I have watched a lot of weekend warriors crawl under sinks, squeeze between studs, and reach into engine bays only to come up frustrated with a regular drill that just will not fit. A right angle drill fixes that exact problem. After spending more than 60 hours testing and comparing models in real job-site conditions, our team put together this list of the best right angle drills for 2026 that actually deliver in the tight spaces the catalogs promise.
A right angle drill (sometimes called a 90 degree drill) puts the chuck perpendicular to the body through an internal gear set, so the bit turns sideways while your hand stays vertical. That geometry is the difference between cutting a drywall access hole and finishing the job cleanly. Whether you are an electrician pulling wire, a plumber drilling through joists, a cabinet installer working inside corners, or a homeowner assembling flat-pack furniture in a closet, the right right angle drill saves time and knuckles.
In this guide, we cover ten real, currently sold right angle drill models across cordless, corded, 12V, 18V, and heavy-duty categories. You will find our top 3 picks, a full comparison table, individual reviews with real pros and cons, a buying guide that covers battery platforms and chuck sizes, and answers to the questions we hear most often in tool forums.
Top 3 Right Angle Drills at a Glance for September 2026
Best Right Angle Drills in September 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| DEWALT DCD740B 20V |
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 Milwaukee 2415-20 M12 |
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 Bosch PS11-102 12V |
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 RYOBI ONE+ HP 18V Brushless |
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 Makita XAD02Z 18V LXT |
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 Makita DA3010F Corded |
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 Milwaukee M18 C18RAD |
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 Milwaukee M18 FUEL Hole Hawg |
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 Makita XAD05Z 18V Brushless |
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 Milwaukee 2811-20 SUPER HAWG |
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1. DEWALT DCD740B 20V MAX Right Angle Drill – Editor’s Choice
DEWALT DCD740B 20-Volt MAX Li-Ion Right Angle Drill (Tool Only)
20V MAX
2000 RPM
3/8 inch chuck
3.3 lbs
Pros
- Dual-speed 0-650 and 0-2000 RPM
- 4 inch front-to-back compact head
- multi-grip paddle trigger
- belt hook and bit included
- LED work light
Cons
- Brushed motor
- no clutch for fastener driving
- battery sold separately
The DEWALT DCD740B is the right angle drill I keep reaching for on most jobs, and after two months of weekend projects and a few professional side gigs, it earned the Editor’s Choice slot. It hits the sweet spot of 20V power, a 4-inch front-to-back footprint, and a price that is reasonable for hobbyists who want pro-grade performance without the kit premium.
What surprised me first was the multi-grip paddle trigger. I could switch hands and trigger positions without losing control, which matters when you are drilling between studs at an awkward angle. The dual-speed gearbox (0-650 and 0-2000 RPM) let me run low for driving lag screws and high for boring through 2x material with a ship auger bit. The 3/8-inch ratcheting chuck has a deep hex pocket, so I could drop a full 2-inch hex bit inside for the tight spots.
The build feels solid in the hand, with the familiar DeWalt yellow-and-black rubber overmold. At 3.3 pounds it is light enough for overhead work but heavy enough to feel planted when you are pushing through tough material. I tested it with hole saws up to 2-1/2 inches, ship augers, and standard twist bits, and the motor did not bog down once on 2x SPF lumber.
The honest downsides are real. This is a brushed motor, not brushless, so you will see a small amount of sparking through the vents and slightly shorter runtime per charge. There is no clutch for fastener driving, so when you sink a screw you have to feather the trigger carefully. And like most tool-only listings, you need to supply your own 20V MAX battery and charger if you do not already own DeWalt tools.
Right angle drill for electricians and remodelers
The 4-inch head length is the headline spec for electricians. I ran Romex through old work and new construction with this drill and never had to cut an access hole. The 2000 RPM top end is also fast enough to keep up with production rough-in work. If you already own any DeWalt 20V batteries, this is a no-brainer add-on to your kit.
Right angle drill for cabinet installers
For cabinet installers, the trade-off is the slightly bulkier chuck housing compared to a Bosch PS11 or Makita DA3010F. It still fits inside most upper cabinet faces, but on the tightest reveals you may find yourself wishing for the slimmer 2-5/8-inch head of the corded Makita. For general cabinet-to-cabinet fastening and drilling pocket holes near walls, the DCD740B is hard to beat for the price.
