What is the best right angle drill in 2020? [ANSWERED]

Right-angle drills are very useful tools for pros and serious DIYers alike. Electricians, plumbers, remodelers, and even car mechanics swear by 90-degree drills.

Right angle drills are faster to work with than using a 90-degree attachment. Daily work in tight spaces, between joists and studs, or squeezed in close quarters is much faster, especially when using self-feed bits. Handymen can serve more customers in less time.

Right angle adaptors are awkward and unsafe to use, especially if you need to drill a lot of holes. Also, they only accept Hex bits but no regular drill bits. Angle drills have better control and lots of power.

Here are our best right angle drill choices:


Milwaukee 2811-20
Super Hawg number one option

DeWalt DCD460T2

Milwaukee 3107-6

DeWalt DCD740C1

Milwaukee 2415-20 M12
Cordless 90 degree angle drill
M18 Fuel (18V)

Dual speed control
Dual speed

brushless motor
Brushless
Cordless angle drill
Flexvolt (60V)

Dual speed control
Dual speed

brushless motor
Brushless
Best corded right angle drill
Corded

Dual speed control
Dual speed


Brushed
Cordless angle drill
20V Max (20V)

Dual speed control
Dual speed


Brushed
Cordless angle drill
M12 Fuel (12V)


Single speed


Brushed
Best right angle drill
number one option
Check prices now
Best DeWalt right angle drill
runner up
Check prices now
Best corded angle drill
lightning bolt
Check prices now
Best 90-degree drill for DIYers
hammer
Check prices now
Best for mechanics & detailers
car
Check prices now

What Is A Right Angle Drill?

Right angle drills is a power drill with a head that is set at 90 degrees to your grip. Some angle grills have movable heads, so you can set them at different angles if you need.

The right angle drill head is usually very short, allowing tradesmen and DIYers to work in tight spaces. That usually happens between joists and studs, but it can also be in a car engine bay as well.

Why Do You Use A Right Angle Drill?

Tight Spaces

Electricians use right angle drills very often in order to comply with electrical code requirements. They can drill hundreds of holes in joists and studs during a single day. These holes are usually in the 5/8” to 1” range. This is why so many of them can be skeptical to find a cordless 90 degree drill that works the entire day.

But they do exist, such as the DeWalt Flexvolt 60V or the Milwaukee M18 Super Hawg. Both are easy to control with high torque at low speeds. Both have reverse modes. Both last the entire day. It is a matter of using a battery system you already have, Milwaukee’s M18 or DeWalt’s Flexvolt 60V, which is compatible with their 20V system.

Small Projects

Sometimes driving screws inside cabinets is very tight and a normal drill and drill bit will not fit. This is when right angle drills shine.

Convenience

Plumbers also need angle drills. They need to drill larger holes in studs and joists to install waste pipes and drains. Good 90 degree drill allow a plumber to make holes as big as 4” or 6” to install a toilet (WC) solid waste pipe.

Such large holes also require a heavy duty motor with high torque at low speeds, such as the DeWalt brushless 60V angle drill.

The recessed chuck in a Cordless Super Hawg by Milwaukee maximizes clearance for the drill and the bit. They fit completely into the 14-1/2” space between joists.

What Are The Advantages Of Using A Right Angle Drill?

Better Torque

Angle drills deliver higher torque amounts. They also do it directly to the drill bit.

Angle attachments cannot handle too much torque and break.

Ergonomic

Working in tight spaces usually leads to uncomfortable positions. At the same time, drilling bigger holes requires higher torque. The risk here is to get injured if you don’t have the right tool for the job.

Extending Battery Range

Recent advances in battery technology have greatly improved battery life. Brushless technology also reduces battery consumption, resulting in longer working hours from each charge.

Versatility

You can use cordless 90 degree angle drills to buff your car, clean its upholstery, and even drill into broken bolts in tight places. Apart from, obviously, drilling holes big holes on studs and joists to pass electric and plumbing.

Should I Buy A Corded Or A Cordless Angle Drill?

It depends on how much oomph you need and how much you want to spend.

  • Smaller cordless angle drills can be great for a homeowner who needs to drill a few holes and be done with it, or clean and wax their car handling a lighter tool.
  • If you are tackling an extension by yourself, you could still get away with a corded angle drill and save some money. You should only go cordless if you want the freedom and practicality.
  • Good cordless right angle drills are more expensive and mostly justify their price if you are a pro, drilling hundreds of holes on a daily basis.

Angle Drill vs. Angle Drill Attachment

Right angle drill attachments have several disadvantages:

  • Controlling the head requires one hand, while the other supports the drill. How can you steady the screw and maintain good contact between the screw head and the drill bit?
  • Can't be used with a drill in hammer or impact mode.
  • The bits wobble off center, so precision will suffer.

