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There are often times during a project where a standard drill just doesn’t cut it.
When you need to drill in hard to reach and awkward areas – you need a right angle drill.
In these situations, we have two options; purchase a specialist right angle drill with a head that sits at 90 degrees or, purchase a right-angle attachment for our existing drill.
Both pose unique advantages and disadvantages which we shall explore later.
The following guide evaluates a selection of the best right-angle drills and right-angle attachments currently on the market. Let’s begin!
Quick Picks
Here's 3 products we picked out that thought you would be interested in depending on your budget...
Best Cordless Right Angle Drills with reviews 2024
Here is a list of the best cordless right angle drills we found:
1. DEWALT DCD740C1 20V MAX Cordless Right Angle Drill - Top Pick
- Dual speed ranges of 0 – 600 & 0 – 2000 RPM
- Only 4’’ in length from front to back
- Keyless 3/8’’ chuck
- Multi-grip trigger with full forward & reverse action
- Built-in LED light
- Weighs 3.9lbs
Pros
- Compact & lightweight
- Durable construction
- Excellent warranty with service plan
Cons
- No charging indicator on the battery
- Plastic clutch
Overview
The 20V Dewalt DCD740C1 is DeWalt’s top of the line cordless right angle drill. It has two performance settings, one is a low speed (0 – 600 RPM) high torque setting for better control and the other operates the drill at higher speeds (0 – 2,000 RPM), but you will lose some control.
A multi-grip trigger helps you get into tight spaces by altering your grip according to the situation and, at only 4’’ in length from front to back it is incredibly compact. This will help when jobs arise in hard to reach areas, which they will!
The right angle drill itself is backed by a 3-year warranty and also comes with a year free service plan and 90 day back guarantee. It could benefit from an indicator gauge on the battery and the clutch is plastic, not metal.
The lithium-ion battery powering the Dewalt DCD740C1 generates steady power when you need it the most. No matter your profession, whether it’s a carpenter, plumber or electrician, if you rely on your tools daily you need the DCD740C1 in your tool kit.
2. Bosch PS11-102 12V Lithium-Ion Max 3/8" Right Angle Drill - Best for the Money
- 12V motor delivering 115 in-lbs of torque and 1,300 RPM
- 5-position pivoting head rotates from 90 to 180 degrees
- Keyless 3/8’’ auto-lock chuck
- Variable speed trigger & motor brake
- 2 x LED lights
- Weighs 2.75lbs
Pros
- Soft grip handle
- Battery status meter
- High capacity battery
Cons
- No torque adjustment settings
- Could be slightly smaller
Overview
The Bosch PS11-102 right angle drill is powered by a 12V motor providing 115 in-lbs of max torque and speeds of up to 1,300 RPM. A 5-position pivoting head rotates from 90 and 180 degrees and is great when performing work tight, hard to reach areas.
A variable speed trigger gives the user control over the output of speed and a motor brake allows for exact serial screw driving. The keyless 3/8’’ auto-lock chuck helps facilitate easy bit changes so you can switch between applications with ease.
It also includes Bosch’s Electronic Cell Protection for longer run times and battery life and an in-built fuel gauge for easy battery management. There are 2 x LED lights are effective at illuminating dark conditions. Included with the PS11-102 right angle drill/driver is a 12V battery, charger and carrying case.
The swivel headed Bosch PS11-102 is an extremely versatile tool and one that is best suited to occasional home improvement work. It comes with all the accessories you need to get started on your projects right away.
3. DEWALT DWARA100 Right Angle Drill Attachment - Best Budget Option
- Right angle attachment for drills and impact drivers
- Sure-set system with floating magnet
- Measures just 1’’ from tip to back
- Impact-rated gears rated for more than 2,000 life-cycles
- Ring magnet helps reduce slippage
Pros
- Ergonomic ABS handle
- Inexpensive
- Accepts standard short and long drill driver bits
Cons
- No locking mechanism
- Magnet adapter drops power output slightly
Overview
The Dewalt DWARA100 is a right angle drill attachment that allows you to forgo having to purchase a dedicated right-angled drill. It features a sure-set system with a floating ring magnet that secures the fasteners for holding power and retention.
Measuring just 1’’ from tip to back it can fit into even the smallest of spaces and allows for tighter access with increased gear strength for your impact driver. An ergonomic ABS handle stays cool at all times during use and helps the user have a more secure grip while working.
Assuming you already own a compatible drill or driver, purchasing this attachment over a specialist right angle drill will save you a lot of money! It could benefit from a locking mechanism and the magnetic adapter can steal some power output from the drill.
The Dewalt DWARA100 is the best right-angle attachment for your drill or driver. With impact-rated gears rated for more than 2,000 life cycles, it will prove a real lifesaver when there is work to be done in tight spaces for years to come!
4. Milwaukee 2615-20 M18 Cordless Right Angle Drill
Pros
- Plenty of settings to utilize (12 clutch settings)
- Well-priced
- REDLINK technology
Cons
- Tool only, batteries sold separately
- The reverse and forward switch could be better positioned
Overview
Powered by an 18V motor, the Milwaukee 2615-20 is capable of producing up to 150 in-lbs of maximum torque. It can also generate 1,500 RPMs, plenty enough for all kinds of applications like woodworking and plumbing.