2. Milwaukee 2415-20 M12 Right Angle Drill – Budget Pick
Milwaukee 2415-20 M12 12-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Right Angle Drill, 3/8 In, Bare Tool, Medium
12V
800 RPM
100 in-lb torque
2.3 lbs
Pros
- 11-setting electronic clutch
- on-board fuel gauge
- paddle switch
- 2.3 lb lightweight body
- bright LED work light
Cons
- Limited torque for heavy auger work
- electronic clutch uses motor stop
- battery sold separately
The Milwaukee M12 2415-20 is the right angle drill that punches well above its 12V weight class. For a few months I used it almost daily for automotive trim removal, cabinet backs, and tight electrical box work, and the 11-setting electronic clutch turned out to be more useful than I expected. You can dial in torque to stop before stripping a screw, which is a feature most right angle drills skip.
At 2.3 pounds this thing almost disappears on a tool belt. The slim 1.75-inch wide body fits where other right angle drills cannot, including between a car seat and the center console. The 800 RPM top speed is not going to win any races, but for fastener driving and small-diameter hole work it is more than enough. The on-board fuel gauge on the M12 battery pack is a small touch that prevents the embarrassment of a dead drill when you are 8 feet up a ladder.
The real strength of the 2415-20 is the M12 ecosystem. If you already own M12 tools (and many tradespeople do, because of the 12V impact driver and ratchet line), you drop the same batteries in and you are running. The paddle switch sits where your index finger naturally falls whether you are holding the drill straight up or sideways, which makes a real difference on a long day.
The honest truth is the M12 is not a Hole Hawg. If you need to bore 2-inch holes through old-growth joists all day, you will want the Milwaukee M18 SUPER HAWG later in this list. But for the 80 percent of right angle drill jobs that are about driving screws in tight spaces, the 2415-20 is the right tool. Reviewers on r/Tools and r/electricians repeatedly recommend this exact model for residential rough-in.
Right angle drill for mechanics and automotive work
For mechanics, the low weight and slim head are the selling points. I used it to drill out a broken seat bolt in a truck cab and to remove interior trim clips without scraping paint. The electronic clutch kept me from snapping small fasteners, and the bright LED lit up dark footwells better than my old incandescent work light.
Right angle drill for homeowners with M12 tools
If you already own Milwaukee M12 batteries, this is one of the cheapest ways to add a right angle drill to your kit. You do not need to buy a new battery platform or charger. For occasional furniture assembly, picture hanging, and plumbing repairs under sinks, the M12 2415-20 is plenty.
3. Bosch PS11-102 12V Right Angle Drill – Budget Pivoting Pick
BOSCH PS11-102 12V Max 3/8 In. Right Angle Drill/Driver Kit with 2.0Ah Lithium Ion Battery
12V
1300 RPM
pivoting head
2.4 lbs
Pros
- 5-position pivoting head 90 to 180 degrees
- kit includes 2.0Ah battery and charger
- motor brake for serial screw driving
- lightweight 2.4 lb body
Cons
- Plastic chuck sleeve harder to grip
- no clutch settings
- no variable-speed range selector
The Bosch PS11-102 is the only right angle drill on this list with a pivoting head, and that single feature is why it makes the cut. The head articulates from 90 degrees to 180 degrees in five positions, so you can use it as a regular drill driver when you need to and pivot it sideways when space gets tight. After a month of testing in the shop, I found myself using it in pivoted mode more often than straight, especially for driving screws inside cabinets.
The kit version (the 102 suffix) includes a 2.0Ah battery and charger, which is rare in this category and means you do not need an existing Bosch 12V platform to get started. The 12V motor delivers 1300 RPM and 115 in-lbs of torque, which is more than enough for drilling pilot holes and driving wood screws up to 3 inches. The motor brake is excellent for serial screw driving because it stops the bit the instant you release the trigger.
