Do I need a drill guide?

Drilling accurate, consistent holes can be tricky, especially on thicker posts. Not to mention the difficulty of holding a drill level and steady. The drill guide provides stability while drilling, so your holes turn out perfectly every time.

If your project includes stairs, the single-hole template is especially helpful for angled cable pass-through holes. The adjustable head pivots and locks in place, so you can accurately drill parallel to the angle of your top rail.

The drill guide also helps keep your holes even and on center all the way through your post, so you can avoid the look of uneven cables.

Which size is best for my project?

If you're working on a smaller project, the single-hole template is a great option. It includes two interchangeable heads — one for drilling 3/16" cable pass-through holes and another for 9/16" Bullet holes. The single-hole also works best for stairs and projects with cable spacing other than 3".

The 6-hole template is recommended for larger jobs and professionals with multiple projects. It includes guides for both Bullet tensioner and cable pass-through holes, but works exclusively with 3" cable spacing. If your project includes stairs, consider purchasing both the single and 6-hole drill guides for maximum efficiency.

Best practices:

• Exercise caution if using the drill guide with sleeved posts.
  Use painter's tape and do not clamp too hard or it may scratch your post sleeves.
• Use WD40 on your guide and drill bit before each project to avoid premature wear and your bit seizing in the guide.
  Be sure to wipe up any excess lubricant to avoid staining your posts or floorboards.
• Use a high-quality twist bit with good rigidity.
  The deeper you drill, the more your bit is affected by the change in wood density throughout the post. Thinner drill bits will want to bend and follow the softer grain. This often leads to a significant difference between your entry and exit holes in pass-through posts, even with the help of a drill guide!
• Use a longer drill bit.
  Consider the thickness of your post and the additional 3 inches added by the single-hole drill guide when selecting the appropriate drill bit length. Drilling a pass-through hole in a 4x4 post will require an 8-inch drill bit minimum.
• Drill pass-through holes from both sides of the post for accurate results.
  For posts or columns larger than 6x6", we recommend using deluxe post hole covers to stabilize the cable.

Helpful Guides & Resources

Single-Hole Drill Guide Instructions
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6-Hole Drill Guide Instructions
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