The Best Right Angle Drills in 2022:
Ah, the humble electric drill.
There’s no denying how handy drills are, so much so that they’re a staple in everyone’s toolkit from the humble DIYer to the professional contractor.
Ergonomically designed to have a balanced weight, modern drill drivers come packed with ever-torquier motors and larger and larger batteries to tackle your drilling and driving needs with ease.
There’s just one problem, though, and it’s a problem that’s just as common in premium models like the DEWALT DCD777C2 as it is in the plethora of cheap cordless drills that you can pick up for less than $50.
You see, no matter how ergonomic and comfortable these models may be to hold, the vast majority aren’t suitable for squeezing into tight spaces.
The fact is, even on smaller models, the distance from the front of the drill to the back is still big enough to prove restrictive.
Thankfully, there’s a variant of the humble drill specifically designed for working in tricky and hard-to-reach locations; the right angle drill, boasting a right-angled output and a lower-profile head allowing it to fit into even the tightest nooks and crannies.
Nowadays, there’s little difference between a right angle drill and a conventional drill other than the orientation of their output.
You can get brushed, or brushless motors on each, corded or cordless power sources, the much-favoured lithium-ion battery in cordless models, and they share many of the same ‘nice to haves’ like keyless chucks, LED lights, and motor brakes to name a few.
Your main problem from a consumer perspective is that you’re well and truly spoilt for choice, something that isn’t helped by the fact that more and more right angle drill models flood the market every year.
Don’t worry, though; we’re here to help.
If you’re in the market for a right angle drill but don’t know which model to choose, this is the guide for you.
Not only will we show you ten of the best right angle drills on the market in 2022, but we’ll also answer your burning questions in the process.
Let’s get stuck in…
| DEWALT DWARA120 – The Best Right Angle Drill Attachment (Read More) | ||
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#1
Back to Basics
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Check Price |
| Makita AD04R1 – The Best Value Right Angle Drill (Read More) | ||
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#1
Best Value
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Check Price |
| Makita XAD03PT – The Best Heavy Duty Right Angle Drill (Read More) | ||
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#1
Heavy-Duty Pick
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Check Price |
- DEWALT DWARA120
- Makita AD04R1
- Makita XAD03PT
- Bosch PS11-102
- DEWALT DCD740C1
- Ryobi P241
- DEWALT DWD460K
- Mikwaukee 2708-22
- Makita XAD02
- Milwaukee 2415-21
Our Thoughts
You’re in luck.
Enter the DEWALT DWARA120; the handy attachment for drill drivers or impact drivers that lets you drill at 90-degrees in seconds.
Measuring just 1.5-inches from front to back, it’s small enough to fit into the tightest spaces, and thanks to features like its all-metal gear housing, you know it’ll be tough enough to handle whatever you can throw at it whether in wood or metal.
The only downside is that it doesn’t have a chuck, meaning you can’t use it with standard drill bits. Nowadays though, it’s relatively easy to pick up drill bits with the required 1/4″ hex shank that the DWARA120 accepts, so we don’t see this being too much of an issue.
Key Specs
- Measures 1.5″ from front-to back
- Accepts 1/4″ hex bits
- Fits both drills and impact drivers
- Magnetic tip
- Metal gear case design
Includes
- 1x Right Angle Attachment
Reasons to Buy
- Much cheaper than buying a dedicated right angle drill.
- Ideal for use in tighter spaces given that it measures just 1.5-inches front to back.
- Can be used in both impact drivers and drill drivers.
- Can be used on both wood and metal.
- Tough and durable – DEWALT claims that users can expect up to 5x longer usage.
- Features a magnetic tip to securely hold bits in place, and to make changing bits quicker and easier.
Reasons to Skip
- Cannot be used with conventional drill bits, but instead requires drill bits with a hex shank given that the DWARA120 does not feature a chuck.
DEWALT DWARA120
Our Thoughts
Firstly, it comes with not one but two 2.0 Ah lithium-ion batteries, something that will benefit your wallet just as much as your productivity, especially considering the lower price point of this kit.