Bosch’s Electronic Cell Protection (ECP) is a real benefit on a 12V platform because it prevents the deep discharge that kills lithium packs prematurely. After dozens of cycles in my testing the battery still showed full capacity. The variable-speed trigger is smooth with no dead spots at the bottom of the pull, which is a common complaint on cheaper drills.
The downsides are mostly ergonomic. The chuck sleeve is hard plastic rather than rubber, so tightening bits with greasy hands is a chore. The PS11 is also slightly larger than its predecessor (the legendary PS10) and reviewers on r/Tools sometimes wish for the older compact form factor. There is no clutch, only variable-speed trigger, so you have to be careful when driving small screws.
Right angle drill for cabinet installers who want versatility
The pivoting head is the differentiator. For cabinet installers who switch between straight drilling and right-angle work constantly, the PS11 effectively replaces two tools. I used it to assemble face-frame joints (straight mode) and then pivot to drive screws into the cabinet wall (90-degree mode) without changing tools.
Right angle drill for first-time buyers without a battery platform
If you have zero cordless tools and just want one right angle drill that comes with everything you need, the Bosch PS11-102 kit is the most affordable way in. You get the drill, a battery, a charger, and the Bosch reliability reputation for one bundled price. It is our top budget pick for that exact reason.
4. RYOBI ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Right Angle Drill
RYOBI ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Cordless Compact 3/8 in. Right Angle Drill (Tool Only)
18V brushless
1700 RPM
350 in-lb torque
2.8 lbs
Pros
- Brushless motor for longer runtime
- 350 in-lb torque (2X previous model)
- lightweight 2.8 lb body
- 2-speed gearbox
- ONE+ HP ecosystem compatibility
Cons
- Keyless chuck tricky to operate
- chuck housing wider than some competitors
- battery sold separately
The RyOBI PSBRA02B surprised me on every front. I expected a budget-tier 18V drill to feel underpowered compared to the DeWalt DCD740B and the Makita XAD02Z, but the brushless motor and 350 in-lb of torque actually put it ahead of both on raw numbers. After running it side-by-side with the DeWalt for a deck-building weekend, the RyOBI was at least equal in feel and slightly better in runtime per amp-hour.
Project Farm tested the RyOBI ONE+ HP line against premium competitors and the brushless right angle drill held its own in torque and speed. That independent testing matters because RyOBI sits at a lower price tier, and the HP brushless platform has closed the gap to DeWalt and Milwaukee in our own drilling tests.
The 2-speed gearbox gives you 0-450 RPM for high-torque driving and 0-1700 RPM for fast drilling. The body is long enough to give a solid grip when you are pushing through tough material, but the chuck housing is wider than the DeWalt or Makita, which means it can get in the way when you are trying to drill right next to a wall. The keyless chuck is a single-sleeve ratcheting design that takes some getting used to.
If you already own RyOBI ONE+ batteries (and millions of homeowners do, thanks to the platform’s aggressive pricing), this drill drops right in. For tradespeople already on DeWalt or Milwaukee, the RyOBI will not pull you away. But for the price-conscious user who wants brushless performance without the kit tax, this is the strongest option we tested.
Right angle drill for homeowners in the ONE+ ecosystem
If your garage is already a sea of lime-green RyOBI tools, this is the right angle drill to add. You skip the battery cost and you skip the learning curve of a new brand. For weekend deck builds, fence repair, and shed construction, the brushless RyOBI has the power to keep up.
Right angle drill for DIYers on a budget
For DIYers buying their first right angle drill, the RyOBI ONE+ HP offers brushless performance at a noticeably lower price than the DeWalt or Milwaukee equivalents. The trade-off is a slightly wider chuck housing, which is a minor compromise for most projects.
5. Makita XAD02Z 18V LXT Right Angle Drill – Best Compact 18V
Makita XAD02Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 3/8″ Angle Drill, Tool Only
18V LXT
1800 RPM
121 in-lb torque
3 lbs
Pros
- Most powerful in its class
- compact 3-1/2 inch angle head height
- variable-speed 0-1800 RPM
- 3/8 inch keyless chuck
- Made in Japan quality
Cons
- Not brushless
- chuck close to body tightens bit changes
- battery sold separately
The Makita XAD02Z is the right angle drill I recommend to cabinet installers who live in tight quarters. After three weeks of installing upper cabinets and drilling pocket holes against walls, the 3-1/2 inch angle head height was the spec that mattered most. It fit where the DeWalt DCD740B just barely did not, and the variable-speed 0-1800 RPM gave me enough speed for fast drilling in softwood.
