11 Best Right-Angle Drills to Get in 2023

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Best Right-Angle Drills

Are you often working in tight spaces where regular drills just won’t fit? You’ll need a right-angle drill, which has a special design that allows you to work with floor joists and similar projects. They work similar to regular drills but are more compact so they fit into small cabinets and the like.

If you’re looking for the best right-angle drill, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll review some picks to get you started on what to choose for your project needs.

 

Top Pick

DeWalt DCD740C1 20V MAX Right-Angle Cordless Drill/Driver

An impressive dual-speed right-angle drill driver kit from trusted DeWalt brand. This lightweight, compact and cordless tool is easy to transport and great for getting into tight spaces. The perfect tool for DIY household projects.

My top personal choice would be the DeWalt DCD740C1 20V MAX Right-Angle Cordless Drill/Driver, which is a 2,000-RPM speed unit that also has an alternate dual-speed mode (600 RPM) in case you’re working with different applications or types of materials.

This 4-inch cordless drill/driver is compact enough for small spaces while only at 3.9 pounds, making it lightweight to avoid user fatigue. In addition to that, its trigger has a multiple grip style that allows various ways to hold it without feeling awkward. To charge this tool, all you need to do is to dock it into its Energy Star-certified charger.

Bearing a 3/8-inch ratcheting chuck, this one accepts any hex bit of up to 2 inches due to its deep hex pocket design. This will be useful in tight or difficult positions. It also comes with a belt hook for storage and for handling convenience. Moreover, it is powered by a 20V MAX 1.5 Ah compact lithium-ion battery.

Since this unit is cordless, it will be easy to use in areas where an outlet or extension is unreachable, such as outdoors. The right-angle drill is backed by a 3-year warranty, 1-year of free service, and a 90-day money-back guarantee from DeWalt.

Things I Like About This Product: It has a dual speed feature for flexibility, it’s lightweight, and it’s cordless for easy portability.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: Compared to corded units, it may not do well with larger house projects due to the battery life.

 

Runner-Up

Makita XAD02 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 3/8-Inch Angle Drill Kit

A compact and ergonomic cordless angle drill kit that brings the power. This angle drill has variable speed from 0-1,800 RPM to tackle a variety of applications. It runs on a lithium-ion battery and is also equipped with a keyless chuck and an LED work light.

Yet another one with a variable speed option is the Makita XAD02 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 3/8-Inch Angle Drill Kit, which has up to 1,800 RPM in its settings. This makes it flexible for a wide range of projects. It features a 3/8-inch keyless chuck that’s easy to install and take out whenever needed.

It has an angle head height of 3-1/2 inches that’s just right for small spaces. Moreover, its total length is 12-3/8 inches and it is powered by a 3.0-Ah battery. Among the different applications for this right-angle drill include steel framing, garage doors, electrical installation, woodworking, and the like due to its chuck design.

Weighing only 4 pounds, this tool is also easy on your hands to avoid user fatigue during overhead operations. Due to the 4-pole motor, this right-angle drill has a max torque of 121 inch-pounds. The kit comes with the unit along with 18V LXT lithium-ion batteries, a rapid optimum charger, and a bag to carry everything to the job site or work area.

Because it has a built-in LED light, your work area will be seen clearer even in dimly-lit spaces. Due to its Star Protection Computer Controls, the tool and the battery are protected against mishaps such as overheating, over-discharging, and overloading.

Things I Like About This Product: It has a good speed, powerful torque, a lightweight design, as well as an LED light.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: The location of the light could be reconsidered.

 

Budget-Friendly Option

Ryobi P241 One+ 18-Volt Right-Angle Drill

A lightweight and budget friendly right-angle drill. Its ergonomic handle, long neck design and lightweight body makes it comfortable to work in tight spaces. Great for light operations around the home or jobsite.

If you want something very lightweight, the Ryobi P241 One+ 18-Volt Right-Angle Drill is a good option due to its 2.13-pound weight. Its long neck design will help you to reach spaces that are difficult and awkward, such as HVAC repair, installation, or plumbing tasks.

With a 130-inch-pound torque, this tool is powerful, although its speed of 1,100 RPM is subpar to our previous picks. Nonetheless, it is sufficient for light operations around the house or on the job site. I like its rubberized grip that makes you feel less fatigued when holding the tool for extended hours – ideal for overhead operations.

What’s more, it has an on-board magnetic tray so you have a place for fasteners and bits for convenience while on the job. If you have any of Ryobi’s 18V batteries, it is interchangeable with any of the ONE+ series in its lineup (such as the P100, P102, P103, and the like).