Unless you have three hands and need to drill only one or two holes, you will waste money buying an angle drill attachment. For just a few dollars more you can have an actual right angle drill, that you can use in many other ways around your home.

Is A Right-Angle Drill Worth Its Cost?

Most definitely!

  • It is very versatile for homeowners doing renovations, mounting cabinets, and working on or cleaning their cars.
  • It allows handymen, contractors, electricians, and plumbers to follow code and build America, one hole at a time.

Right Angle Drill Reviews

Most Powerful Cordless Right Angle Drill: Milwaukee 2811-20 M18 Fuel Super Hawg with Quik-Lokbare, Brushless

Veteran plumbing contractors and electricians may doubt this 2nd generation cordless Super Hawg. Fear not! It drills holes as big as 5" without any issues. This Milwaukee right angle drill is as strong as the corded Hole Hawg drills.

The cordless Super Hawg is the new workhorse for electricians, plumbers, decking contractors, and handymen all across America. Serious drilling and boring tasks such as drilling studs go super fast with this unit, especially with a self-feeding auger bit set. Two speeds, reverse mode, no cord.

It is compatible with any M18 batteries you already have, so you will no longer need to find an electrical outlet and pull extension cords. You can also save money and buy a bare tool. If you have a bigger 12Ah battery you can drill tons of holes the entire day on a single charge.

The Quik-Lokbare system allows keyless drill bit changes - the bits just click in. Forget about messing with keyed chucks too.

number one option This Milwaukee is our choice!

You'll never go back to your corded saws after you buy this Cordless Super Hawg. It is the best choice for drilling lots of holes between studs for electric, cabling or plumbing. If your next project includes any remodeling, basement finishing or extensions, this drill is the last right angle drill you'll ever buy. Click here to see the product page for more details.

Best DeWalt Right Angle Drill: DeWalt DCD460T2 Flexvolt 60V, Brushless

The only reason this unit does not win best right angle drill overall is because it requires DeWalt’s new 60V batteries, while Milwaukee’s cordless Super Hawg can use their M18 system. This DeWalt has a powerful brushless motor that works with 6” hole saws without any issues. And it has a reverse mode for using a nail eater bit. It doesn’t slow down under load. DeWalt’s Flexvolt line delivers corded power with cordless freedom. What I like about its 60V batteries is that they can be used in 20V tools because they switch voltage automatically. If you own other DeWalt tools, this kit could make more sense for you - two batteries, a charger, the tool and a canvas bag. This kit comes with two 60V batteries which are more than enough for an entire day working, plus it is cheaper than buying all parts separately. It’s a future-proof investment, especially if you were already considering to upgrade cordless tools anyways. You can also order a 1-battery kit or a bare tool. Click here to see the product page for more details.

Best Corded Angle Drill: Milwaukee 3107-6

This Milwaukee is built like a tank. The side handle is long, very useable, and as well-built as the machine itself. If you are drilling a large number of holes and you can’t wait for battery recharge time, this is the way to go. The 5-year warranty on this tool ensures long-lasting operation. This tool is basically a D-handle drill with a triple-gear reduction and a Right Angle Drive (RAD) unit. The RAD is versatile and swivels 360 degrees, so you can easily find the drilling angle you need. You can set it at 0-335 RPM in low gear or 0-750 RPM in high. The D-handle drill without the RAD ranges 0-500 RPM. Changing chuck speed is a 2-minute operation, so many users always leave it on high without reporting issues. It is a traditional tool with solid performance throughout the years. The Quik-Lok cord allows easy cord replacement if it ever gets damaged. It may not have all the bells and whistles of other models but it will never stop working in the middle of a job. Click here to see the product page for more details.

Best Right Angle Drill For Homeowners: DeWalt DCD740C1

This is the best DeWalt right angle drill and it is the perfect choice for homeowners. If you’re refurbishing your home (electrical, plumbing, AC lines, kitchen remodeling), the DeWalt is the perfect reward for your hard work. The two-speed settings allow for better torque control and lower RPMs, or higher RPMs and less control. The complete tool kit comes with a 1.5 Ah battery, a charger and a soft canvas bag for storing all items. Some users complained about the soft bag nut it is cheaper than the hard case. The included battery is somewhat small for drilling many holes, however this battery is lightweight and you can use other DeWalt 20v batteries. It’s a drill/driver, although it doesn’t have the impact feature. Even though it’s a brushed motor, it offers plenty of torque and speed in hard-to-reach spots. This is a great tool for many things: wiring installations in your attic, installing hardware inside kitchen cabinets, drilling pocket holes in tight spaces. Click here to see the product page for more details.