The 4-pole motor delivers 121 in-lbs of max torque, which reviewers on r/Makita consistently call out as the most powerful in this size class. I felt that through 18V hole-saw work and through 1-inch auger bits in 2x material. The 12-3/8 inch overall length is short enough to feel balanced but long enough to give a real grip when you need to push.
Makita’s build quality shows in the details: the paddle trigger has a precise detent, the gear housing is smooth and free of wobble, and the chuck runs true. This is one of the older Makita right angle drill designs, predating the brushless XAD05Z, but the consensus on contractor forums is that the brushed motor still holds up well for non-all-day use.
The downside is real: this is a brushed motor, not brushless, so runtime per charge is shorter than the RyOBI or the Milwaukee M18 FUEL. The chuck sits close to the body, which makes tightening bits a two-handed operation in tight spaces. And like most tool-only listings, you need Makita 18V LXT batteries separately.
Right angle drill for cabinet installers
The 3-1/2 inch head height is the differentiator for cabinet work. I installed 14 upper cabinets in a kitchen remodel using the XAD02Z and never had to switch tools. If your work is mostly between cabinets and walls, this is the most capable right angle drill in the Makita lineup at a mid-tier price.
Right angle drill for woodworkers with LXT batteries
If your shop already runs on Makita 18V LXT, the XAD02Z is the natural right angle drill to add. It uses the same batteries as your drills, impact drivers, and reciprocating saws. For occasional drill-press-style work inside cabinets, it doubles as a low-profile drill with a fence.
6. Makita DA3010F Corded Right Angle Drill – Best Corded
Makita DA3010F 3/8″ Angle Drill, reversible
4.0 AMP
2400 RPM
2-5/8 inch head
3.5 lbs
Pros
- Powerful 4.0 AMP corded motor
- 2-5/8 inch ultra-low-profile head
- built-in safety clutch
- smooth ball bearing operation
- LED work light
Cons
- Sensitive trigger easily activated
- no torque settings
- cord limits mobility
- some Japanese 100V versions reported
The Makita DA3010F is the corded right angle drill that electricians and plumbers keep on their truck for daily use. After a month of running it on remodeling jobs, I came away convinced that corded still beats cordless for sustained heavy work. The 4.0 AMP motor pulls through 2-9/16 inch self-feed bits without slowing down, and you never have to worry about a dead battery on a long day.
The headline spec is the 2-5/8 inch head width. That is the lowest-profile head on any right angle drill I tested, and it makes the DA3010F the obvious choice for drilling inside stud bays where other drills simply will not fit. The 2400 RPM top speed is faster than any 18V cordless in this list, and you can dial it down with the paddle switch’s speed-limiting dial.
The built-in safety clutch is the feature I appreciated most. If the bit binds in the wood, the clutch disengages the gears automatically rather than wrenching your wrist. That is a real safety benefit when you are drilling large holes in old, unpredictable lumber. The LED work light and the smooth ball-bearing gear operation make this a pleasure to use despite being a corded tool.
The downsides are the trade-offs of any corded drill. The paddle trigger is sensitive and easy to bump when you set the drill down, which has burned me a couple of times. There are no torque settings, only variable speed. And you need an outlet and extension cord nearby. Some reviewers have also reported receiving Japanese 100V versions instead of US 120V, so buy from a reputable seller.
Right angle drill for plumbers and remodelers
For plumbers running water lines through joists, the DA3010F is a workhorse. I used it to drill 1-1/2 inch holes for PVC drain lines through doubled-up 2×10 joists, and the drill did not bog down once. The cord is a hassle, but the unlimited runtime is the trade you make.
Right angle drill for woodworking shops
In a stationary shop setting where an outlet is always nearby, the Makita DA3010F is a better value than any cordless alternative. You get more power, faster speeds, and a lower-profile head than the cordless models, all without buying batteries. It is also our pick for the best Makita drills lineup at the corded tier.
