Best Right Angle Drill Reviews and Guide
Introduction
Regular tools do not always enough. Specialized ones must be summoned to save the day. A standard drill, for example, may not be able to fit into tight spaces or work well with awkward angles. This is where a cordless 90-degree drill comes in handy. We have compiled a list of the best right angle drill in this article.
A right-angle drill (sometimes known as a 90-degree drill) is not commonly seen among DIYers.
It’s a specialized drill that’s utilized when there’s not enough room for a standard power drill.
The drill head is at right angles or 90 degrees to the grip with it, and the back of the head does not rise above the grip line like conventional or standard power drills.
This design enables you to use it in cramped locations where there is little or no room for movement or where using a standard drill would be impossible.
Although it can be used for everyday DIY chores at home, it is most commonly encountered among plumbers, construction workers, handymen, and home remodelers.
Drilling or screwing between studs and joists, for example, can be difficult or impossible with a normal power drill.
You can, however, drill holes or drive screws between joists and studs using a right-angle drill.
As a cabinet maker, you may also encounter instances where utilizing a regular power drill is impractical, such as drilling or screwing inside tight cabinets.
A little right-angle drill can make these circumstances much easier to deal with.
Not all right-angle drills are created equal. However, if you purchase online, you may get the sense that they’re all incredibly well manufactured, which logic and experience tell you isn’t the case.
Check out our assessments of the best right-angle drills on the market today if you want to thoroughly grasp right-angle drills before you buy. We discuss the pros and cons of each model so you can make an informed selection. We also provide you some pointers on how to get the best bargain for your money, so you can go away satisfied.
Best Right Angle Drill 2023
Makita XAD03PT Cordless Right Angle Drill
Dewalt DCD740B Cordless Right Angle Drill
Makita DA3010F Right Angle Drill
Ingersoll Rand 7807R Right Angle Air Drill
DEWALT DCD740C1 Right Angle Drill
Ryobi P241 One+ Drill (Right-Angled)
Neiko 10529A Right-Angle Drill
This Makita right-angle drill will be appreciated by every electrician and plumber.
It’s a tremendously powerful model with very little market competition.
Whether you’re an electrician drilling 1-1/4 inch holes for electrical installations or a plumber drilling larger holes like 4-1/4 inch holes, this Makita XAD03PT will come in handy.
In fact, hole saws can drill up to 6-1/4 inch holes, and self-feed bits can drill holes up to 4-5/8 inch without issue.
It is powered by two 18V LXT lithium-ion batteries to provide power comparable to a corded model.
When fully charged, a self-feed bit can drill 160 2-9/1 inch holes before the batteries run out.
It is powered by two 18V LXT lithium-ion batteries and has the same power as a corded model.
A self-feed bit can drill 160 2-9/1 inch holes before the batteries run out when completely charged.
It has adjustable speed technology, which automatically adjusts its speed and torque during operation to optimize performance and longevity
In general, if you’re a plumber, electrician, building framer, or construction worker searching for a powerful drill to tackle complex projects on the job site, the Makita XAD03PT right-angle drill is the tool for you.
This cordless 20V Dewalt DCD740B is one of the best and most compact right-angle drills available today.
To be precise, the front-to-back length of the DCD740B is only 4 inches, allowing the user to put it into extremely small or difficult-to-reach locations such as inside cabinets.
It has a dual speed range of 0 to 650 rpm and 0 to 2000 rpm, making it extremely versatile and helpful for a variety of applications or projects.
This cordless drill features a 3/8-inch chuck with a deep hex pocket.
This allows you to fully insert 2-inch hex bits for usage in difficult-to-reach locations or spaces.
Overall, if you want a really compact and durable 90-degree drill for your projects, the Dewalt DCD740B is one of my first suggestions.
The Makita DA3010F right angle drill has a 4.0 Amp motor with a maximum speed of 2,400 rpm.
A ball-bearing motor structure ensures that the tool and motor last longer.
The speed may be adjusted from 0 to 2400 rpm, making it extremely adaptable for a wide range of applications.
Because of its small size (10-5/8 inch length) and lightweight (3.1 lbs. ), it can fit into even the smallest of areas.
A brilliant LED light embedded within your workpiece illuminates it.
The LED bulb never needs to be replaced, thus it will work for the duration of the tool’s life.
Overall, the Makita DA3010F right-angle drill is one of the better options, especially when working between framing studs and inside cabinets.
When drilling through various materials such as sheet metal, wood, and composite materials, the Ingersoll Rand 7807R is the appropriate angle drill to use.
Because it is air-powered, it requires an air compressor to operate.
It’s also incredibly light in comparison to a cordless or electric drill, weighing only 2.42 lbs.
At full load, it requires 90 PSI of pressure and 4.0 CFM of air.