Best Compact Right Angle Drill For Car Mechanics and Detailers: Milwaukee 2415-20 M12

This Milwaukee has a very slim profile, so it is great for working in hard-to-reach spaces in a vehicle. The Ryobi 18V is similarly priced but it is way bulkier and heavier to use for extended periods. Milwaukee’s adjustable angle head is great for reaching into tight places where a screw driver or a drill are too bulky to reach. It has excellent torque, considering it is a 12V tool. The M12 battery system is lighter, reducing operator fatigue when using the tool. There is an LED fuel scale to allow you to monitor battery levels. It has a metal keyless chuck for quick bit changes. Are you a detailer? You can use it with a brush attachment and clean upholstery or buffing with compound. Are you a car mechanic? You can drill into broken bolts where there isn’t room for traditional drills. This is a bare tool, so make sure you buy M12 batteries as well. Click here to see the product page for more details.


Milwaukee 2811-20
Super Hawg

DeWalt DCD460T2

Milwaukee 3107-6

DeWalt DCD740C1

Milwaukee 2415-20 M12
No Load RPM High 0-1550
Low 0-500
High 0-1250
Low 0-300
High 0-750
Low 0-335
High 0-2000
Low 0-650
0-800
Capacities (steel) Twist bit: 1/2" not available Twist bit: 1/2"
Hole saw: 5"
not available not available
Capacities (wood) Auger: 1-1/2"
Ship Auger: 1-1/2"
Self-feed: 4-5/8"
Hole saw: 6"
Flat boring: 1-1/2"
Ship Auger: 1-1/2"
Self-feed: 4-5/8"
Hole saw: 6-1/4"
Flat boring: 1-1/2"
Auger: 1-1/2"
Ship Auger: 1-1/2"
Self-feed: 4-5/8"
Hole saw: 6"
not available Twist bit: 3/8"
Spade bit: 1"
Capacities (masonry) not available not available Carbide-tipped bit: 1/2" not available not available
Best right angle drill
number one option
Check prices now
Best DeWalt right angle drill
runner up
Check prices now
Best corded angle drill
lightning bolt
Check prices now
Best 90-degree drill for DIYers
hammer
Check prices now
Best for mechanics & detailers
car
Check prices now

Right-angle drills are very useful tools for pros and serious DIYers alike. Electricians, plumbers, remodelers, and even car mechanics swear by 90-degree drills.

Right angle drills are faster to work with than using a 90-degree attachment. Daily work in tight spaces, between joists and studs, or squeezed in close quarters is much faster, especially when using self-feed bits. Handymen can serve more customers in less time.

Right angle adaptors are awkward and unsafe to use, especially if you need to drill a lot of holes. Also, they only accept Hex bits but no regular drill bits. Angle drills have better control and lots of power.

Here are our best right angle drill choices:


Milwaukee 2811-20
Super Hawg number one option

DeWalt DCD460T2

Milwaukee 3107-6

DeWalt DCD740C1

Milwaukee 2415-20 M12
Cordless 90 degree angle drill
M18 Fuel (18V)

Dual speed control
Dual speed

brushless motor
Brushless
Cordless angle drill
Flexvolt (60V)

Dual speed control
Dual speed

brushless motor
Brushless
Best corded right angle drill
Corded

Dual speed control
Dual speed


Brushed
Cordless angle drill
20V Max (20V)

Dual speed control
Dual speed


Brushed
Cordless angle drill
M12 Fuel (12V)


Single speed


Brushed
Best right angle drill
number one option
Check prices now
Best DeWalt right angle drill
runner up
Check prices now
Best corded angle drill
lightning bolt
Check prices now
Best 90-degree drill for DIYers
hammer
Check prices now
Best for mechanics & detailers
car
Check prices now

What Is A Right Angle Drill?

Right angle drills is a power drill with a head that is set at 90 degrees to your grip. Some angle grills have movable heads, so you can set them at different angles if you need.

The right angle drill head is usually very short, allowing tradesmen and DIYers to work in tight spaces. That usually happens between joists and studs, but it can also be in a car engine bay as well.

Why Do You Use A Right Angle Drill?

Tight Spaces

Electricians use right angle drills very often in order to comply with electrical code requirements. They can drill hundreds of holes in joists and studs during a single day. These holes are usually in the 5/8” to 1” range. This is why so many of them can be skeptical to find a cordless 90 degree drill that works the entire day.