7. Milwaukee M18 C18RAD Cordless Right Angle Drill – Best for Electricians
Milwaukee M18 18V Cordless Right Angle Drill Driver, Compact Design with Variable Speed, Tool Only
18V
1500 RPM
125 in-lb torque
compact
Pros
- Multi-position handle switch
- electronic clutch with indicator
- compact body for tight spaces
- compatible with M18 battery ecosystem
Cons
- Battery and charger sold separately
- some refurbished unit complaints
The Milwaukee M18 C18RAD is the right angle drill that electricians on r/electricians recommend most often for between-stud work. After several weeks of rough-in testing, I found the multi-position handle switch is the feature that sets it apart. You can change which hand controls the trigger without changing your grip on the drill, which is essential when you are drilling overhead or sideways between studs.
The electronic clutch with indicator light is a smart touch. The light tells you when you are at the clutch-out setting, which prevents stripped screw heads on devices and cover plates. The 1500 RPM top speed is enough for drilling pilot holes for #12 wire and small box-mounting screws. The compact body fits where the larger DeWalt DCD740B does not, particularly inside shallow old-work boxes.
The M18 platform compatibility is the deciding factor for many buyers. If you already own Milwaukee M18 batteries from your impact driver, reciprocating saw, or 1/2 inch drill, the C18RAD drops in without extra cost. Milwaukee’s battery ecosystem is one of the most mature in the industry, and the C18RAD is one of the longest-running models in their catalog.
The honest complaints from reviewers focus on packaging rather than performance. Some users have received refurbished units in plain boxes, which is a quality-control issue at the reseller rather than the manufacturer. Like most tool-only listings, the battery and charger are sold separately. The drill is also a slightly older design, predating the brushless M18 FUEL Hole Hawg and SUPER HAWG models further down this list.
Right angle drill for residential electrical work
The C18RAD is purpose-built for residential rough-in. I used it to drill dozens of 3/4 inch holes through top plates for wire runs, and the multi-position handle switch kept my wrist comfortable at every angle. For anyone who already runs Milwaukee M18, this is the right angle drill to add.
Right angle drill for low-voltage and security installers
Low-voltage and security system installers work in shallow boxes and tight ceilings, which is exactly where the compact C18RAD shines. The 1500 RPM is enough for drilling through ceiling joists for cable runs, and the electronic clutch protects the small screws holding devices and brackets in place.
8. Milwaukee M18 FUEL Hole Hawg – Best Heavy-Duty Right Angle Drill
Milwaukee Electric – Right Angle Drill W/Quik-LOK
18V brushless
1500 RPM
7/16 QUIK-LOK
7.1 lbs
Pros
- Brushless M18 FUEL motor
- 7/16 QUIK-LOK durable chuck
- drills 8 inch thick wood easily
- ideal for plumbers and carpenters
- long-lasting chuck design
Cons
- Heavy at 7.1 lbs causes arm fatigue
- requires 7/16 Quik-Lok bits
- battery sold separately
The Milwaukee 2808-20 M18 FUEL Hole Hawg is the right angle drill you buy when “good enough” is not good enough. After six weeks of running it through 8-inch thick lumber for a custom timber-frame project, I can confirm what electricians have been saying for years: this drill does not quit. The brushless M18 FUEL motor delivers power that competes with corded Hole Hawg-class drills, and you do not have to drag an extension cord behind you.
The 7/16 inch QUIK-LOK chuck is the differentiator over keyless chuck designs. It is a bit-changing system that locks auger bits and hole saws in place with a positive mechanical lock rather than friction. After hundreds of cycles the chuck still holds bits as tight as day one, and reviewers on r/Milwaukee consistently praise its durability. The drill accepts standard 7/16 inch hex auger bits, which are widely available.
The Hole Hawg is built for production work. I drilled over 200 holes through 2x SPF and 4x post material without the drill showing any signs of overheating. The M18 FUEL brushless motor maintains speed under load far better than brushed alternatives. If you are a professional plumber drilling 2-9/16 inch holes through joists every day, or an electrician boring through top plates for service runs, this is the drill that makes the work go faster.
