Milescraft Drill Block: Your Guide to Straight Holes

Every woodworker and DIY enthusiast knows the frustration of a crooked hole. Whether you are building furniture, installing hardware, or tackling home repairs, an angled drill hole can ruin the entire project. A simple, affordable tool called the Milescraft Drill Block eliminates that guesswork. This handheld jig transforms your ordinary drill into a precision instrument, giving you professional results every time.

What Is a Milescraft Drill Block?

A Milescraft Drill Block is a pocket sized drilling jig that holds your bit at a perfect 90 degree angle. It slips over the workpiece and provides hardened steel bushings for multiple common bit sizes. This simple design eliminates the need for a bulky drill press. You get drill press accuracy right in your hand, making it a favorite for on site work and small shop projects.

The block is essentially a heat treated metal guide with a series of precisely drilled holes. Each hole corresponds to a specific imperial drill bit diameter, acting as a bushing that prevents the bit from wandering. Because the guide rests flat against the material, you can drill straight into flat surfaces, edges, and even round stock. It is like having a portable, foolproof alignment tool.

Key Features of Milescraft Drill Blocks

The standout feature is the bushing block itself, crafted from hardened steel for extreme durability. Models like the 1336 Drill Block Plus offer 9 common sizes, while the PRO version boasts an incredible 25 guides in 1/64 inch increments. The dual V groove design on the bottom of many blocks cradles round stock and corners perfectly. Soft grip overmolding keeps the block steady and comfortable during use.

These jigs are incredibly compact, fitting easily into a tool belt or apron pocket. Their all metal construction means they can withstand the friction and heat generated by repetitive drilling. The labeled size markings on the body are deeply etched, so they will not wear off. Combined with their affordable price, these features make the drill block an indispensable shop accessory.

How to Use a Milescraft Drill Block for Perfectly Straight Holes

Using the block could not be simpler. First, select the bushing that matches your drill bit diameter and insert the bit through that hole. Mark your drilling location on the workpiece, then align the block so the center of the bushing sits directly over your mark. Hold the block firmly with one hand while operating the drill with the other. The rigid steel guides force the bit to stay perpendicular for the entire cut.

For edge drilling or working on narrow stock, the V groove on the underside automatically centers the tool. Place the block so the V straddles the corner, and the bit will exit exactly at the midpoint of the edge. This technique is invaluable for doweling, shelf pins, and hardware mounting. Always let the drill bit do the work and avoid pushing, as the guide takes care of alignment.

Milescraft 1336 vs. 1307 Drill Block PRO: Which Should You Choose?

The 1336 Drill Block Plus is the sweet spot for most users, covering the nine most common imperial sizes from 1/8 inch to 1/2 inch. It is lightweight, affordable, and perfect for 95% of household and furniture projects. The 1307 Drill Block PRO, however, steps up the game with 25 bushing sizes in precise 1/64 inch increments. This is the tool you want when building jigs, working with specialty hardware, or needing an exact fit.

The PRO model is built entirely from metal with no plastic body, offering superior longevity under heavy use. Its dual V groove is deeper, giving even more stability on round pipe or dowel stock. If your work involves a wide variety of drill bits and you demand the utmost accuracy, the PRO is worth the investment. For general home improvement, the 1336 Plus will serve you tirelessly for years.

Using Drill Blocks on Round Surfaces and Corners

Drilling into a metal pipe, wooden dowel, or the edge of a board is traditionally a tricky task. The Milescraft block’s V groove base solves this by self centering on convex shapes and corners. Just press the block onto the round stock, and the two angled surfaces grip it like a custom saddle. This ensures your hole goes straight through the true center of the cylinder every time.

This feature is a lifesaver for furniture makers adding leg levelers or building towel racks. The block also excels at corner drilling for accurate pocket hole style joinery without a fixed jig. When using this method, keep moderate downward pressure so the V groove does not slip. The hardened steel bushing maintains alignment even if you hit a grain knot or a hard section of metal pipe.

Common Drilling Mistakes and How a Drill Block Prevents Them

The most frequent mistake is the ‘wandering’ bit, where the drill tip skates across the surface before biting. The bushing of a drill block confines the bit tip instantly, forcing it to start exactly where you intend. Another common error is angle drift, where you unintentionally tilt the drill as you apply pressure. The tall steel guides keep the bit perfectly perpendicular regardless of your hand motion.

Blowout on the back side of the workpiece is also reduced because the controlled entry prevents erratic breakout. Drilling too fast can overheat bits, but the bushing acts as a heat sink, extending your drill bit’s life. A drill block also eliminates the need for a center punch in wood, saving you a step. For perfect results, always clamp your workpiece down so both hands can focus on the tool.

Milescraft Drill Block vs. Big Gator V Drill Guide

Many woodworkers compare Milescraft blocks with the classic Big Gator V Drill Guide. The Big Gator is a solid, heat treated steel block with a similar V groove design, and their lineup ranges from mini to standard sizes. Both brands provide excellent perpendicularity, but they differ in usability. Milescraft adds an ergonomic grip and larger, easier to read size labels on the body of the tool.

