At Perfect Point EDM, we’ve built our reputation on solving tough aerospace maintenance challenges, starting with our flagship E-Drill system for fast, damage-free fastener removal. But we didn’t stop there. Our team saw an opportunity to take the same precision and innovation that made E-Drill a game-changer and apply it to another critical task: drilling. Today, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of Vac-Exact, a portable, modular drilling fixture that delivers pinpoint accuracy and perpendicularity directly to your workpiece—whether it’s an aircraft fuselage, a car chassis, or heavy machinery.
The Origin of Vac-Exact: From E-Drill to Precision Drilling
The story of Vac-Exact began with a simple question: could the vacuum locator technology we perfected for E-Drill’s fastener removal be adapted for precision hole-making? E-Drill already uses a vacuum-assisted fixture and magnified bombsight to align perfectly over fasteners, ensuring cuts with virtually no damage to surrounding structures. Our engineers realized this same approach—combining vacuum stability with pinpoint alignment—could revolutionize handheld drilling.
That realization became the foundation for Vac-Exact. Instead of relying on heavy fixtures or bulky drill presses, Vac-Exact brings stable, guided drilling directly to the workpiece. Whether it’s on a curved aircraft skin, inside an engine nacelle, or on any structure where accuracy matters, Vac-Exact locks securely in place and guides the drill through standard bushings. The result: cleaner, straighter, more consistent holes with less rework and reduced risk of damage or FOD.
What is Vac-Exact?
Vac-Exact is a vacuum-assisted drilling fixture that combines portability, precision, and versatility. It uses vacuum clamp to lock onto flat or curved surfaces, eliminating the need for mechanical clamps, clecos, or custom fixtures. A 5x magnified bombsight (with interchangeable aperture rings) ensures exact centering, while industry-standard drill bushings guide your drill for perpendicular holes every time. An optional shop-vac attachment reduces chips and dust, minimizing FOD risks in sensitive environments like aircraft assemblies.
The system is modular and compatible with any standard handheld drill—pneumatic or electric—and accepts off-the-shelf slip-fixed renewable bushings. Whether you’re pulling a misaligned hole, re-drilling for a retrofit, or working on non-aerospace applications, Vac-Exact adapts to your needs with minimal setup.
Key Features That Set Vac-Exact Apart
Here’s what makes Vac-Exact a must-have for maintenance professionals:
- Pinpoint Precision, Anywhere: The vacuum locator and guided bushings eliminate bit wandering and ensure perpendicular holes, even on curved surfaces. Achieve consistent accuracy directly on your workpiece.
- Quick and Easy Setup: No complex fixturing or training required. Position the locator, align with the bombsight, and drill. Move to the next hole in seconds.
- Versatile Compatibility: Works with standard drill bits and bushings from suppliers like McMaster-Carr or Carr Lane. Swap sizes without repositioning the locator, making it ideal for stepping up hole sizes or reaming.
- Reduced FOD and Cleanup: The optional debris reduction attachment connects to standard shop-vac hoses, capturing chips at the source to keep your workspace clean and protect sensitive components.
- Adaptable to Any Surface: Choose between the Offset Vacuum Locator (OVL) for curves and tight spaces or the Standard Vacuum Locator Puck for flat surfaces. Both deliver plenty of suction force for rock-solid stability.
- Complements E-Drill: For fastener replacement workflows, use E-Drill for fast, ergonomic removal, then Vac-Exact for precise re-drilling. Together, they streamline maintenance tasks
Solving Real-World Challenges
Vac-Exact was designed with real maintenance scenarios in mind. Here are just a few ways it shines:
- Aircraft Skin Repairs: Center over existing holes or new locations on curved fuselages. Pull oblong holes without wandering, significantly reducing rework.
- Fastener Replacement: Pair with E-Drill to remove fasteners quickly, then use Vac-Exact to re-drill precise holes for new fasteners during retrofits or repairs.
- Engine Nacelle Overhauls: Navigate tight corners with the OVL’s swivel arm. Drill holes in composites without delamination, thanks to controlled position and chip evacuation.
- Beyond Aerospace: From automotive restoration (drilling clean holes in chassis) to machine shop field repairs (precision on large equipment), Vac-Exact’s portability opens doors in multiple industries.
Why We Built Vac-Exact
At Perfect Point EDM, our mission is to empower maintenance teams with tools that make their jobs easier, safer, and more efficient. We saw firsthand how technicians struggled with handheld drilling—fighting to keep drills steady, managing debris, and avoiding costly damage to expensive structures. Vac-Exact was born from our desire to bring the same precision and reliability of our E-Drill system to the drilling process, while keeping the tool portable, affordable, and accessible to shops of all sizes.
By adapting our vacuum locator technology, we’ve created a solution that not only serves our core aerospace market but also has potential in automotive, manufacturing, and marine applications. Vac-Exact isn’t just a tool—it’s a step toward redefining how precision drilling is done in the field.
Available Now
We’re excited to announce that Vac-Exact is now available for purchase! The Vac-Exact Drill/Ream Kit, includes everything you need to get started: two vacuum locators (Offset and Standard), a venturi vacuum module, a 10ft air hose, multiple aperture rings, bushing adapters, bombsights, and a custom foam case for portability. Visit our online shop to order or request a quote for custom configurations.
Want to see Vac-Exact in action? Check out our demo video or schedule a free demo with our team to experience its precision firsthand. Join the growing number of maintenance professionals who are making drilling faster, cleaner, and more accurate with Vac-Exact.
Perfect Point EDM is no longer just the E-Drill company. With Vac-Exact, we’re expanding our suite of aerospace maintenance solutions to help you work smarter. Contact us today to learn how Vac-Exact can transform your drilling tasks.