But they do exist, such as the DeWalt Flexvolt 60V or the Milwaukee M18 Super Hawg. Both are easy to control with high torque at low speeds. Both have reverse modes. Both last the entire day. It is a matter of using a battery system you already have, Milwaukee’s M18 or DeWalt’s Flexvolt 60V, which is compatible with their 20V system.

Small Projects

Sometimes driving screws inside cabinets is very tight and a normal drill and drill bit will not fit. This is when right angle drills shine.

Convenience

Plumbers also need angle drills. They need to drill larger holes in studs and joists to install waste pipes and drains. Good 90 degree drill allow a plumber to make holes as big as 4” or 6” to install a toilet (WC) solid waste pipe.

Such large holes also require a heavy duty motor with high torque at low speeds, such as the DeWalt brushless 60V angle drill.

The recessed chuck in a Cordless Super Hawg by Milwaukee maximizes clearance for the drill and the bit. They fit completely into the 14-1/2” space between joists.

What Are The Advantages Of Using A Right Angle Drill?

Better Torque

Angle drills deliver higher torque amounts. They also do it directly to the drill bit.

Angle attachments cannot handle too much torque and break.

Ergonomic

Working in tight spaces usually leads to uncomfortable positions. At the same time, drilling bigger holes requires higher torque. The risk here is to get injured if you don’t have the right tool for the job.

Extending Battery Range

Recent advances in battery technology have greatly improved battery life. Brushless technology also reduces battery consumption, resulting in longer working hours from each charge.

Versatility

You can use cordless 90 degree angle drills to buff your car, clean its upholstery, and even drill into broken bolts in tight places. Apart from, obviously, drilling holes big holes on studs and joists to pass electric and plumbing.

Should I Buy A Corded Or A Cordless Angle Drill?

It depends on how much oomph you need and how much you want to spend.

  • Smaller cordless angle drills can be great for a homeowner who needs to drill a few holes and be done with it, or clean and wax their car handling a lighter tool.
  • If you are tackling an extension by yourself, you could still get away with a corded angle drill and save some money. You should only go cordless if you want the freedom and practicality.
  • Good cordless right angle drills are more expensive and mostly justify their price if you are a pro, drilling hundreds of holes on a daily basis.

Angle Drill vs. Angle Drill Attachment

Right angle drill attachments have several disadvantages:

  • Controlling the head requires one hand, while the other supports the drill. How can you steady the screw and maintain good contact between the screw head and the drill bit?
  • Can't be used with a drill in hammer or impact mode.
  • The bits wobble off center, so precision will suffer.

Unless you have three hands and need to drill only one or two holes, you will waste money buying an angle drill attachment. For just a few dollars more you can have an actual right angle drill, that you can use in many other ways around your home.

Is A Right-Angle Drill Worth Its Cost?

Most definitely!

  • It is very versatile for homeowners doing renovations, mounting cabinets, and working on or cleaning their cars.
  • It allows handymen, contractors, electricians, and plumbers to follow code and build America, one hole at a time.

Right Angle Drill Reviews

Most Powerful Cordless Right Angle Drill: Milwaukee 2811-20 M18 Fuel Super Hawg with Quik-Lokbare, Brushless

Veteran plumbing contractors and electricians may doubt this 2nd generation cordless Super Hawg. Fear not! It drills holes as big as 5" without any issues. This Milwaukee right angle drill is as strong as the corded Hole Hawg drills.

The cordless Super Hawg is the new workhorse for electricians, plumbers, decking contractors, and handymen all across America. Serious drilling and boring tasks such as drilling studs go super fast with this unit, especially with a self-feeding auger bit set. Two speeds, reverse mode, no cord.

It is compatible with any M18 batteries you already have, so you will no longer need to find an electrical outlet and pull extension cords. You can also save money and buy a bare tool. If you have a bigger 12Ah battery you can drill tons of holes the entire day on a single charge.

The Quik-Lokbare system allows keyless drill bit changes - the bits just click in. Forget about messing with keyed chucks too.

number one option This Milwaukee is our choice!

You'll never go back to your corded saws after you buy this Cordless Super Hawg. It is the best choice for drilling lots of holes between studs for electric, cabling or plumbing. If your next project includes any remodeling, basement finishing or extensions, this drill is the last right angle drill you'll ever buy. Click here to see the product page for more details.