Secondly, it weighs just 2.7lbs even when paired with a battery, making it one of the lightest right-angle drills on the market.
The weight is impressive enough by itself, but even more so when you consider that the torque output of the AD04R1 is a hefty 245 in-lbs, making it more than capable of meeting the needs of both DIYers and professionals alike.
If we’re picky, we’d like a slightly more powerful battery thrown in, perhaps a 3.0 Ah alternative, but that’s probably asking a bit much, especially at this price point.
All told, the AD04R1 offers value for money and performance in spades, both of which make it a very worthy addition on this list.
Key Specs
| Cordless/Corded | Cordless |
| Chuck Type | Keyless |
| Chuck Size | 3/8″ |
| No Load RPM | 0-1,100 |
| Torque (in-lbs) | 245 |
| Motor Type | Brushed |
| Weight | 2.7lb |
| Battery | 12V Lithium-Ion |
| Battery Capacity | 2.0 Ah |
Includes
- 1x Makita AD04Z 12V Max CXT™ 3/8″ Right Angle Drill
- 2x 12V Max CXT™ Lithium-Ion 2.0Ah Batteries (BL1021B)
- 1x Charger
- 1x Tool Case
Reasons to Buy
- It offers excellent value for money, especially considering it comes with two 2.0Ah lithium-ion batteries.
- At only 2.7lbs when using a 2.0Ah battery, the AD04R1 is lighter than most other right angle drills.
- The powerful motor delivers a very healthy maximum torque output of 245 in-lbs to help you tackle tougher jobs with ease.
- The drill’s built-in LED light with afterglow helps to illuminate even the darkest work areas.
- The AD04R1’s keyless chuck makes it quick and easy to change out drill bits.
- You can adjust the output speed between 0-1,100RPM to best suit whichever drilling or driving task you are completing.
- It comes with a 3-year warranty for added peace of mind.
Reasons to Skip
- The motor is brushed as opposed to brushless.
Makita AD04R1
Our Thoughts
Not content with using a single 18V lithium-ion battery, Makita designed the XAD03PT to use two 5.0 Ah batteries to produce a combined 36-volts of drilling destruction.
All told, this lets it compete with the toughest corded drills on the market, all without the inconvenience of being tethered to a plug socket.
The stand out feature for us has to be Makita’s Automatic Speed Change™ technology, an impressive bit of wizardry that automatically adjusts the XAD03PT’s speed and torque during drilling for the best possible performance.
Not only that, but it also comes loaded with a torque limiter via a built-in clutch, a handy feature that protects not only the gears but also your wrists should the drill bit stick at lower RPM’s.
Throw in the XAD03PT’s efficient brushless motor, variable speed, motor brake, and sturdy build, and you’ve got a right angle drill that more than warrants its premium price tag.
Key Specs
| Cordless/Corded | Cordless |
| Chuck Type | Keyed |
| Chuck Size | 1/2″ |
| No Load RPM | 0-350/0-1,400 |
| Motor Type | Brushless |
| Weight | 14lb |
| Battery | 18V Lithium-Ion |
| Battery Capacity | 5.0 Ah |
Includes
- 1x Makita XAD03Z 18V X2 LXT® (36V) Brushless 1/2″ Right Angle Drill
- 2x 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion 5.0Ah Batteries
- 1x 18V Charger
- 1x Tool Bag
- 1x Side Handle
- 1x Hex Wrench
- 1x Drill Chuck
- 1x Chuck Key
Reasons to Buy
- Powered by two 5.0Ah lithium-ion batteries, the XAD03PT offers considerably more power, speed, and overall runtime versus right angle drills that use only a single battery.
- The motor is brushless for longer life and maximum efficiency.
- It features Makita’s Automatic Speed Change™ technology which adjusts the speed and torque automatically during drilling for optimum performance.
- The XAD03PT features a motor brake for more precise drilling.
- You can adjust the output speed between 0-350 and 0-1400 RPM to best suit whichever drilling or driving task you are completing.
- The adjustable front handle makes controlling and maneuvering the drill much easier.
