Last updated on March 19th, 2023 at 12:38 am
Sometimes, you find out your regular power drill is too big to use in certain spaces. You find out it can’t fit into that space because the space is very small, and it’s not possible to use it there to make that hole or drive that screw in there. In such situations, what you need is a right angle drill.
It’s a special type of power drill mostly used when there’s limited space to use a standard pistol-grip drill.
It’s also called a 90 degree drill because the chuck is at right angles to the grip handle and does not rise above the grip line, unlike a regular pistol-grip unit.
This design allows you to use it in confined spaces where there’s very limited room for movement or where using a regular drill is basically impossible.
Although it can be used for average DIY projects at home, it’s usually found among car mechanics, plumbers, construction workers, handymen and home remodelers.
For instance, working between studs and joists when carrying out plumbing or electrical work can be quite difficult or impossible using a standard power drill. On the other hand, the small width of the right angle drill from the chuck to the back of the head makes it very suitable for these kinds of projects.
Also, when working on cars, it can be used for loosening or tightening nuts and bolts in very cramped or tight spaces in a car or engine, where a standard drill will not fit.
As a cabinet maker, driving screws and drilling holes inside tight assembled cabinets can be quite tricky or even impossible, but with a very compact 90 degree unit, it’s very easy to do.
Here in this article, I’ve reviewed 10 of the best right angle drills you can get and use to oddly located tackle nuts, bolts, screws and bits when carrying out your projects.
1. Kobalt Right Angle Drill
The Kobalt tool brand is not as popular as some of the other brands I’m used to, but it turns out they make some really impressive tools. For instance, this Kobalt 24 Volts Max 3/8 inch right angle drill is one of the most powerful compared to the other ones reviewed in this article. Although it’s not very common, it does stands up to and is even better than some of the competition.
It comes equipped with a brushless motor capable of producing up to 250 in-lbs of torque, with a maximum no-load speed of 2000 RPM.
Unlike similar models that have just a single speed setting, the Kobalt has 2 variable speed settings that allow you to adjust the speed to match your application. It has a low speed setting of 0-600 RPM and high speed setting of 0-2000 RPM.
The high speed setting is suitable for tasks that requires more speed than torque, like drive a screw or turning any other type of fastener.
On the other hand, the low speed setting is better for tasks that requires more torque like drilling through wood with a self-feeding bit.
The Kobalt right angle drill also features a 4-mode clutch that allows you really adjust the drill to fit each task you want to carry out.
An additional feature is an LED light that illuminates your work as soon as you press the trigger and stops after the chuck stops rotating.
With a 3.19 inch width from the chuck to the back of the drill head, the Kobalt is quite compact and can fit into tighter spaces than most of the competition.
2. Dewalt DCD740B Cordless Right Angle Drill
One of the best and most compact right angle drills you can get today is this cordless 20V Dewalt DCD740B.
To be precise, the front to back length of the DCD740B is just 4 inches, which allows the user to fit it into really tight or hard to reach spaces like inside cabinets.
It features a dual speed range of 0 to 650 rpm and 0 to 2000 rpm making it very flexible and useful for a wide range applications or projects.
This cordless drill comes equipped with a 3/8 inch chuck with a deep hex pocket. This allows you to fully insert 2 inch hex bits for use in hard to reach spaces or areas.
Overall, if you want a really compact and tough 90 degree drill you can use for your projects, the DCD740B by Dewalt is going to be one of my first recommendations.
3. Bosch PS11-102
Talking about right angle drills, Bosch offers something quite special with this model PS11-102.
The Bosch PS11-102 features a 5 position pivoting head that allows you to pivot the head from the 90 degrees position to 180 degrees.
This means, if you want, you can use it even in the tightest of spaces by just straightening the drilling head.
For power, it comes equipped with a 12V motor that produces up to 1300 rpm of speed and a maximum torque of 115 in-lbs, making it a very versatile tool you can use in different drilling and screw-driving applications.
A large variable speed trigger allows you to vary the speed of the motor easily just by varying the amount of force you exact on the trigger.
Equipped with a keyless chuck, changing bits is never a hassle.
The Bosch PS11-102 also comes equipped with a motor break, so that when you release the trigger, the break is applied, and you don’t screw or drive screws any further.
Overall, the design and the functionality of this Bosch PS11-102 makes it one of the best right angle drills I’ve ever seen.
4. Milwaukee 1680-21 Super Hawg
There’re only a few right angle drills that can go head-to-head with this Milwaukee 1680-21.
This is not just any right angle drill. This is the Milwaukee ½ inch Super Hawg. It’s a tool for the pros.
Professional electricians, plumbers and construction workers use this to drill hundreds of holes in studs and joist at different jobsites week-in week-out.
Equipped with a 13 Amp motor, the Milwaukee 1680-21 spins at a speed range of 450 rpm to 1750 rpm, allowing you to use it on a whole range of applications.
It features a soft-grip Roto-Lok handle which allows you to rotate the handle left to right at 90 degrees, allowing you to hold and operate it at the position you’re most comfortable with it.
There’s also a secondary t-bar handle you can screw close to the top of the head for more control during use.
It comes with a ½ inch chuck, total length of the Milwaukee 1680-21 is 22 inches and it weighs 14.7 lbs.
5. Makita DA3010F Right Angle Drill
The Makita DA3010F right angle drill comes equipped with a 4.0 Am motor producing a maximum speed of 2,400 rpm.