Best DeWalt Right Angle Drill: DeWalt DCD460T2 Flexvolt 60V, Brushless

The only reason this unit does not win best right angle drill overall is because it requires DeWalt’s new 60V batteries, while Milwaukee’s cordless Super Hawg can use their M18 system. This DeWalt has a powerful brushless motor that works with 6” hole saws without any issues. And it has a reverse mode for using a nail eater bit. It doesn’t slow down under load. DeWalt’s Flexvolt line delivers corded power with cordless freedom. What I like about its 60V batteries is that they can be used in 20V tools because they switch voltage automatically. If you own other DeWalt tools, this kit could make more sense for you - two batteries, a charger, the tool and a canvas bag. This kit comes with two 60V batteries which are more than enough for an entire day working, plus it is cheaper than buying all parts separately. It’s a future-proof investment, especially if you were already considering to upgrade cordless tools anyways. You can also order a 1-battery kit or a bare tool. Click here to see the product page for more details.

Best Corded Angle Drill: Milwaukee 3107-6

This Milwaukee is built like a tank. The side handle is long, very useable, and as well-built as the machine itself. If you are drilling a large number of holes and you can’t wait for battery recharge time, this is the way to go. The 5-year warranty on this tool ensures long-lasting operation. This tool is basically a D-handle drill with a triple-gear reduction and a Right Angle Drive (RAD) unit. The RAD is versatile and swivels 360 degrees, so you can easily find the drilling angle you need. You can set it at 0-335 RPM in low gear or 0-750 RPM in high. The D-handle drill without the RAD ranges 0-500 RPM. Changing chuck speed is a 2-minute operation, so many users always leave it on high without reporting issues. It is a traditional tool with solid performance throughout the years. The Quik-Lok cord allows easy cord replacement if it ever gets damaged. It may not have all the bells and whistles of other models but it will never stop working in the middle of a job. Click here to see the product page for more details.

Best Right Angle Drill For Homeowners: DeWalt DCD740C1

This is the best DeWalt right angle drill and it is the perfect choice for homeowners. If you’re refurbishing your home (electrical, plumbing, AC lines, kitchen remodeling), the DeWalt is the perfect reward for your hard work. The two-speed settings allow for better torque control and lower RPMs, or higher RPMs and less control. The complete tool kit comes with a 1.5 Ah battery, a charger and a soft canvas bag for storing all items. Some users complained about the soft bag nut it is cheaper than the hard case. The included battery is somewhat small for drilling many holes, however this battery is lightweight and you can use other DeWalt 20v batteries. It’s a drill/driver, although it doesn’t have the impact feature. Even though it’s a brushed motor, it offers plenty of torque and speed in hard-to-reach spots. This is a great tool for many things: wiring installations in your attic, installing hardware inside kitchen cabinets, drilling pocket holes in tight spaces. Click here to see the product page for more details.

Best Compact Right Angle Drill For Car Mechanics and Detailers: Milwaukee 2415-20 M12

This Milwaukee has a very slim profile, so it is great for working in hard-to-reach spaces in a vehicle. The Ryobi 18V is similarly priced but it is way bulkier and heavier to use for extended periods. Milwaukee’s adjustable angle head is great for reaching into tight places where a screw driver or a drill are too bulky to reach. It has excellent torque, considering it is a 12V tool. The M12 battery system is lighter, reducing operator fatigue when using the tool. There is an LED fuel scale to allow you to monitor battery levels. It has a metal keyless chuck for quick bit changes. Are you a detailer? You can use it with a brush attachment and clean upholstery or buffing with compound. Are you a car mechanic? You can drill into broken bolts where there isn’t room for traditional drills. This is a bare tool, so make sure you buy M12 batteries as well. Click here to see the product page for more details.


Milwaukee 2811-20
Super Hawg

DeWalt DCD460T2

Milwaukee 3107-6

DeWalt DCD740C1

Milwaukee 2415-20 M12
No Load RPM High 0-1550
Low 0-500
High 0-1250
Low 0-300
High 0-750
Low 0-335
High 0-2000
Low 0-650
0-800
Capacities (steel) Twist bit: 1/2" not available Twist bit: 1/2"
Hole saw: 5"
not available not available
Capacities (wood) Auger: 1-1/2"
Ship Auger: 1-1/2"
Self-feed: 4-5/8"
Hole saw: 6"
Flat boring: 1-1/2"
Ship Auger: 1-1/2"
Self-feed: 4-5/8"
Hole saw: 6-1/4"
Flat boring: 1-1/2"
Auger: 1-1/2"
Ship Auger: 1-1/2"
Self-feed: 4-5/8"
Hole saw: 6"
not available Twist bit: 3/8"
Spade bit: 1"
Capacities (masonry) not available not available Carbide-tipped bit: 1/2" not available not available
Best right angle drill
number one option
Check prices now
Best DeWalt right angle drill
runner up
Check prices now
Best corded angle drill
lightning bolt
Check prices now
Best 90-degree drill for DIYers
hammer
Check prices now
Best for mechanics & detailers
car
Check prices now