- A built-in LED job light makes it possible to use the XAD03PT in low-light conditions.
- It comes with a torque limiter via a built-in clutch to provide increased gear protection and longer life when using the tool at low speed.
- It comes with a 3-year warranty for added peace of mind.
Reasons to Skip
- It’s heavy.
- It’s expensive.
Makita XAD03PT
Our Thoughts
The benefit?
Not only can you drill or drive at 90-degrees like you can with the rest of the drills on this list, but you can also choose between four other positions between 90-180 degrees, giving you much greater flexibility.
Not only that, but the drill’s speed can be adjusted quickly on the fly anywhere from zero to 1,300 RPM by pressing lighter or harder on the trigger.
It’s light enough and small enough to fit into tighter spaces too, and thanks to its built-in LED lights, you’ll see what you’re doing even in the darkest areas.
What more could you want? Affordable and innovative, that’s why the Bosch PS11-102 receives our ‘Best Value’ recommendation.
Key Specs
| Cordless/Corded | Cordless |
| Chuck Type | Keyless |
| Chuck Size | 3/8″ |
| No Load RPM | 0-1,300 |
| Torque (in-lbs) | 115 |
| Motor Type | Brushed |
| Weight | 2.4lb |
| Battery | 12V Lithium-Ion |
| Battery Capacity | 2.0 Ah |
Includes
- 1x Bosch PS11 Right Angle Drill/Driver
- 1x 12V Max Lithium-Ion 2.0 Ah Battery
- 1x 12V Max Charger
- 1x Carrying Bag
Reasons to Buy
- Excellent value for money.
- The PS11-102 has a five-position pivoting head, allowing you to adjust the angle between 90 degrees and 180 degrees for maximum flexibility.
- Two LED lights make working in dark areas much easier.
- You can easily adjust the output speed depending on how hard you press the trigger.
- It features a motor brake for more precise screw driving.
- Always know how much battery life is left thanks to the tool’s battery fuel gauge.
- It’s lighter than most other right angle drills.
Reasons to Skip
- The lower torque output may limit the PS11-102 to lighter-duty tasks.
Bosch PS11-102
Our Thoughts
Our favorite feature?
The DCD740C1 comes with what DEWALT refers to as a ‘deep hex chuck’, which allows the bit to sit further back to reduce the drill’s size from front to back. All told, this helps you squeeze the tool into tighter areas that would otherwise be off-limits.
It comes packed with many of the features you’d expect to see on a premium power tool, too, for example, variable speed (in this case 0-650 and 0-2000 RPM dual speeds), LED lights, and enough torque to handle both wood and metal.
Our only complaint?
The DCD740C1 only comes with a 1.5 Ah battery, which while sufficient for the average DIYer, probably won’t meet the needs of a professional looking for longer runtimes and less downtime while charging. Thankfully, extra batteries are easy enough to pick up meaning this shouldn’t be a massive issue.
Key Specs
| Cordless/Corded | Cordless |
| Chuck Type | Keyless |
| Chuck Size | 3/8″ |
| No Load RPM | 0-650/2000 |
| Max Torque (Hard) | 33 Nm |
| Max Torque (Soft) | 11 Nm |
| Motor Type | Brushed |
| Weight | 3.9lb |
| Battery | 20V Lithium-Ion |
| Battery Capacity | 1.5 Ah |
Includes
- 1x DCD740 3/8″ Right Angle Drill/Driver
- 1x 20V Max 1.5 Ah compact li-ion battery
- 1x Charger
- 1x Kitbox
- 1x Belt hook
Reasons to Buy
- The dual speed ranges of 0-650 and 0-2000 RPM give you greater flexibility to tailor the output speed to whatever task you’re completing.
- A deep hex chuck recesses the bit further back in the drill’s head to reduce the front-to-back length which makes the drill easier to use in tighter spaces.
- It comes with a handy belt hook for easier carrying and storage.
- Take advantage of DEWALT’s industry-leading three-year warranty when purchasing the DCD740C1.
- The DCD740C1’s built-in LED light makes working in dark areas much easier.
