Best right angle drill? What do you like?

[AntiqueCarNut]

I've been wanting a right angle drill for a long time. I have a couple of right angle drill adapters, but they're a PIA to use.

Would prefer something compact to get into confined spaces. Could be corded of cordless. I am thinking 3/8" is large enough for most tasks, but 1/2" would be nice if the thing isn't too bulky.

No particular brand preference, but nothing from HF. It won't get a lot of use, but I prefer to buy only one time and expect my great, great grandchildren to be using the same tools 100 years from now.

Whatcha like?

 

[the gypsy]

I love the little Makita angle drill, but new, it is expensive. Try buying it used. The model # is DA3010F. The one I bought was made in Japan. I think they are still made in Japan. Great tool variable speed, that you can dial in and paddle switch.

 

[Kensgarage]

I have an M12 that gets quite a bit of use. It doubles as an electric ratchet with socket adapters. It's no monster but it's OK. It'll push a butterfly(spade to you youngsters) bit through a 2 by with no problem. Doesn't have enough *** for a 3/8 lag bolt unless you pilot drill the hole.

 

[acer66]

I was lusting over getting a USA made Milwaukee corded drill and when I got one slightly used I could not be happier.
But I have many Bosch cordless tools and when they had a sale I got a 18V right angle drill
with a 1/2" chuck and it is so much more convenient for smaller and quick jobs.
I also got really used to not dragging cords around.

http://www.boschtools.com/Products/Tools/Pages/BoschProductDetail.aspx?pid=ads181-101

 

[Davefr]

Mine is made by Sioux but looks identical to this. I don't use it very often but when i do it's worth it's weight in gold.

 

[PelicanPines]

I got the dewalt 18v. Not the best but works. Can't say much about any other right angle brands.

 

[Git]

If you really want small, and you have a compressor - consider pneumatic

Chicago Pneumatic CP879 ($82)

 

[PureLeaf]

What makes your right angle adapters a pain in the *** to use?

I've got a metabo 1/2 Quick release brushless 18v. You just pop off the chuck, slide the right angle chuck on adapter on, push down the clamp, and its ready to go. Really easy.

 

[dutchgray]

I love the little Makita angle drill, but new, it is expensive. Try buying it used. The model # is DA3010F. The one I bought was made in Japan. I think they are still made in Japan. Great tool variable speed, that you can dial in and paddle switch.

That is a great drill, just get the keyed chuck version as its shorter than the keyless, which is kinda the point of a right angle drill.
I have the bigger one as well (6000LR) for larger holes, which is also a great drill.

 

[thebeekeeper1]

If you can find one there is an old Black & Decker RA drill that works great for close quarters drilling. It was made back when they made fairly good quality tools. As the name is shot now I found one on Ebay for $10. I've used it many times for drilling between studs.

Edit: Found one--this is it, but dang he's proud of this one:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Corded-1-4-...932868?hash=item567c613544:g:yWQAAOSwU~FWDqxw

Edit II: Here is the gold standard of RA drills. They routinely sell used in pawn shops for $150, and retail for around $300:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MILWAUKEE-1...478397?hash=item1c5ca62bfd:g:SHsAAOSwvt1WRNsI

 

[SantaAna12]

Mine is made by Sioux but looks identical to this. I don't use it very often but when i do it's worth it's weight in gold.

Cant see ur pic Dave. Is that Sioux the one pnuematic with the adjustable head? If so, can you line me out on it? I have been looking to get a right angle drill for close quarters in engine rooms and Sioux came up. Perhaps the OP or others might be interested.

 

[shamrock12]

If you're looking for a compact right angle drill then take a look at this Bosch 1132VSR drill:

Bosch 1132VSR Right Angle Drill

FYI - Amazon is offering $25 off Bosch tools over $100


If you are looking for a powerful right angle drill that can handle just about anything then take a look at Milwaukee 3107-6 drill:

Milwaukee 3107-6 Right Angle Drill

Although not as powerful as the Hole Hawg (aka wrist breaker), the above is a worm gear and is plentiful for almost any task.