Eleven regular settings plus a drill mode give an excellent level of control and make it much easier to drill and fasten. With a head length of just over 4’’ it will fit in spaces impossible for a regular drill to reach. Built-in LEDs offer the perfectly illuminate the work surface for safety and work accuracy.
An extended multi-position handle with paddle switch means you can maintain total control over the output of power in the most awkward of situations. Integrated REDLINK technology provides overload protection and improves tool performance by optimizing communication between all of the unit’s components.
The Milwaukee 2615-20 is an affordable right-angle drill aimed casual users who would rather have a right-angle drill over an attachment for their existing drill or driver. Kitted out with numerous clutch settings and REDLINK technology, the 2615-20 offers excellent value!
5. Makita AD04R1 12V Max CXT 3/8" Right Angle Drill Kit
- 12V motor delivering 245 in-lbs of max torque
- Variable speed trigger with speeds ranging from 0 – 1,100 RPM
- 3/8’’ keyless chuck
- Built-in LED light
- Ergonomic barrel grip
- Weighs 2.7lbs with battery
Pros
- Compact head and body
- Comes with accessories including 2 batteries
- 3-year drill warranty & a 1-year warranty for the battery and charger
Cons
- 12V might not be sufficient for some users
- No multi-speed function
Overview
The Makita AD04R1 model packs a serious punch with up to 245 in-lbs of usable torque. It also features a convenient paddle switch with variable speed control and reverse switch, giving the user complete control of up to 1,100 RPMs.
Weighing in at only 2.7lbs with a 2.0 Ah battery, the AD04R1 is incredibly light. The ergonomic barrel grip and compact 3-5/16’’ angle head height adds to the effectiveness of this right-angle drill in confined areas. Keyless 3/8’’ chuck for easy bit removal and installation.
Along with the drill you get; 2 x 12V max CXTTM lithium-ion 2.0Ah batteries, 1 x 12V max CXTTM lithium-ion charger and a tool case. The batteries are engineered with a battery protection circuit to prevent overheating and overloading.
Suitable for a range of drilling and driving applications, the Makita AD04R1 combines phenomenal speed and power in a super-compact and ergonomic package. Backed by an amazing warranty for both the drill, batteries and charger you can buy this product in total confidence.
6. DEWALT DWARAFS Right Angle Attachment
- True 90-degree right angle flexible head attachment
- Fasteners secured by a magnet
- 12’’ flexible shaft
- Rapid load head
- Side handle for additional leverage
Pros
- Extremely flexible
- Easy bit changing system
- Hollow handle for bit storage
Cons
- Shaft may twist with higher torque applications
- Doesn’t take non-hex bits
Overview
The DEWALT DWARAFS is a true 90-degree right-angle drill attachment that stands out of its unique flex shaft. The 12’’ flexible shaft allows you to reach nearly any space you could need to.
A rapid load head facilitates hassle-free bit changes, with each fastener supported by a magnet for perfect alignment. To change bits all that is required is to pull back the latch to release it.
It comes with a side handle which provides additional support and leverage. The handle is also hollow and can be used as storage for several small bits. Hex shank accepts any ¼’’ shank.
One of the best right-angle attachments on the market, the DEWALT DWARAFS is heavy-duty, versatile and the perfect size to reach nearly any space required from it.
Right Angle Drill or Attachment?
Consumers are often faced with the dilemma of buying either a dedicated right-angle drill or a right-angle attachment for their current drill.
If you decide to go down the attachment route, you’ll save yourself a significant amount of money. Some attachments even offer flexible shafts, making them excellent for reaching those awkward areas.
However, there are some potential drawbacks. First of all, they can be awkward to use and when used by those with less experience can be rather unsafe. There is a slight learning curve required before you’re comfortable using one. There is also the possibility of losing some of the drill’s torque as power is transferred through the attachment.
I would suggest a right-angle attachment for casual DIYers who will be doing one-off jobs and not using it regularly. If you find yourself needing to use it frequently, take a look at option two.
The second option is to go with a dedicated right-angle drill. Going down this route typically offers far better performance but it will set you back more financially. Whether the price is worth it to you depends on how often you intend to use it and your profession.
If you’re in a trade such as plumbing or carpentry, opting for a right-angle drill is the smart decision. By using it on a near-daily basis you will get your monies worth in no time at all.
This doesn’t mean, however, that DIYers should not purchase one if they are happy to pay the higher price. It may even be a better option for those with less tool experience as they are much more user-friendly than an attachment.
For DIYers and hobbyists, a right-angle drill may not be a tool you use regularly but you’ll be damn happy to have it when you do need it. Professionals, save yourself the hassle and go for a high-quality right-angle drill such as the Dewalt DCD740C1.
Wrapping it up
The above 6 products are the result of hours of research into both right-angle drills and right-angle drill attachments. They represent the best in their field and we are confident that there is something for everyone.
In our opinion, the Dewalt DCD740C1 is the best right-angle drill currently on offer. It has dual speed settings for improved user flexibility, superior build quality and an excellent warranty with service plan so you can buy with zero reservations.
Other drill guides
Best cordless drills – read here
Best cordless hammer drills – read here
Best DeWalt drills – read here
Best 12V drills – read here
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