- It can be used on both wood (up to 25mm) and steel (up to 10mm) thanks to its torquey motor.
Reasons to Skip
- At only 1.5 Ah, the battery’s capacity is relatively low which could lead to less usage and more charging time.
DEWALT DCD740C1
Our Thoughts
Ryobi is no different, with the P241 falling under their One+ system.
The One+ system, based off a range of 18V lithium-ion batteries, covers everything from drill drivers to lawnmowers and chainsaws.
The P241 is probably best suited to someone who already has a One+ system tool in their shed or workshop, mainly because this version comes without a battery.
Yes, you could buy a battery along with the bare tool (they’re easy enough to pick up), but you’ll get the most value for money if you buy the bare tool as Ryobi’s One+ batteries aren’t cheap to purchase on their own.
It’s a pity, really.
From its long-neck design that fits in tighter spaces, to its magnetic tray that makes losing screws and bits a thing of the past, there’s very little to fault with this right angle drill.
Throw in its handy keyless chuck, torque output, and variable speed, and you’re onto a winner, especially if you’ve already got a One+ battery and charger with which to pair the P241.
Key Specs
| Cordless/Corded | Cordless |
| Chuck Type | Keyless |
| Chuck Size | 3/8″ |
| No Load RPM | 0-1,100 |
| Torque (in-lbs) | 130 |
| Motor Type | Brushed |
| Weight | 2.9lb |
| Battery | 18V Lithium-Ion (not included) |
Includes
- 1x Ryobi P241 Right Angle Drill
- 1x Double Ended Bit
Reasons to Buy
- The P241’s long-neck design helps it fit into tighter and more awkward spaces.
- It features a handy magnetic tray to hold bits and fasteners to give you one less thing to worry about.
- Built-in LED lights make it easier to work in dark or confined spaces.
- The P241 is compatible with Ryobi’s One+ system, letting you use other compatible Ryobi 18V batteries in this particular drill.
- You can change the output direction from forward to reverse, or vice versa, one-handed and on the fly thanks to the conveniently located selector switch.
Reasons to Skip
- It doesn’t come with a battery or charger.
Ryobi P241 One+
Our Thoughts
For starters, it’s a corded right angle drill, meaning you don’t have to worry about batteries going flat midway through a job, or having to sit around while they charge.
It also features an 11-amp heavy-duty DEWALT-built motor to give you the power, performance and torque needs to tackle tough jobs, for example, drilling oversized holes via augers and hole saws in timber studs and joists.
There’s no getting away from the fact that it’s heavy, and while you’d expect this from a premium model like the DWD460K, we’d forgive you if you had concerns about its manoeuvrability.
Thankfully, the DWD460K comes with two handles; an adjustable front handle and a side handle that you can position either left or right for maximum control.
Our favorite feature?
The mechanical clutch that provides increased gear protection and longer life when using the DWD460K at low speed, a feature that will also protect your arms and wrists should the drill bit stick (something that is common at lower RPM’s).
Key Specs
| Cordless/Corded | Corded |
| Chuck Type | Keyed |
| Chuck Size | 1/2″ |
| No Load RPM | 0-330/0-1,300 |
| Motor Type | Brushed |
| Motor Power | 11 Amps |
| Weight | 11.75lb |
Includes
- 1x DEWALT DWD460K
- 1x Chuck Key w/ Holder
- 1x 2-Position Side Handle
- 1x Bail Handle
- 1x Kit Box
Reasons to Buy
- The DWD460K features a 11-amp heavy-duty DEWALT-built motor to give you the power, performance and torque needed to tackle even the toughest jobs.
- You don’t need to worry about batteries going flat or waiting for batteries to charge thanks to its corded design.
- It comes with an adjustable front handle and two-position side handle for maximum control.
- The dual speed ranges of 0-330 and 0-1300 RPM let you tailor the tool’s output speed to whatever task you’re completing.
- It comes with a mechanical clutch to provide increased gear protection and longer life when using the tool at low speed.
- The gear housing is metal for added durability.