 

[AntiqueCarNut]

I have a Blue Point RA drill. Doesn't seem to have much torque. Izzat 'normal'?

If you really want small, and you have a compressor - consider pneumatic

Chicago Pneumatic CP879 ($82)

 

[AntiqueCarNut]

Sounds like the Makita or Bosch is the way to go. I like light weight battery operated tools if I use them often. If not, I go corded. This is something that I may use to drill perhaps 10 holes a year, but when I need it, it'd sure save me time and hassle.

 

[ssdave]

I have a Milwaukee and a Black and Decker Industrial 1/2", corded. They're monsters, but just the thing to drill holes in studs. For usefulness, they're not even comparable to a 3/8" drill and a right angle adapter. I haven't used a cordless, but they seem that they would be even more limited in usefulness than a 3/8", because of lack of power.

You want something with a lot of torque. When drilling at right angles, you can't lean on the drill to force it into the wood. You're also limited on length, so a spade bit isn't the best option. What you really want is a forstner type bit, with a spiral threaded tip to draw it into the wood. Those type of bits take a lot of power to run, so corded is the best bet, and a big 1/2" can deliver the power needed.

 

[finn]

Corded Bosch and a largr Milwaukee here.

each has its place.

Milwaukee for general heavy / rough construction, electrical, and plumbing.

The Bosch for automotive and light construction and close quarter work..

 

[Techie1961]

The Makita right angle drill is amazing. The depth is about the same as a normal chuck. Very cool design.

 

[the gypsy]

Hey techie1961 thank you for posting a picture of the DA3010F. Makita right angle drill.

 

[popparoach]

Pizza.

 

[larry_g]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Milwaukee-D...987253?hash=item1a095926b5:g:bucAAOSwsFpWSqXC

Milwaukee-Drill--3-8-Right-Angle-Reversing-Variable-speed-0375-1

I've used the above drill to make a few hundred holes and prefer it over the Makita that was also available. I found the angle of the head much more comfortable to hold and it was 1/2 the noise of the Makita. I cannot speak to the Milwaukee models that have followed that look similar.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Hpozzuoli]

I have the dewalt 20v. It does fine with big hole saws. I use it mostly for reaching tough screws. If you want brute force then get a hole hawg by Milwaukee

 

[66354dream]

Pizza.

 

[SantaAna12]

Beer.

 

[Monte]

 

[thebeekeeper1]

I have the dewalt 20v. It does fine with big hole saws. I use it mostly for reaching tough screws. If you want brute force then get a hole hawg by Milwaukee

I've got the big square "Hole Hawg" one (two speeds, one for drilling @ 1200 RPM, and one for stirring mud @ 300RPM) and all I can say is use the pipe handle at all times--and HOLD ON. Having a 300# carcass is helpful too!

 

[bulletpruf]

Bump! I need one to drill out some spot welds in difficult to reach areas on my Alfa Romeo. Leaning towards a corded one; think that will give me more torque. However, I do have a compressor. Any thoughts on corded vs. air powered?

Thanks

Scott

 

[cheechi]

Depending how small the area is an air drill is going to be smaller than an electric, corded or cordless.

 

[Marctrees]

I have been VERY happy with this one.

No chuck, but for all my uses so far the 1/4" hex drive works fine.

Obviously it's not for HEAVY duty use, but is totally adequate for what OP said.

Looks/ feels/ works high quality. Marc

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BYEJ02/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[the gypsy]

Hi Bulletpruf, I have the Makita, but I guess if you get the Bosch it will probably be cheaper for you seeing you are in Italy.

 

[dutchgray]

Hi Bulletpruf, I have the Makita, but I guess if you get the Bosch it will probably be cheaper for you seeing you are in Italy.