A ball bearing motor construction ensures a longer tool and motor life.
You can vary the speed from 0 to 2400 rpm making it very versatile for a range of applications.
The compact design (10-5/8 inch length) and lightweight structure (3.1 lbs.) allows you to use it even in very tight spaces.
Illuminating your work piece is a bright LED light built into it. The LED bulb never needs replacement so it will remain functional throughout the life of the tool.
Overall, the Makita DA3010F right angle drill is one of the best you can go for especially when you’re working between tight framing studs and inside cabinets.
6. Ryobi P241
When you’re really in that awkward position such that using a normal cordless power drill is literally impossible, one of your best options is to use this Ryobi P241.
The long neck design allows you a greater reach and leverage in awkward spaces such as when drilling between studs, installing HVAC systems or plumbing applications.
It comes equipped with a motor which spins the chuck at a rate of 1100 rpm and produces up to 130 inch pounds of torque.
Even when you’re working in really awkward positions like when you’re on your back, and holding your bits with your other hand is not just an option, the magnetic tray on the tool allows you to keep your bits on the tool, freeing up both of your hands to handle the work.
The handle is designed with hex rubber overmold, allowing you maximum grip on the tool even when you’re working in damp conditions (plumbing) that might cause the tool to slip in your hands.
If you’re talking about right angle or 90 degree drills, this Ryobi P241 is definitely one you can rely on.
7. Ingersoll Rand 7807R Right Angle Air Drill
The Ingersoll Rand 7807R is the type of right angle drill you need when you have to drill through different types of materials like sheet metal, wood and composite materials.
It’s air powered, so you need an air compressor to supply it with air.
Because it’s air powered, it’s also very light compared to a cordless or electric drill, weighing only 2.42 lbs.
It requires air at 90 PSI of pressure and 4.0 CFM to operate at full load.
The Ingersoll Rand 7807R comes equipped with a 3/8 inch keyed chuck and has a speed range of 1200 to 2500 rpm, ideal for different applications.
Whether you’re drilling, ramming or honing, you’re going to find this Ingersoll Rand 7807R very useful. As said earlier, it’s very lightweight being that it’s an air tool, and it’s very compact, allowing you to work even in close quarters.
8. Metabo HPT DN18DSLQ4
Previously known as Hitachi, Metabo HPT’s cordless right angle drill delivers enough torque to handle most drilling and screw driving applications in close quarters.
The Metabo HPT DN18DSLQ4 comes equipped with a 3/8 inch chuck which spins at a a maximum speed of 1,800 rpm
It features a variable speed paddle switch you can use to control and vary the speed for maximum precision during use.
It’s cordless and compatible with all Metabo HPT 18V Lithium ion slide-type batteries, and there’s a low battery indicator to monitor the battery state of the tool. So, if you already have some battery powered 18V Metabo HPT tools, you can use the same batteries for this one.
The drill also features a bright LED light to illuminate the work surface if the work area is dark.
A side handle gives you added control and precision when handling the tool. Overall, the Metabo HPT DN18DSLQ is one tool you can definitely count among the best when talking about right angle drills.
9. Dewalt DCD460T2 FLEXVOLT Stud And Joist Drill
The Dewalt DCD460T2 60V Flexvolt stud and joist drill is a very powerful and special type of right angle drill, ideal for drilling holes in studs and joists.
Basically, it’s ideal for timber framing and other building construction projects.
The 60V FLEXVOLT battery guarantees maximum power and runtime while working on your projects with it.
As for speed, the Dewalt DCD460T2 features 2 variable speed ranges you can choose from, 0 to 300 rpm and 0 to 1250 rpm. This allows you to vary the speed to match the project and to allow maximum control and precision.
Equipped with an E-clutch, the tool can detect reactionary torque in the case of a bind-up or stalling while in use, and it automatically reduces the speed for safety and ease of operation.
The Dewalt stud and joist right angle drill features 2 handles for operation. An adjustable bail handle and a 2 position side handle for maximum leverage and control during use.
If you have anyone in your life that’s a professional plumber or framer, try gifting them this tool and see their reaction.
10. Skil PWR Core 12V Cordless Right angle Impact Driver
Delivering up to 900 in-lbs of torque and 3750 impacts per minute, this right angle impact driver/drill from Skil is no joke.
This is not the most powerful impact drivers out there for stubborn lug nuts, but when it comes to working/driving nuts and bolt at the most awkward angles in your car/machinery or drive in screws and drill shanks in wood, this Skil PWR definitely makes things much more easier.
At just 2.6 inches of width from the drill chuck to the back of the drill head, you have one of the most compact right angle drill/driver out there, and it doesn’t weight that much as well with a net weight of just 2.49 lbs, excluding the battery.
It features a variable speed trigger that allows the user to adjust the speed from 0-2700 rpm, making it very versatile for a range of tasks and projects.
The trigger though, is extended or longer than usualy allowing you to hold and operate the tool with precise speed from several grip positions. Rather than a regular chuck, it features a hex collet for holding bits.
It also features a bright halo light around the hex collet that turns on and illuminates the workpiece once the tool is actuated.
A very useful feature of the Skil PWR core right angle drill is that the battery charges quickly from 0 to 100 percent in just 45 minutes, and once charged, it doesn’t run down quickly.
don’t forget the m18 hole hawg and super hawg