Back in issue #67 (p. 26), my tip Overhead drilling mentions two methods that I used to make it easier to bore holes in steel beams from below. Those methods work fine, but they need two people. My new technique gets it done with one worker.
As shown in the drawing, the drill is anchored to the top of a 2×4 post. The drill is sandwiched there by a pair of plywood cheeks affixed to a 2×4 block. A bracelet of three linked stainless-steel hose clamps holds the assembly together. The drill switch is held down to the on position (at medium speed) with a short length of soft wire. I turn the drill on and off via the plug on the extension cord, which I keep draped over my shoulder. The drilling speed is adjusted by the amount of pressure applied by the hydraulic floor jack. With one hand holding the post and the other applying pressure with the hydraulic jack, I can accurately position the bit.
Joseph Fetchko, Ocean City, MD