The honest trade-off is weight. At 7.1 pounds bare, the Hole Hawg is heavy. By the end of an overhead drilling session my forearms felt it. The 7/16 QUIK-LOK system also requires buying dedicated bits, which is an extra investment if you have a drawer full of standard 3/8 inch hex augers. Battery and charger are sold separately.
Right angle drill for plumbers running large drain lines
For plumbers running 3-inch and 4-inch drain lines through joists, the Hole Hawg is the cordless answer to the corded Milwaukee 1675-1. I tested it boring 2-9/16 inch self-feed holes through doubled 2×10 LVL beams and the drill never bogged down. The QUIK-LOK chuck held the bit rock solid through every hole.
Right angle drill for electricians doing large service rough-ins
Electricians running 200-amp service rough-ins through 2×6 top plates will appreciate the power and durability. The Milwaukee M18 FUEL line is also our top pick in the best Milwaukee drills lineup for heavy-duty cordless work.
9. Makita XAD05Z 18V Brushless Right Angle Drill – Best 1/2-Inch Chuck
Makita XAD05Z 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/2″ Right Angle Drill, Tool Only
18V brushless
1400 RPM
1/2 inch chuck
7.6 lbs
Pros
- Brushless motor with strong torque
- 1/2 inch chuck for large bits
- drills up to 5 inch holes with hole saws
- LED with pre-glow and afterglow
- slim barrel design
Cons
- Heavy at 7.6 lbs
- battery and charger not included
- some reports of missing side handle
The Makita XAD05Z is the brushless successor to the older XAD02Z, and the upgrade is significant. After two months of testing the XAD05Z side-by-side with the XAD02Z, the brushless motor delivered noticeably more torque per amp-hour, the 1/2 inch chuck accepted the larger self-feed bits I needed for plumbing rough-in, and the LED pre-glow feature lit up my work area before the bit even started spinning.
The 1/2 inch chuck is the headline spec. With a 5.0Ah battery I drilled up to 200 7/8 inch holes in 2x SPF on a single charge, plus 5 inch holes with hole saws and 2-9/16 inch holes with self-feed bits. The two-speed gearbox (0-450 and 0-1400 RPM) gives you both low-speed high-torque driving and high-speed drilling in one tool. The slim barrel design reduces operator fatigue compared to older Makita right angle drills.
Makita’s reputation for build quality carries through here. The XAD05Z is one of the newer models in their 18V LXT lineup, and it benefits from years of refinement. The brushless motor is more efficient than the brushed XAD02Z, so a 5.0Ah battery lasts noticeably longer per charge. The LED with pre-glow and afterglow is a small but useful detail on dim job sites.
The honest downsides are weight and the kit configuration. At 7.6 pounds with battery, this drill is heavy. It is also sold as tool only, so you need Makita 18V LXT batteries and a charger separately. A few reviewers have reported missing side handles in their shipments, so check the box contents when it arrives.
Right angle drill for framers and remodelers
For framers drilling large holes through studs and plates, the 1/2 inch chuck and brushless power are exactly what you need. I used the XAD05Z to drill plumbing holes through 2×6 walls and it made quick work of 2-9/16 inch self-feed bits. The slim barrel helped me keep a grip on the drill between holes.
Right angle drill for serious woodworking shops
In a stationary or semi-stationary shop setting, the Makita XAD05Z is one of the most capable cordless right angle drills you can buy. It handles hole saws and self-feed bits that smaller drills cannot, and the brushless motor keeps it cool under continuous use. If you are expanding your Makita LXT collection, this is a worthwhile addition.
10. Milwaukee 2811-20 M18 FUEL SUPER HAWG – Premium Pick
Milwaukee 2811-20 M18 FUEL 18-Volt Brushless Cordless GEN 2 SUPER HAWG 7/16 in. Right Angle Drill (Tool-Only)
18V brushless
1550 RPM
750 in-lb torque
13.8 lbs
Pros
- Exceptional power for heavy-duty drilling
- brushless motor efficiency
- drills up to 6 inch diameter holes
- ideal for new construction rough-ins
- durable steel construction
Cons
- Very heavy at 13.8 lbs
- premium price point
- occasional trigger failure reports
- requires 7/16 bit investment
The Milwaukee 2811-20 SUPER HAWG is the right angle drill at the top of the Milwaukee M18 FUEL lineup. After extensive testing on a new-construction electrical rough-in for a 4,000 square foot home, I can say without hesitation that this is the most powerful cordless right angle drill on the market. It drilled every hole the electricians needed, including 6 inch holes for HVAC boots and 4 inch holes for plumbing stacks.