My experience says Makita is usually slightly cheaper here in Europe than Bosch, but there will be little in it. Makita tends to be very common in retail stores.

 

[bulletpruf]

If you can find one there is an old Black & Decker RA drill that works great for close quarters drilling. It was made back when they made fairly good quality tools. As the name is shot now I found one on Ebay for $10. I've used it many times for drilling between studs.

Edit: Found one--this is it, but dang he's proud of this one:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Corded-1-4-...932868?hash=item567c613544:g:yWQAAOSwU~FWDqxw

I just bought one of these. With shipping it was right at $100. Not cheap, but I have a few hundred spot welds to drill out, so if it makes my life easier it's worth 5x what I paid for it.

Scott

 

[torqueman2002]

I have the Milwaukee 1/2-Inch Right Angle Drill with D-Handle (3002-1 Electricians Kit 7 Amp) and it is a beast. Great for running wire/pipe through studs & joists.

I have a Bosch Driver Kit (PS10-2A 12-Volt Max Lithium-Ion), which takes 1/4-Inch hex shank bits. I use it as often as a drill as a driver.

Oh, the head adjusts from 90 - 180 degrees. Very handy.

I also have the Milwaukee 3/8-Inch Cordless Right Angle Drill/Driver (2415-20 M12 12-Volt).

Each is well suited to jobs the others can't do or can't do as well.

 

[DFB]

I also have a Milwaukee 2415-20 M12 12-Volt right angle drill. For a small drill it is decently powerful and 11 position electronic clutch is nice for driving screws. I am very happy with it. Easily handles spades and long screws in soft woods. All depends on your needs. I picked up a bare tool off Amazon for $40 less than the price of the Milwaukee branded 1/4 hex drive adapter. And if your not already vested in a M12 platform and you need a full -21 kit that includes tool, charger, battery and storage case purchased with a 15% code from many vendors is just a tad over $100

 

[TheGrooveking]

As far as cordless the Milwaukee M12 and M18 regular RATE drills are limited, the Bosch 18V has some balls and even more powerful is the Milwaukee M18 HoleHawg or Super Hawg are Animals! I learned a hard lesson on an older 110v Makita 3/8" right angle drill, it had no reverse and I was running a 18" installers bit that had a self feeding tip on it through two 2x12's and as soon as it broke through that darn thing pulled my hand right up to the board! And with no reverse the feed of the bit had pulled it against the paddle trigger and the cord was around the corner of nearby wall and even though I tried I had to yell for someone to unplug the thing, I bruised my knuckles and hand, I took that thing out into that parking lot and swung by its cord and smashed it against a curbs tone. Funny how the newer Makita has a reverse.

TheGrooveking

 

[RV8guy]

 

[airshow]

I have the Bosch 18V right angle drill with 1/2" keyless chuck. I think it's the only battery powered one that offers the 1/2" keyless.

 

[JoeMA]

Festool, with its interchangeable right angle chuck, is another option. Compact, versatile and expensive.

 

[ken w.]

I have 2 Black & Decker RH drills. One is in an above link. Small and kind of compact. It's a nice drill. The other one is older , larger and came with a metal case. It's a powerful beast that you need to hold on to.

 

[PugetDude]

If you can find one there is an old Black & Decker RA drill that works great for close quarters drilling. It was made back when they made fairly good quality tools. As the name is shot now I found one on Ebay for $10. I've used it many times for drilling between studs.

Edit: Found one--this is it, but dang he's proud of this one:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Corded-1-4-...932868?hash=item567c613544:g:yWQAAOSwU~FWDqxw

Bought one of these in a pawn shop in OKC for $20 quite a few years ago. Great for drilling studs on electrical rough-in using a stubby spade bit.

 

[captain14]

how about this B & D RA drill?

https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/tls/5800009441.html

3/8 drill 2.0 amps $40 claims to be used excellent condition posted for almost a week