The Ingersoll Rand 7807R has a 3/8 inch keyed chuck and a speed range of 1200 to 2500 rpm, making it suitable for a variety of applications.
This Ingersoll Rand 7807R will come in handy whether you’re drilling, ramming, or honing.
As previously stated, because it is an air tool, it is very lightweight and tiny, allowing you to work even in tight areas.
If you’re going to be working in a lot of small locations and require a lot of power, the DEWALT DCD740C1 Cordless Right Angle Drill is the model to choose from.
This type is one of the smallest right-angle drills on the market, measuring only four inches from front to back.
It also weighs less than four pounds, so even if you use it all day, it won’t Tyre you out.
The DEWALT 20V battery line is outstanding, and you should be able to use this drill for several hours without needing to recharge it.
It also has two-speed settings. For simple jobs, you can use the low-torque, high-speed setting, while for more difficult chores, you can use the high-torque, low-speed setting.
The sole disadvantage of this type is that it is somewhat expensive.
For the price, you get a case and a battery, but it would be good to see a second battery or an additional bonus included at this price.
Nonetheless, if you’re ready to spend a premium on quality, this is the device for you.
The Ryobi P241 One+ 18 Volt is a wonderful choice for around-the-house tasks and for those who already have at least one Ryobi 18 Volt battery.
This right-angle drill has a longer neck than others, giving it extra reach, which is useful in small places.
It also includes a fantastic LED light that performs an excellent job of illuminating the area in which you’re working.
A magnetic bit holder is also provided, allowing you to keep your excess bits nearby without holding them or placing them in your pocket.
Even though it appears to be a minor feature, it is one that you will find yourself using frequently.
This variant, however, lacks a battery.
If you already own at least one Ryobi 18 Volt tool, you should be fine.
If you don’t, the price of this model skyrockets.
This model is also lacking in a clutch.
Because you can’t increase the torque that this model produces, it’s not well suited to particularly severe chores.
That is usually not a problem for residential use, but many individuals will require more power.
The Neiko 10529A isn’t the most powerful right-angle drill on the market, but it’s found a niche where it can be beneficial, even though most people won’t need it.
Most people will be confused by the odd 55-degree angle.
However, the placement of the trigger made feasible by this angle gives many individuals the impression that they have good control and a very comfortable grip.
It also makes this model excellent for sanding, with a nice balance of force and precision.
Regrettably, this model employs a keyed chuck.
This is both inconvenient and needless.
It’s a rather unacceptable defect in this day and age, and it will slow you down if you ever need to replace portions.
This variant is also corded, which negates part of the utility gained from its small size.
This model does not have the most power on the market, but it performs adequately in light-duty settings.
It’s not a horrible deal for the price, but its keyed chuck, cable, and lack of high-end power limit it to last place on our list.
Buying Guide for the Best Right Angle Drills
The breadth of the drill head is important because it influences how much space it can fit in.
However, there are a few more aspects to consider while looking for the perfect angle drill.
Here is a list of some crucial elements to consider while selecting the best right-angle drill.
Corded Vs. Cordless:
In terms of power source, the two major options for right-angle drills are corded and cordless.
Knowing everything there is to know about them will allow you to select the best model for your needs.
Corded Drills
They require a consistent power supply of 120V from a regular electrical outlet to function.
While these are more powerful and less priced, they are not as convenient as cordless devices.
If there is no nearby electrical outlet, they may need to use an extension cord. The amps determine the motor. They have more power, but they can’t be utilized on different job sites without a power supply.
Cordless Drills
They are powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and may be used in almost any place. It provides flexibility and convenience by eliminating the need for a cord or an electrical outlet. The voltage utilized by the motor determines its power. They are not as powerful as corded models, but they are easier to manage and may be utilized on a wide range of job sites.
Chuck Size:
The chuck holds the drill bit in place and is typically 3/8-inch in size, which is a standard size for 80% of practically all drills. Remember that a 3/8-inch chuck can hold a significantly larger bit because of the shank size. In general, a 3/8-inch chuck may frequently hold a 3/4-inch bit.
For professional work, a chuck size of up to 1/2 inch is required. The 1/2-inch chuck, like the 3/8-inch chuck, is used to attach/secure a much larger bit than its evaluated size. It does, however, require more torque to drive a larger drill bit.
Larger bits require more torque than smaller ones, which means that the battery drains rapidly in cordless devices while requiring more power in corded electric models.
Motor Speed:
The motor speed shows how rapidly a tool can drill holes or drive screws in and hence the maximum torque a drill can create. However, speed differs from torque in that a faster motor will be more powerful and capable of creating more torque. As a result, it speeds up the completion of your work.
The speed is expressed in rotations per minute (RPM), which is mostly connected to the power source (corded or cordless).