Due to the LED light, you’ll easily see what you’re working on, especially in low-light conditions. This right-angle drill is backed by a 3-year warranty.

Things I Like About This Product: It has an ergonomic handle, a long neck design, and a lightweight body that makes it comfortable to work in tight spaces.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: The speed is not as high as other right-angle drills. It is also a single-speed drill so it has limited use.

 

Premium Option

Milwaukee 2708-22 HOLE HAWG Brushless Right-Angle Drill

A premium right-angle drill kit from trusted Milwaukee brand. This powerful and durable drill has a brushless motor, a quick-lock feature for added safety and convenience, as well as a large keyless chuck for bigger drilling jobs.

For those who are serious in their craft, the Milwaukee 2708-22 HOLE HAWG Brushless Right-Angle Drill is a good investment due to its brushless motor. This kind of motor will give you fewer maintenance problems compared to one with traditional carbon brushes.

With a length of 17 inches and a weight of 8.5 pounds, this one is powered by an 18V lithium-ion battery. Because it has a 1/2-inch keyless chuck, it is suitable for much bigger drilling jobs while still being portable. It uses the REDLINK PLUS Intelligence technology to avoid overload and other types of damage to the battery and tool for heavy loads.

In addition to that, it has a quick-lock feature that’s meant for safety and convenience. What’s more, you get an entire set with a battery pack (M18 red lithium SX4.0) and charger, as well as a bag to keep everything in place. Because it is compatible with 7/16-inch hex flat or groove shank bits, it is a flexible right-angle drill to consider for different projects.

Since it has a variable speed of up to 1,200 RPM, this will be suitable for different materials. It has a drilling capacity of 1-1/4 inches using auger bits and up to 2 inches for self-feed bits. It is backed by a 5-year warranty.

Things I Like About This Product: It has a large keyless chuck and a brushless motor.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: It is not as lightweight as other right-angle drills.

 

Best Corded

Makita DA3010F 4 Amp 3/8-Inch Right-Angle Drill

A powerful yet lightweight right-angle drill from Makita. This corded tool has 4 AMPs and a variable speed of 0-2,400 RPM that allows you to power through heavy-duty tasks. Additionally this tool has a built-in LED light and a paddle switch with speed limiting dial.

For those who want to work non-stop on difficult projects, you’ll need a corded unit such as the Makita DA3010F 4 Amp 3/8-Inch Right-Angle Drill. This one is lightweight at just 3.5 pounds, making it ideal for awkward positions for long hours of work. With its 4-amp motor, this tool has a variable speed of up to 2,400 RPM, which is great for heavy-duty work.

Due to its compact design of 10-5/8 x 2-5/8 inches in size, this will be applicable for tightly-enclosed areas such as when working between framing studs. In addition to that, it has an LED light that makes your workpiece clearer in dim or poor lighting. It has a drilling capacity of 3/8 inch for steel and up to 13/16 inch for wood.

What’s more, it has a speed limiting dial over the paddle switch to help with single-handed operation. This will also prevent you from tightening the fastener too much. Its motor has a ball-bearing construction, which adds to its durability and smooth operation. With a spindle size of 3/8-24 inches, this unit also has an 8-foot power cord.

Things I Like About This Product: The unit is lightweight and has a special paddle switch design that lets you hold it with one hand for operation.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: Only the lower range has the variable speed as going past that will have full power for the right-angle drill.

 

Best 12 Volt

Milwaukee 2415-20 M12 Cordless Right-Angle Drill

A durable and easy to use cordless right angle drill from Milwaukee. This lightweight tool has 11 settings to choose from, making it an incredibly versatile and easily portable tool. Additional features include an LED light, an extended paddle switch, as well as on-board fuel gauge displays.

For situations when you need a 12V tool, you’ll find the Milwaukee 2415-20 M12 Cordless Right-Angle Drill useful. This one has a 3/8-inch ratcheting chuck that’s easy to grip and flexible for different situations. Because it has 11 settings (plus a drill mode) to choose from, you’ll find it simple to work with various materials with this right-angle drill.

What’s more, it has an LED that will illuminate your work area. Also, there are LEDs that tell you when the clutch is out, for added convenience. I like that it has an on-board fuel gauge to help you plan your usage of the tool. Due to its portable size of only 3.75 inches (head part), it will be easy to sneak into tight spaces. Because of its electronic clutch, setting the torque will be a breeze for this right-angle drill.