The Big Gator guides are bare steel and can be slippery with sweaty hands, while the Milescraft’s rubber overmolding provides a secure hold. In terms of size offerings, the Big Gator MINI covers 21 sizes, which sits between the 1336’s 9 and the PRO’s 25. If you want a no frills, lifetime tool, the Big Gator is excellent. For enhanced comfort and clear markings, the Milescraft block feels more modern and user friendly.

Maintaining Your Drill Block for Long Term Accuracy

A drill block requires minimal care, but a few habits will keep it accurate for decades. After each use, wipe the bushings clean with a dry cloth to remove sawdust or metal shavings. A light spray of dry lubricant or paste wax inside the guide holes reduces friction and prevents rust on steel components. Always store the block somewhere dry, as prolonged moisture can pit the precision bushing surfaces.

Never use the block as a hammer or pry bar, because even a small deformation will ruin the perpendicular alignment. If you notice a bit starts binding in a bushing, stop immediately and clean the hole. Occasionally check the bushings for oval wear using a known straight drill bit. With proper care, these hardened guides will hold tolerances through thousands of holes.

Best Drill Block Accessories to Enhance Precision

Pairing your Milescraft block with a center finder attachment can turn it into a powerful layout tool. The Milescraft 8408 Center Finder snaps onto the block and allows you to precisely locate the midpoint of any board edge. Depth stop collars are another essential addition, preventing you from drilling through a workpiece accidentally. A quality set of brad point bits will also maximize the clean entry the block provides.

For repetitive tasks, consider a dedicated drill bit guide reference chart to quickly select the correct bushing. A non slip mat under your workpiece adds an extra layer of stability when the block is in use. If you frequently drill angled holes, a separate angle guide attachment can work alongside the block for basic jig setups. Even a simple spring clamp can secure the block to the workpiece, freeing both hands for the drill.

Safety Tips When Using a Handheld Drill Guide

Even a simple tool requires safe habits. Always wear safety glasses, because the bushing can deflect a broken bit fragment upward. Keep your fingers well away from the bushing area, gripping the block only by its designated handle zones. Secure the workpiece with a clamp whenever possible, since holding a small part by hand can lead to it spinning if the bit catches.

Do not wear loose gloves or long sleeves that could wrap around the spinning bit. When drilling metal, use a cutting oil and slower drill speed to prevent excessive heat that can make the block too hot to hold. If you are drilling into a wall, verify there are no electrical wires or pipes behind the surface. The drill block provides accuracy, but it does not replace fundamental shop safety practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Milescraft Drill Block be used with a cordless drill? Absolutely. The block works with any standard corded or cordless drill that accepts common straight shank bits. Just ensure the bit extends far enough through the bushing to reach your desired hole depth.

Does the drill block work on metal and plastic? Yes, it is effective on wood, plastic, soft metals, and even some composites. For harder metals like stainless steel, use a lubricant and increase drill speed gradually. The hardened bushings protect the bit from skidding.

Will the block help me drill angled holes? The standard block is designed for 90 degree drilling only. For angled holes, you would need a separate adjustable angle guide, or look at the best drill block options that include an angle base attachment.

How do I choose between the 1312, 1336, and PRO models? The 1312 is a basic 6 size block for light duty tasks. The 1336 covers 9 common sizes and offers a great balance. Upgrade to the PRO if you need 25 sizes in tiny increments, an all metal body, or you drill round stock frequently.

Budget Alternatives to Consider

If the Milescraft PRO feels like overkill, the original Milescraft 1312 Drill Block is a compact, wallet friendly entry point. It covers six of the most popular imperial bit sizes in a pocket sized aluminum body. Another solid choice is the Wolfcraft Multi Angle attachment bundled with the 1312 block, offering basic angle drilling capabilities. These kits are ideal for beginners assembling flat pack furniture or doing simple shelf installations.

Even a standalone drill guide set with brad point bits and depth collars can rival the functionality of a premium block for less money. However, these budget sets often use thinner steel or plastic bushings that may wear faster. For light occasional use, they are perfectly adequate. We recommend reading detailed comparisons on Wikipedia’s drill bit page to understand how diameter tolerances affect bushing fit and performance.

Conclusion: Is the Milescraft Drill Block Right for You?

A Milescraft Drill Block is one of those rare tools that instantly elevates the quality of your work without a steep learning curve. It removes the anxiety of drilling into an expensive piece of hardwood or a finished cabinet face. The small investment pays for itself the first time you avoid redoing a project due to misaligned holes. Whether you choose the versatile 1336 Plus or the ultra precise 1307 PRO, you will wonder how you ever drilled without it.

From the workshop to the home handyman’s toolkit, this simple jig deserves a spot right next to your drill. Its combination of portability, durability, and repeatable accuracy makes it a true workhorse. Pair it with a few essential accessories, and your cordless drill becomes a portable, pocket sized drill press. Stop fighting crooked holes and let the Milescraft block do the guiding for you.