Drill Guide Block - Self Centering

Turns a pontentially stressful job into a breeze, I would consider this an essential piece of kit for anyone interested in installing inserts at home.

This is a great invention for the DIY'r. The issue it is trying to solve is the bit walking sideways on metal sheet ski which causes the hole to be off center. This drill block is great but make sure you clamp it pretty hard to the ski. I still feel a 1/16" pilot is probably necessary to ensure the hole stays put. To me this is an added safety measure, I drill a 1/16" then a 3/32", then I drill the final hole with this block tool.

a must if you are hand drilling to stay on mark, especially with metal top sheets. once you use this you will see how your bit really wants to wonder even with starter punch . this keeps it steady. clamp it tight and no worries.

Using this guide block is so much easier than dealing with a drill press and trying to line everything up properly. With this, one clamp and I can easily center this and clamp it down, then drill or tap the hole quickly and accurately. I only wish it came with additional drop-in hole guides for a standard alpine tap since that's narrower than the hole in this block (though, not that complicated to make your own if needed).

This is functional and simple. It works well if you don't have a drill press and would prefer more precision than free handing.

This is a pretty handy tool for drilling skis and tapping the hole for Binding Freedom inserts. If I am methodical and mindful I can put my inserts on without any issues. I pulled the rubber padding off the bottom of the block because it was causing the block to shift slightly, even when double clamped. Fortunately the adhesive residual on the block secures it much better to the ski no more drift or sliding of the block. I also use two clamps so it won't wobble off course.

For mounting without a drill press or jig, this block works well. The centering plug works beautifully for putting the block's hole directly over the punched center detent (or old mounting hole.) and the block keeps the hole nice and vertical. That said, there is a little accuracy problem in that even when clamped, the block will move a little when the bit bites into the topsheet. I don't know if a thinner rubber pad would help? I've never had a binding not fit at all, but it does mean that the inserts can sometimes be a little off making the screws harder to fit. I've found using a drill press gives me more accuracy.

I used to work in a shop and had access to jigs. I always hated paying to get skis mounted because I know how easy it is to do, but with out the right tools I couldn't bring myself to do it. This tool got me over that. It is not as fast as a jig, but with a little time spent it is can be every bit as accurate. I print my templates on heavy card stock paper which not only stays straight when taping it down it gives the point of the centering bar something to bite into.

Can't imagine drilling straight enough for inserts without this guide block. It's slightly unsteady due to the cutout for the rubber strap, so do yourself a favor and clamp it down rather than just holding it with your hand.