The transverse load resistance of tool guides is greatly influenced by the position of the guide pillar fixing. For a tool with a spring-mounted die guide plate and pillar fixing at the top or bottom of the tool, the deflection and pillar bending values do not differ when the load is applied at the side since the distance (L) from the point of application of the force is the same. Significantly better pillar bending values can be achieved by fixing the guide pillars in the die guide plate, i.e. in the centre of the pillar.