This right-angle drill is lightweight at only 2.25 pounds, so it’s comfortable to use for emergencies and easy to keep in bags or pockets. With a torque of 100-inch-pounds, this model is ideal for quick fixes and light-duty tasks. It also has overload protection so you’ll worry less about its battery. It is backed by a 5-year warranty.

Things I Like About This Product: The tool is lightweight and easy to carry between work areas, which is also illuminated by its LED light.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: The torque is not as high as with other right-angle drills of similar weight.

 

Best Pneumatic

Ingersoll Rand 7807R 3/8-Inch Air Angle Reversible Drill

A powerful and durable pneumatic angle reversable drill. This tool sports a variable speed feature, a comfortable level throttle, and a grease plug for easy preventative maintenance. It’s applicable for various materials, such as sheet metal, composites, wood, and more.

If air-powered tools are your go-to companions, the Ingersoll Rand 7807R 3/8-Inch Air Angle Reversible Drill is for you. This tool has a lever throttle that’s easy to grip while the reversible option allows better control for the operator. It uses a Jacobs multi-craft chuck, which adds a layer of durability.

To simplify maintenance, this right-angle drill has a grease plug. Moreover, it was crafted with precision machine gearing that will maximize its power transfer for each task. With a 3/8-inch chuck size, this one has a variable speed option from 1,200 to 2,500 RPM, allowing you to work with different types of materials. I like the design of its low-profile head, which allows entry into difficult spaces.

Requiring a pressure of 90 psi with a 1/4-inch NTP air inlet, it has an average air consumption of 4 CFM (15-second runtime) and 17 CFM (full load). This one fits a 3/8-inch hose size for its pneumatic power source. With a 0.33-HP motor, this one has a total length of 8-1/8 inches. This right-angle drill is applicable for various materials, such as sheet metal, composites, wood, and the like. It is backed by a 1-year warranty.

Things I Like About This Product: It has a variable speed feature, has a low-profile head for small spaces, and an easy-grip lever throttle.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: It runs on the noisy side compared to other right-angle drills.

 

Best Attachment

DeWalt Impact-Ready Right-Angle Attachment

A widely compatable right angle drill attachment from trusted DeWalt. This incredible attachment is ready for nearly any impact driver, and it can be used for a variety of applications. It has a floating magnet mechanism that keeps the fasteners as secure as possible.

If you’re looking for an attachment-type drill, you’ll love the DeWalt Impact-Ready Right-Angle Attachment. With a front-to-back span of 1.5 inches, this drill has magnets that keep it in place. This single attachment is used for nearly any impact driver.

Due to the metal gear design, it will be durable enough for most tasks while it bears a compact design, allowing you to place it into your toolbox without taking a lot of space. Even when you use a 1-inch bit tip, it can still get into small areas due to the true 90-degree head construction. I like the floating magnet mechanism, which keeps the fasteners as secure as possible.

Weighing 3.98 ounces, this tool attachment has a 1/4-inch hex drive for your specific drill or driver. It will fit any drill bit that has a hexagonal shank. It will do well for light-duty and small-scale drilling, such as with wood while getting into tight spaces.

Things I Like About This Product: It will fit into most drills and drivers with a 1/4-inch chuck so it is widely compatible and flexible for various uses.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: This attachment is not applicable for drills that have a 1/2-inch chuck size. Switching between bits is also a challenge with this one.

 

Worth Considering

Makita AD03R1 12V MAX CXT Right-Angle Drill Kit

A super-powerful and compact right-angle drill kit from trusted Makita brand. This beastly tool has a higher torque than most right-angle drills in its class, making it ideal for heavy-duty work. It’s also equipped with variable speed, an LED light and an ergonomic barrel grip.

The Makita AD03R1 12V MAX CXT Right-Angle Drill Kit is a considerable right-angle drill if you’re looking for a unit with high torque, as this one is at 245 inch-pounds. With a variable speed option of up to 1,100 RPM, this will cater to various drilling and driving jobs with its 3/8-inch keyed metal chuck.

Since it is a 12-volt cordless tool, taking it around a job site or upstairs for home repairs will be a breeze. Furthermore, it is only 12-3/8 inches long, which takes less space in your toolbox.

I like that it has a compact angle head height of only 2-1/2 inches, which makes it easy to get into small spaces. What’s more, the ergonomic barrel grip design allows you to hold it comfortably without feeling fatigued or slippery – ideal for safety on the job site.

What’s more, its LED light will illuminate your work area to avoid accidents and mistakes. The variable speed control is easily operated using the paddle switch on the side. When you order the right-angle drill, it comes as a kit including a tool case, a charger, and a battery pack (2.0 Ah).

