Drill Dust Buster Vac Attachment

I have tried many ways to prevent the nasty plaster and brick dust going everywhere when I drill.

I have sticky pouches, special boxes with holes and even tubs that you stick under the hole whilst drilling.

They all help but do not solve the problem, plus each also still needs safe disposal without spilling.

That is why I came up with this vacuum cleaner attachment

Using just a short length of modified PVC pipe you suck up all the dust whilst drilling.

Step 1: You Will Need...

A crevice tool that fits your vacuum cleaner.
A drill, drill bits, saw, file, Heat gun, measure, pliers, markers and a Jubilee clip.

Step 2: And a Vise

I used my trusty, well abused, workmate type vise but you could also use any suitable vise.

(You may note the scorched areas where previous heat based wood torture has taken place)

Step 3: A Crevice Tool and Some PVC Pipe

The crevice tool will not be damaged but is simply the easiest way to adapt the new tool to work with the vac.

You may wish to use a suitable converter or even melt and drill an actual tool (which should work very well).

Since I had to keep the tool intact I opted for the 'sleeve' method of adapting the tool without damage.

Step 4: A Bit of Wood

I cut a small piece of scrap wood to fit inside the pipe.

The thickness was the same as the gap I wanted to have.

I marked the wood about 4 inches down to show the depth to be inserted.

This would keep the area needed to be open later, after bending.

Step 5: Heat and Close

Using the heat gun to warm the PVC I tightened the vise step by step to close the tube onto the wood.

Step 6: Sqeeeeeze

As the PVC warms from the hot air, squeeze the wood in the vise.

This way the required gap will be kept ready to bend.

Step 7: Time to Bend

Now that the wood is squished in place the whole tube needs to be bent.

Flip over the pipe, and insert the wood protected end into the vise.
Apply heat to the base and at the same time apply bending pressure to the end of the tube.
When the PVC softens push down and hold at around 30 degrees.

The PVC will collapse outwards on the outer sides, but the gap will be maintained by the wood.

I had some difficulty doing this whilst also taking the photograph.

Step 8: Cool and Remove

Keep holding for a few moments as the tube cools.
Then remove and admire the result.

It could maybe be prettier but all is functional.

Step 9: Closure

Whilst heating up the end of the tube use pliers to seal the ends together.
This may be an optional step as the dust suction may work without it.

You may choose to file the resulting end to make it look better, but for this 'ible I left it as was.

Step 10: Drill

Use a spade bit or hole drill to go through both sides.

Make sure all is clamped well and safely.

Stop after the first layer and remove the cut out disc, then continue.

Step 11: De- Burr

Use a knife or file to remove the swarf.

Step 12: Then at the Other End

For some tools the pipe may be a good fit without this step, but, to allow the pipe have a tight fit on my crevice tool I needed to saw down slits across the other end.

Two cross cuts, giving four splits should be enough for most tools.

Note: I later made one for a Dyson tool which needed four cuts giving eight slits.

Step 13: Jubilee Time

Use a suitably sized Jubilee clip ( may be called an adjustable pipe clip in some parts of the world).
Slip it over the end and then slide the attachment over the tool and tighten.

Step 14: Ready to Suck

Attach the crevice tool to your vacuum cleaner and switch on.
You can now drill through the hole and all dust and debris will be sucked away.

I hope this helps you keep everywhere nice and clean when you next need to drill a hole.
No more plaster in the carpet, no brick dust staining the wall paper.

Do let me know if you make this.

Cheers.