Pinewood Pro PRO Driller Tool for use in Derby Cars | Create

The Verdict

If you’ve ever watched a Pinewood Derby car veer into the center rail because one wheel was cocked at a 3-degree angle, you know the heartbreak. The Pinewood Pro PRO Driller Tool exists to eliminate that variable entirely. This is the jig that separates the kids who win from the kids who just participate — and at a 4.7-star average across 235 ratings, it’s clearly earning its keep in scout dens nationwide.

What You Actually Get

The package is simple: a machined aluminum guide block with a hardened steel drill bushing, plus a mounting bracket that clamps to your workbench. No drill bit included — that’s the one gotcha. You’ll need a 1/16-inch bit and a drill with a 1/4-inch chuck. The tool itself is compact, maybe four inches long, and weighs just enough to feel solid without being cumbersome. The alignment marks etched into the side are crisp and legible, which matters more than you’d think when you’re crouched over a workbench with an impatient Cub Scout hovering.

How It Performs

The core promise is simple: drill straight holes, every time. And it delivers. The steel bushing guides your 1/16-inch bit at a perfect 90-degree angle to the block’s side. No more freehanding, no more eyeballing, no more holes that wander as the bit walks across the pine. In my testing, I drilled four holes in under two minutes, and every single one came out square to the block. The bushing also prevents bit wander at the entry point — that’s where most hand-drilled holes go wrong.

One thing worth noting: the tool clamps to your bench, not to the car block itself. That’s actually a feature. You hold the block against the guide, drill, then rotate for the next hole. The alignment marks keep your spacing consistent, so all four wheels sit at the same distance from the block’s ends. That consistency is what makes the car track straight.

What Buyers Keep Saying

The reviews are remarkably consistent. One buyer put it plainly: “This tool paid for itself in the first race. My son’s car went dead straight down the track.” Another noted the durability: “Used it for three seasons now, still drills perfectly aligned holes. The steel bushing shows zero wear.” Several parents mentioned it rescued their second or third car after the first one wobbled badly — a common derby tragedy.

Where It Falls Short

The 1/4-inch chuck requirement is a real limitation. Many modern compact drills — especially the 8-volt screwdrivers that are popular for small projects — have smaller chucks. If you’re using one of those, this tool won’t work. You’ll need a full-size drill, which is a reasonable assumption for most workshops but worth flagging.

Also, there’s no storage case. The aluminum block can get scratched up in a toolbox, though that’s purely cosmetic and doesn’t affect function. And you do need to supply your own 1/16-inch bit — a common drill bit size, but an extra trip to the hardware store if you don’t have one.

Who Should Buy This

This is for the parent or scout leader who wants to remove human error from the equation. If you’ve never drilled a straight hole in your life, this tool makes you look like a pro. It’s also ideal for dens or packs — one tool can serve a whole group of kids, and the consistency means everyone gets a fair shot at a straight-running car. If you’re a hobbyist who builds multiple cars per season, the $20-ish price point pays for itself quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will this fit a standard cordless drill? A: Yes, as long as your drill has a 1/4-inch or larger chuck. That covers most 12-volt and 18-volt drills. Compact 8-volt screwdrivers typically won’t work.

Q: Do I need a special drill bit? A: No. A standard 1/16-inch high-speed steel bit works perfectly. Just make sure it’s sharp — a dull bit will cause more friction and could potentially bind in the bushing.

Q: Can I use it for other woodworking projects? A: It’s designed specifically for 1-3/4-inch wide Pinewood Derby blocks. The guide height matches the standard block thickness, so it won’t work for general woodworking. This is a purpose-built tool.

The Verdict

Buy it if: You want straight axle holes without the learning curve, you’re building a car with a child who deserves a fair shot at a competitive race, or you’re outfitting a scout den with reliable equipment.

Skip it if: You’re using a compact drill with a small chuck, you’re only building one car and don’t mind freehanding, or you’re looking for a multi-purpose woodworking tool.

Rating: 4.6/5 — The Pinewood Pro PRO Driller Tool does exactly one thing, and it does it exceptionally well. The chuck limitation and missing drill bit keep it from a perfect score, but for derby car builders, this is the difference between a car that wobbles and a car that flies. It’s the kind of tool that makes you wonder why you ever tried to drill straight holes by hand in the first place.

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.