- Take advantage of DEWALT’s industry-leading three-year warranty for added peace of mind when purchasing the DWD460K.
Reasons to Skip
- The DWD460K’s power comes at a price; it’s large, heavy, and corded, making it less maneuverable overall.
DEWALT DWD460K
Our Thoughts
The inclusion of a brushless motor is hardly surprising.
Drills aimed at DIYers probably don’t need the power and performance benefits that come from a brushless motor, and they certainly don’t need the increased cost.
When it comes to pleasing the discerning professional, however, a brushless motor is most definitely warranted.
In the case of the Milwaukee 2708-22, it provides not only increased efficiency for longer runtimes but also a longer overall lifespan, something that no doubt contributed to Milwaukee’s decision to pair this model with a frankly ridiculous five-year warranty.
Capable of handling augers up to 1-1/4″ and self-feed bits up to 2″, the 2708-22 also has a variable speed of between 0-1,200 RPM, giving the user the flexibility to choose the best speed for the job at hand.
Not only that, but it’s also got brains as well as brawn. For example, the drill’s innovative QUIK-LOK™ chuck makes quick, keyless, one-handed bit changes possible helping to boost the end user’s productivity.
So, if you’re after a professional-grade right angle drill from a brand you can trust, we wouldn’t be surprised if the Milwaukee 2708-22 M18 Hole Hawg was at the top of your list.
Key Specs
| Cordless/Corded | Cordless |
| Chuck Type | QUIK-LOK™ |
| Chuck Size | 7/16″ |
| No Load RPM | 0-1,200 |
| Motor Type | Brushless |
| Weight | 6.9lb |
| Battery | 18V Lithium-Ion |
| Battery Capacity | 5.0 Ah |
Includes
- 1x Milwaukee 2708-20 M18 FUEL™ HOLE HAWG® Right Angle Drill w/ QUIK-LOK™
- 2x Milwaukee M18 REDLITHIUM™ XC5.0 Extended Capacity Batteries
- 1x Charger
- 1x Tool Bag
Reasons to Buy
- Owing to the fact it can handle augers up to 1-1/4″ and self-feed bits up to 2″, the 2708-22 M18 Hole Hawg provides unbeatable power and performance in a relatively compact package.
- It features a brushless motor for longer life and maximum efficiency.
- The output speed can be varied between 0-1,200RPM to better suit whatever drilling or driving task that you’re completing.
- The innovative QUIK-LOK™ chuck makes quick, keyless, one-handed bit changes possible.
- The chuck is compatible with both 7/16″ hex flat or groove shank bits.
- The 2708-22’s REDLITHIUM™ XC5.0 batteries provide up to 250% greater run time and recharges versus standard lithium batteries, and they have a fuel gauge to show the remaining charge.
- It comes with a 5-year limited warranty for maximum peace of mind.
Reasons to Skip
- It’s expensive
Milwaukee 2708-22
Our Thoughts
It’s not all positive though, with the main drawback being the relatively low torque output (121 in-lbs) versus comparably-priced drills, making this model perhaps best-suited to DIYers or lighter-duty tasks.
Thankfully, the XAD02 offsets its torque deficit with an impressive speed range of 0-1,800 RPM, giving you a more extensive speed range to choose from to better adapt and fine-tune the drill’s output to whatever task you’re completing.
Aside from that, the XAD02 comes with everything you’d expect from a right angle drill, including LED illumination, a compact design, a keyless chuck, and a consumer-friendly warranty period of three years.
Key Specs
| Cordless/Corded | Cordless |
| Chuck Type | Keyless |
| Chuck Size | 3/8″ |
| No Load RPM | 0-1,800 |
| Torque (in-lbs) | 121 |
| Motor Type | Brushed |
| Weight | 4.0lb |
| Battery | 18V Lithium-Ion |
| Battery Capacity | 3.0 Ah |
Includes
- 1x Makita XAD02Z 18V LXT® 3/8″ Angle Drill
- 2x Makita 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion 3.0Ah Batteries
- 1x Charger
- 1x Tool Bag
Reasons to Buy
- The XAD02 is available both as a kit with batteries, a charger, and a tool bag, or as a bare tool if preferred.
