A robotic drilling apparatus is described which has been adapted for drilling holes in ceilings and walls on a construction site. The apparatus comprises a robotic arm mounted to a substructure, the substructure comprising a lifting mechanism arranged to lift the robotic arm to a working position, wherein the robotic arm has a base end and a movable end, the base end being mounted to an upper surface of the lifting mechanism and the movable end being capable of movement with respect to the base end in a three dimensional space, wherein the robotic drilling apparatus further comprises a mount provided on the movable end for holding a drilling device and a control unit for controlling the operation of the robotic arm. The lifting mechanism preferably comprises a scissor-jack lifting platform. The robotic arm and any support structure for the robotic arm weighs less than 43 kg, and preferably individually weigh less than 23 kg.

A robotic drilling apparatus is described which has been adapted for drilling holes in ceilings and walls on a construction site. The apparatus (100) comprises a robotic arm (110) mounted to a substructure (112), the substructure comprising a lifting mechanism arranged to lift the robotic arm to a working position, wherein the robotic arm has a base end (110a) and a movable end (110b), the base end being mounted to an upper surface (114) of the lifting mechanism and the movable end being capable of movement with respect to the base end in a three dimensional space, wherein the robotic drilling apparatus further comprises a mount (120) provided on the movable end for holding a drilling device (122) and a control unit (134) for controlling the operation of the robotic arm. The lifting mechanism preferably comprises a scissor-jack lifting platform. The robotic arm (110) and any support structure (134) for the robotic arm weighs less than 43 kg, and preferably individually weigh less than 23 kg.

A targeting tool releasably holds a portable drill press on a work piece while drilling a hole in the work piece. The portable drill press includes a tubular column with an open bottom end and a mechanical advantage device. The mechanical advantage device moves a drill up and down along the tubular column. A targeting base includes a base for releasable engagement with the work piece, an upstanding post affixed to the base that is adapted for engagement with the open end of the tubular column, and optionally, a drill guide in the base through which a drill bit passes as the drill moves up and down along the tubular column.

A hand drill lifting and actuating apparatus includes a post has a bottom end and a top end. The post is telescopic and includes an upper section and a lower section. A mount is attached to the top end and releasably secures a drill to the post. An actuator is mounted on the post and engages a switch on the drill to turn the drill on. A fulcrum is attached to the lower section of the post. A handle has a first end and a second end. The first end is pivotally coupled to the upper section. The handle is pivotally coupled to the fulcrum between the first and second ends such that the upper section is lifted upwardly when the second end is urged downwardly. The mount is thereby urged upwardly when the second end is pulled downwardly.