A cordless 18-volt right-angle drill has a maximum speed of 1500 RPMs, whereas a 20-volt drill has a maximum speed of roughly 2000 RPMs. Corded models are more powerful and have access to more power, resulting in higher RPMs. A corded 4-amp drill, for example, will have 2400 RPMs.
Battery Life:
The battery life is an important factor to consider when selecting cordless right-angle drills. When evaluating battery life, look at the charging time (how long it takes to charge), runtime (how long it keeps charge before recharging), and battery longevity (how long it works before being replaced).
Most drill batteries may last for 3 hours on a single charge when used intermittently and take 3 hours to recharge. Lithium-ion batteries have a charging cycle life of 300-500 cycles or around 3 years before they lose their ability to hold a charge. As a result, they endure less time, indicating that the battery has reached the end of its useful life. A drill with a brushless motor will give more power and be more efficient, which is ideal for extending the life of your battery.
Size and Weight:
The weight and size of the right-angle drill determine its usability and functionality.
Size
It is critical to keep in mind that a right-angle drill is designed to fit into narrow spaces.
Most right-angle drill heads have a width of 3 – 4 inches, allowing them to fit into locations where regular power drills cannot.
Weight
This drill should be lightweight and manageable with a single hand.
As a result, most drills are roughly 12 inches long or smaller and weigh 3 to 5 pounds.
Heavyweight drills are not for the faint of heart.
Verdict
When using a drill for an extended period of time, choose a lightweight and short drill.
Even though a cordless model is portable and handy to use without a cord, it is heavier to take about due to the weight of the battery.
Comfort and Grip:
When operating in confined locations, the user should maintain a firm grasp on the right-angle drill in order to secure it with a single hand. However, its ergonomically curved handles with rubberized grips will provide the user with a secure grasp while drilling.
Some types include detachable side handles that can be used to increase leverage on the drill with the other hand. Few manufacturers even have paddle-style triggers on drills that run the length of the handle.
They provide the operator with more control over the drill speed by adjusting the trigger pressure.
Chuck Type:
Chucks are classified into four types: SDS, hex, keyed, and keyless, with keyless being the most prevalent kind for most current drills.
Hex Drills
Because they only retain screwdriver bits, they are less frequent than other types. As a result, a hex chuck will not drill holes with a drill bit.
SDS Chucks
They are designed for hammer drills and are rarely seen in traditional drill types such as right-angle drills.
Keyed and Keyless Chucks
They can both drill holes and drive screws. The keyed chuck requires you to tighten the chuck with a key.
Changing bits using a keyed chuck takes a little longer, but the options are tighter and more durable.
Keyless Chucks
They are a more convenient solution since they allow for the rapid switching of multiple bit types and sizes.
However, you grip the chuck housing – the non-moving part – and use the trigger to loosen or tighten the chuck and change the bit. This chuck type will not provide a secure grip and will quickly wear out.
FAQs
How does a right-angle drill work differently from a standard drill?
Right-angle drills operate in the same way as normal drills and utilize the same drill bits. The only difference between them is that their heads have been re-engineered in a 90-degree orientation. As a result, the right-angle drill is an excellent choice for drilling in tight spaces or difficult-to-reach areas.
Shall we use right-angle drills to drill a tile?
Right-angle drills are ideal for jobs that require woodworking and metalworking. However, with the proper drill bits, we can also use them to drill tiles.
Which tool type is better – attachment or standalone drill?
However, whether you buy an attachment or a standalone drill is entirely dependent on your demands and personal tastes.
Standalone Drills
It is ideal for electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and other comparable projects. These power tools will be limited in their versatility, and most DIYers will profit from this solo drill machine.
Attachment Drills
They allow you to modify the power tool to your needs and assist you in overcoming problems when dealing with complex drilling tasks. However, the job may be completed with the appropriate tools and can address the actual challenge at hand.
What is a right-angle drill used for?
It is a versatile tool that may be used for a variety of purposes. A right-angle drill is great for drilling between wall studs, floor joists, and other small and narrow locations that a normal drill cannot reach.
How to use a right-angle drill?
If you’ve ever used a standard drill, you’ll have no trouble using this right-angle grill. The head of a right-angle drill is designed to work at 90 degrees and can be squeezed with either one or both hands depending on the drill type. When triggered, this right-angle drill, like any other drill, accepts a drill bit. Some types are cordless, while others are corded, and their use will vary depending on the type.
Conclusion
If you’ve ever used a drill, you know how difficult it can be to reach tiny spots. This is where right-angle drills come in handy, as their tilted tool head allows you to easily reach tight spots. In this article, we’ve discussed some of the top right angle drills, as well as their main features and alternatives.
This article also includes a full buying guide that will walk you through the numerous features and benefits provided by these right-angle drills.
