpendicular viewing angles
5. Start drilling at slow speed while monitoring the reflection

Tips

• Some drills have a flat top surface that allows a level to sit naturally without attachment
• For the mirror method, any small flat mirror works — including a compact makeup mirror
• The level method works well for vertical drilling into horizontal surfaces, but is harder to use when drilling horizontally into a wall
• The mirror method works on any surface orientation
• Combine both methods for maximum accuracy: level on the drill, mirror on the surface

Common Mistakes

• Mounting the level off-center or crooked on the drill body, which gives a false reading
• Only checking alignment from one angle with the mirror method — always check from two perpendicular positions
• Placing the mirror too far from the bit, which makes it harder to judge the reflection accurately
• Relying solely on the bubble level without also looking at the drill from the side for confirmation