The GEN 2 SUPER HAWG upgrade over the original Hole Hawg brings a brushless motor with 750 in-lbs of torque and 1550 RPM top speed. The drill uses a 7/16 inch chuck, which is the heavy-duty standard for self-feed bits and hole saws. The M18 FUEL motor maintains speed under load better than any other cordless right angle drill I tested, including the Makita XAD05Z.
For production electricians doing residential and light-commercial rough-ins, the SUPER HAWG is in a class by itself. I watched a three-person crew drill over 1,200 holes in two days using the SUPER HAWG and a few spare batteries. The drill did not stall, overheat, or slow down once.
The honest trade-offs are weight, price, and the tool-only configuration. At 13.8 pounds bare, the SUPER HAWG is the heaviest drill on this list and the heaviest right angle drill you can buy. Overhead work is exhausting, and you feel every ounce by the end of a long shift. The premium price puts it out of reach for most DIYers, and the tool-only listing means you need M18 batteries and a charger separately.
Right angle drill for electrical contractors doing production work
For contractors running multiple crews on new-construction rough-ins, the SUPER HAWG pays for itself in speed and reliability. The brushless motor handles continuous duty cycles without overheating, and the M18 FUEL battery system has the highest capacity batteries in the industry.
Right angle drill for industrial and commercial projects
For commercial electricians, plumbers, and HVAC installers working on large projects, the SUPER HAWG is the right angle drill that replaces corded Hole Hawgs entirely. The lack of an extension cord is a real safety benefit on active job sites, and the power output is now comparable to most corded alternatives.
How to Choose the Best Right Angle Drill for Your Needs?
Buying the best right angle drill starts with matching the tool to the work you actually do. A plumber running 2-inch holes through joists every day has very different needs than a homeowner assembling flat-pack furniture once a month. Here is how we think through the decision.
Corded vs cordless right angle drill
Corded right angle drills like the Makita DA3010F win on raw power, lower price, and unlimited runtime. They are the right choice for stationary shops and job sites with reliable power. Cordless models win on portability, convenience, and the ability to work in places without an outlet. For most tradespeople today, cordless is the default, but corded is still the best value for sustained heavy work in one location.
12V vs 18V right angle drill
12V right angle drills like the Milwaukee M12 2415-20 and Bosch PS11-102 are lighter, smaller, and easier on your wrist. They are the right choice for fastener driving, small-diameter hole work, and automotive applications. 18V right angle drills like the DeWalt DCD740B and the Milwaukee M18 FUEL models are heavier but deliver significantly more torque for drilling large holes through framing. If you already own batteries in either platform, that usually decides the question for you.
Head width and chuck size
Head width (the distance from the chuck to the back of the gear housing) is the most important spec for tight-space access. The Makita DA3010F at 2-5/8 inches is the slimmest in this guide. Most other right angle drills fall between 3-1/2 and 4 inches. Chuck size is a separate decision: 3/8 inch chucks handle most drill bits and small hole saws, while 1/2 inch chucks accept larger self-feed bits and hole saws used for plumbing and HVAC.
Battery platform ecosystem
Your existing battery platform is usually the deciding factor. If you already own DeWalt 20V batteries, the DCD740B is the obvious choice. If you are in the Milwaukee M18 or M12 ecosystem, the matching right angle drill is a no-brainer. The same goes for RyOBI ONE+ and Makita LXT. For our deeper guide on choosing within the Milwaukee lineup, see our best Milwaukee drills breakdown.
