There’s no doubt that the best circular saw for woodworking or a cordless drill for hole making are classic pieces that can never be replaced if you consider the efficiency these tools bring into your work.
But sometimes you just don’t have the appropriate tool for a certain task at hand. And then, looking for some alternative ideas becomes important, as you have an emergency to deal with.
Well, if it’s cutting a hole in the wood with no electrical tools at the spot, then I’ve got news for you. Today, let’s find out how to cut a hole in wood without power tools with 6 alternatives.
So How to Cut a Hole in Wood Without Power Tools?
Instead of a drill or power tool, you can use a push drill, bow drill, or awl. Also, brace and bit work for creating holes. Another great hand tool for making holes in wood is a gimlet. And if you have nothing of these at the moment, hot coals can help too.
Of course, I will go deeper about each of these, keep reading…
Make Manual Holes with Push Drills.
So how to make a hole in wood without drill, if that’s something I must answer, a push drill would be the first one to come to my thoughts.
Back then with no power tools, most would use a push drill to make manual hole’s and you can do the same now that you are in the same condition. Just like the regular power drills, this one comes with bits that you pick according to your needs.
And place the tool on the area that needs a hole to make one. There’s an internal screw thread that rotates the bit inside and with applied pressure it creates a hole. For tiny holes, push drills are fabulous.
The Kings County Tools Classic Yankee Style Push Drill is a great pick that includes double flutter bits and needs no chuck. Also, it works great for tight areas.
Puncturing Holes with Bow Drill.
Another pretty popular ancient-time drill alternative was the bow drill. If you are wondering how to cut a hole in wood by hand using a tool that does not need any electrical powering, then this is the answer.
This two-part gear basically consists drill shaft, a rod that works by encircling the drill with a cord. It’s not exactly drilling, rather puncture holes. You can use it for a wide range of materials, not just wood. And this includes teeth and even bone.
In case you need some suggestions, the PSKOOK Bow Drill Kit is pretty popular and people love it.
Not a Screwdriver, It’s an Awl.
The next tool is pointy-looking gear that resembles a screwdriver but it’s not. Pretty unique in design, there are two types of this fabulous hole-making tool. One is meant for woods while the other stitches canvas or leather materials.
If you are familiar with How To Drill a Hole in Wood but never manually get through the wood with your power using a pointy tool, then using an awl might feel tricky. Because that’s what you literally do with it.
And that’s also why you won’t achieve very particularly deep holes with it. Maybe for getting through softwoods. But keep in mind, it’ll need a lot of effort. However, it definitely is an alternative to a power tool for cutting holes, so included in this list.
The Klein Tools 650 Scratch Awl has a cushion grip, so using it for getting through wood should be easy, as you will not feel additional pain or stress in your hand thanks to the grip, so maybe you can consider it.
Try Brace and Bit to Make Hole.
Another one that isn’t exactly as versatile and easy to work with as a power-driven tool. This one comes with a bit, of course, you know that from the name itself. However, what you may not know is that the brace is basically a crack.
And you are supposed to rotate it. There’s also shell, ratchet, and handle in this unique gear that all combinedly can help you to make holes. But again, you need forearm strength here. It’s going to take a good amount of muscle work to get the job done.
If you are considering one then Robert Larson 838-4000 10 Inch Swing Bit Brace is a sweet option, that includes 3 jaw chuck by the way.
Creating & Widening Holes with Gimlets.
No, I’m not talking about the alcoholic drink. It’s a different thing, there’s one we use in the woodworking world as well and it’s a tool that comes with a screw-like point. So yes, it resembles a screwdriver just like all but doesn’t have the pointy part.
Also with gimlets, you can excuse yourself from tiring your forearm literally, because these don’t need any additional pressure as soon as you pierce through the wood. And if you are wondering how to make a hole bigger without a drill, then gimlets can help.
It will pierce a hole through the material (usually wood) and then you can use the cutting edges that come with a spiral shape to basically widen that hole.
The Robert Larson 849-3099 Gimlets is a highly popular set that includes 4, and anyone considering buying one should give it a look at least.
Use Hot Coals as The Final Resort.
If you fail to find any of these and don’t want to buy anything as well, then grab some coals. You’ll have to give up on civilization for a while and follow what people back then used to do for making holes, as drilling wasn’t a thing.
Burning wood is what I’m referring to if you did not already get the context. Just where you want the hole to be made, hold hot coal with tongs. Placement precision is key for sure. Heating clothes hanger’s wire works too. Especially if you want the hole to be tinier.
Be very careful while trying this last one as there’s fire involved here. And it can be dangerous. Also, keep in mind, you’ll be spending a good amount of time before the hole is finished. Not to mention the inconsistency the holes would have, but for emergencies, it should be fine.
Wrapping Up
And just like that you now know how to cut a hole in wood without power tools but very unpredictable 6 ways, or if to be more specific, tools. No doubt drilling with proper power tools will give you results better, faster, and effortlessly.
But in terms of not having one at the moment, where an emergency can’t wait as well, it’s not bad to look for an alternative. And I just tried to give you some notes thinking that fact in mind.
Please understand these are not something that can ever replace the specific good results a power tool can provide.
On that note, see you again in some other similar piece, Bye!