- The drill’s speed can be varied between 0-1,800RPM for better flexibility while drilling or driving.
- The LED light built into the drill’s body helps to illuminate even the darkest work areas.
- The XAD02’s compact design is ideal for use in confined spaces.
- It has a relatively good torque output of 121 in-lbs making it a good choice for DIYers or anyone tackling lighter-duty tasks.
- The keyless chuck makes it quick and easy to change out drill and driver bits.
- It comes with a three year warranty.
Reasons to Skip
- The torque output is lower than other similarly priced right angle drills.
Makita XAD02
Our Thoughts
Don’t believe us? It’s true.
It comes with the industry’s first electronic clutch, providing twelve different torque settings to ensure maximum drilling and driving control.
Simply select the correct torque setting, and the drill’s clutch will slip at a preset torque (up to a maximum 100 in-lbs) to prevent the screw from being driven too deep and to prevent damage to the screw or tool.
There’s eleven different driving settings plus a handy drill mode for complete control no matter what task you’re completing.
Adjusting the drill’s speed is pretty easy too, and unlike other drill’s where you need to adjust a knob, you can speed up or slow down this particular Milwaukee right angle drill on the fly by changing how hard you press the trigger.
Aside from that, perhaps the biggest standout feature of the 2415-21 is the fact that it comes with Milwaukee’s awesome five-year warranty, giving you peace of mind that it’s a tool that you’ll be using long into the future.
Key Specs
| Cordless/Corded | Cordless |
| Chuck Type | Keyless |
| Chuck Size | 3/8″ |
| No Load RPM | 0-800 |
| Torque (in-lbs) | 100 |
| Motor Type | Brushed |
| Weight | 1lb |
| Battery | 12V Lithium-Ion |
| Battery Capacity | 1.5 Ah |
Includes
- 1x Milwaukee 2415-20 M12™ Cordless 3/8″ Right Angle Drill/Driver
- 1x Milwaukee M12™ REDLITHIUM™ CP1.5 Battery Pack
- 1x Charger
Reasons to Buy
- It comes with the industry’s first electronic clutch, providing 12 different torque settings for maximum drilling and driving control.
- You can easily adjust the output speed depending on how hard you press the trigger.
- The tool’s compact design is ideal for use in confined spaces (the head measures just 3-3/4″ front to back).
- Built-in LED lights make working in dark areas much easier.
- The 3/8″ keyless ratcheting chuck allows for quick and easy bit changes.
- It comes with a 30-minute charger to minimize downtime.
Reasons to Skip
- At only 1.5 Ah, the battery’s capacity is relatively low which could lead to less runtime between charges.
Milwaukee 2415-21
- What is a right angle drill?
For example:
Turning the bit at a right angle reduces the size of the drill from front-to-back, making right-angle drills a much better option if you’re working in tight spaces or confined areas. Because of this, they’re frequently used by people in the plumbing industry, electricians, and also carpenters for tasks like installing joists.
Functionally, right-angle drills do the same job as a regular drill, and they share many of the same ‘nice to haves’ like brushless motor options, keyless chucks, LED lights, and motor brakes to name a few.
- What are right angle drills used for?
When it comes to specific tasks, it’s worth remembering that the only significant difference between a right-angle drill and a traditional drill is the orientation of the bit. Because of this, they’re both well-suited to the following kinds of task:
- Drilling holes – typically into wood, drywall, and non-ferrous metals such as aluminum (also to a shallower depth in masonry like concrete and ferrous metals if powerful enough).
- Inserting and removing smaller fasteners, for example, screws.
- Rotating polishing bits.
- Rotating sanding bits.
- What’s the best right angle drill?
- What is the difference between a brushed and a brushless right angle drill?
Brushed motors typically require more maintenance because the brushes are prone to wearing out, but this isn’t an issue if you opt for a model that features a brushless motor.
- What does no load speed mean?
- Our other drill driver articles
- Our other tool buyer’s guides