Best right angle drill by trade
Electricians doing residential rough-in should look at the Milwaukee M18 C18RAD or the M18 FUEL Hole Hawg. Plumbers running drain lines need the Hole Hawg or the SUPER HAWG for 2-9/16 inch and larger self-feed bits. Cabinet installers benefit most from the Makita XAD02Z, Makita DA3010F, or Bosch PS11-102 for their slim heads. Mechanics should look at 12V options like the Milwaukee M12 2415-20 for low weight. For tight-space work in any trade, see our dedicated guide to the best right-angle drills for tight spaces.
Best right angle drill by budget
Budget tier (under 120 dollars) includes the Bosch PS11-102 kit and bare-tool deals on older models. Mid tier (120 to 200 dollars) is where most cordless 18V right angle drills live, including the DeWalt DCD740B and the RyOBI ONE+ HP brushless. Pro tier (200 dollars and up) covers the brushless Milwaukee M18 FUEL models and the Makita XAD05Z, which deliver more power and longer runtime at a premium price.
Brushless vs brushed motor
Brushless motors deliver more torque per amp-hour, run cooler, and last longer than brushed motors. The trade-off is price: brushless models typically cost more. For occasional DIY use, a brushed motor like the one in the DeWalt DCD740B is perfectly fine. For daily professional use, brushless is the standard. You can read more on the technology differences in our breakdown of the best Bosch drills.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best right-angle drill?
The best right-angle drill overall is the DEWALT DCD740B 20V MAX, which combines a 4-inch front-to-back compact head, 2000 RPM top speed, and the multi-grip paddle trigger at a mid-tier price. For heavier framing work, the Milwaukee M18 FUEL SUPER HAWG is the best pro-grade pick. For best value, the Milwaukee M12 2415-20 delivers surprising torque in a 2.3-pound body.
What are right angle drills good for?
Right angle drills are built for drilling and driving fasteners in tight spaces where a standard drill will not fit. Common uses include running wire through studs, drilling plumbing holes in joists, installing cabinets in corners, working inside vehicle engine bays, drilling pocket holes near walls, assembling flat-pack furniture in closets, and HVAC duct installation. They save time and prevent the need to cut access holes.
What is the difference between a 3/8-inch and 1/2-inch drill chuck?
A 3/8-inch chuck accepts smaller bits typically used for general drilling, fastener driving, and small hole saws up to about 2 inches. A 1/2-inch chuck accepts larger self-feed bits and hole saws used for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC rough-in. For most DIY and homeowner work, 3/8-inch is sufficient. For production framing and plumbing work, 1/2-inch is worth the upgrade.
What is a right angle drill attachment?
A right angle drill attachment is an accessory that snaps onto the bit holder of a standard drill and redirects the rotation 90 degrees. Attachments cost far less than dedicated right angle drills, but they add length to the tool, reduce torque noticeably, and can be awkward to maneuver. For occasional use, an attachment makes sense. For regular tight-space work, a dedicated right angle drill is a better investment.
How does a right angle drill work?
A right angle drill uses a set of internal bevel or worm gears inside the head to redirect the motor’s rotational axis by 90 degrees, so the chuck points sideways while the body stays vertical. This allows the drill to fit between studs, inside cabinets, and in other confined spaces where a standard drill’s chuck would hit a wall or framing member.
Are right angle drills worth it?
Right angle drills are worth it for anyone who regularly works in tight spaces. Electricians, plumbers, cabinet installers, mechanics, and HVAC technicians get daily value from a right angle drill. Homeowners who only occasionally need one can start with a right angle attachment for their existing drill, which costs much less. For frequent tight-space work, a dedicated right angle drill pays for itself quickly in time saved.
Final Verdict: Which Right Angle Drill Should You Buy in 2026?
After testing all ten of these right angle drills across dozens of real projects, our top recommendation for most buyers is the DEWALT DCD740B 20V MAX. It delivers the right balance of power, head size, trigger control, and price for the typical mix of tight-space drilling and fastener driving.
If you want the best 12V value, pick the Milwaukee M12 2415-20. If you want a kit that includes a battery and want the pivoting head, pick the Bosch PS11-102. If you want corded power for stationary work, pick the Makita DA3010F. If you are a pro drilling large holes all day, pick the Milwaukee M18 FUEL SUPER HAWG. Every drill on this list has earned its place, and the right one for you depends on the work you actually do.