Things I Like About This Product: This tool has a higher torque than most right-angle drills of its class, which makes it ideal for heavy-duty work. It also has an ergonomic and compact design.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: The speed is not as high as compared to other right-angle drills.

 

Worth Considering

Makita DA4000LR 1/2-Inch Angle Drill

A heavy-duty angle drill with a powerful 7.5 AMP motor from Makita. This drill is ready for heavy-duty tasks, with two speed modes and 360° angle attachment for drilling in any position. Additionally it has all-ball bearing construction for a longer lasting tool, as well as a rubberized grip for added comfort.

The Makita DA4000LR 1/2-Inch Angle Drill is ideal for heavy-duty use due to its powerful 7.5-amp motor and bigger chuck size. I like that it can be positioned up to 360 degrees, allowing you to be more flexible in your work area without sacrificing comfort. It has two-speed modes: up to 400 RPM and up to 900 RPM, which can be accessed easily using the quick switch drill head.

Another plus point that I like about this angle drill is the reversible speed. What’s more, the rubberized grip adds comfort to the user, whether you’re wearing gloves or simply have a high tendency for sweaty skin. Made with an all-ball bearing construction for a smooth operation, this one has a drilling capacity of up to 4-5/8 inches for wood and 1/2 inches for steel.

With a length of 16-1/4 inches, it weighs 8.1 pounds since it is more of a heavy-duty drill but is used in smaller spaces. I also like its plastic tool case that can fit the self-feed bit while attached to the drill so it’s ready to be used right off the bat.

Things I Like About This Product: It has a heavy-duty design with a large chuck size and drilling capacity.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: It is a little on the heavy side compared to most right-angle drills.

 

Worth Considering

Bosch PS11BN 12-Volt Max 3/8-Inch Right-Angle Drill/Driver

A powerful and versatile right-angle drill and driver from Bosch. This tool is lightweight, cordless, and has a pivoting head that allows for various working angles. It also has a variable speed feature which allows it to be used on a variety of materials.

Delivering 115 inch-pounds of torque, the Bosch PS11BN 12-Volt Max 3/8-Inch Right-Angle Drill/Driver has a variable speed feature that allows you to work with different materials. Its 3/8-inch chuck has an automatic lock feature so that the replacement of the bit becomes simple.

As a 12-volt portable tool, this one has a 5-position pivoting head that allows different working angles, such as 90 and 180 degrees. This makes it unique compared to the fixed right-angle drills I mentioned above. It has a no-load speed of up to 1,300 RPM, which is enough for most tasks. The variable speed trigger switch is easy to locate and press while its forward and reverse lever is also conveniently placed above it.

Because this right-angle drill only weighs 2.75 pounds, it is easy on your arms, especially when working on overhead and difficult positions. With a keyless chuck design for effortless setup, this one has 7+1 clutch settings. It is backed by a 3-year warranty for the tool and a 2-year warranty for the battery.

To see how the PS11 compares with its predecessor, P10, read this article.

Things I Like About This Product: It is lightweight, cordless, and has a pivoting head that allows for various working angles.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: It might not be ideal for bigger and heavy-duty tasks.

 

The Methodology: What I Considered When Picking the Right-Angle Drills Featured Above

When choosing the right-angle drills I mentioned above, I considered certain criteria, which I think will help you as well:

1. No-load speed

Right-angle drills tend to have a speed of 1,000 to 2,000 RPM and most of them are variable speed for flexible usage

2. Torque

These units typically have a 100 to 200-inch-pound torque, which is applicable for various drilling tasks.

3. Portability

Consider right-angle drills that are lighter in weight to lessen user fatigue.

4. Chuck size

Most right-angle drills have a 3/8-inch chuck size while heavy-duty ones have a 1/2-inch one.

 

Summary

My overall top pick is the DeWalt DCD740C1 Drill/Driver due to its high no-load speed (and is variable). Next to that is the Makita XAD02 18V Angle Drill Kit, which has a powerful torque.

For beginners, I’d recommend the Ryobi P241 Right-Angle Drill, but for serious owners, your best bet is the Milwaukee 2708-22 Right-Angle Drill with its brushless motor.

If you want a corded unit, I suggest the Makita DA3010F  but for a 12-volt unit, you’ll like the Milwaukee 2415-20. The Ingersoll Rand 7807R Drill is ideal for those who are into air-powered tools. If you already have a drill, the DeWalt Impact-Ready Right-Angle Attachment is something you can use for conversion. You can also check other attachments here.

Other worthy choices I made include the Makita AD03R1, Makita DA4000LR, and the Bosch PS11BN Right-Angle Drill/Driver.