Best Right Angle Drill?

[Handyandy23]

I'm looking at picking up a right angle cordless drill to add to my collection, mostly for ease of drilling in between studs when wiring / plumbing my basement. Hoping to get some opinions or experiences on a couple different options.

My main options are the DeWalt 20V or the Milwaukee M12, since these are the two main battery platforms I have. The Ryobi 18V is somewhat of an option since I have a small amount of the Ryobi system, mostly for OPE.

Without getting into generic brand battles between yellow / red / green, can anyone recommend one that's better (or worse to stay away from)? I will most likely just be drilling 3/4" holes for wiring and holes for PEX water lines through 2x-framing, so it won't be anything too ambitious. And maybe occasional automotive use in tight spots. So I'm not sure if the power difference between M12 and the 18/20V options will matter, and I'm not really sure if one has a more proven track record than others.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Hagatronics]

I've got an M12 right angle and it's gotten me out of trouble a few times. But i doubt it has the grunt to drill a 3/4" hole with a spade bit well. I'll try it later today and let you know (I've got a bit of PEX plumbing to do myself).

 

[stonesfan68]

The M12 does okay, and it works driving holes in joists, but it will take some time and it will stall. I wouldn’t recommend it for a pro. It is the most disappointing Milwaukee tool that I own.

 

[gatlibs]

Use a circular bit on an arbor to solve that problem. I'd be hesitant to buy another right angle drill like my Craftsman 19.2V without a normal control ring. I always try to Chuck the bit at an higher speed than I use so that it doesn't loosen. I can't do this on mine and it loosens all of the time.

 

[pbon]

On the other hand, the M18 right angle drill is pretty bulky. A right angle adapter might be best. I have thought about getting the m12 version because my m18 is massive.

 

[LeeG]

Milwaukee will be coming out with the new installer's drill later this month. It will have 4 heads, including a right angle.

I have the M18 Hole Hawg, and it will pretty much do whatever you need drilling wise.

 

[engineer2]

The Milwaukee Hole Hawg is what many electricians like around here, but it may be overkill for DIY, but still handy to have.

 

[sparky 1971]

I have the M18 right angle drill. It is the most gutless tool Milwaukee makes. I can imagine that the M12 is the same. I also have the M18 Hole Hawg and the M18 Super Hawg. Those are game changers.

I can't speak for the current Dewalt, but I used to have a 14.4 volt right angle drill. It did an ok job, way better than my current Milwaukee. I suppose the new version would be about the same if not better than what I used to have.

I also have a friend who has a friend with the Dewalt joist and stud drill. I have't seen it, but from what I hear, it's comparable performance wise with the Hole Hawg, but I believe it's a different battery platform. (not 20 volt)

 

[DFB]

Hahahaha THAT has to be one of the funniest reviews I ever read a comparison of the performance of a Hole Hawg to a brushed RA M12 drill


Almost like comparing an F550 to a Ford Ranger


OP not to even insinuate an M12 RA drill is a "best of" at anything but I can run a SHARP 1" spade bearing down thru a SPF 2X in about 15 sec and no stalling. At 1 1/8" you need to let up just a hair or the electronic clutch will cut it out under pressure so takes about 5 sec longer. For a few holes its fine top RPM is low 800 maybe"


Omg if your going to do a shitload of 3/4+ holes all day long please do get something bigger

FYI have no experience with Dewally's 20V offering and never even seen the Ryobi

 

[NoahG]

the M18 is leaps better than the M12, but I don't use an RA enough to justify the purchase.

 

[metlmunchr]

I bought the Ryobi 18V right angle drill because I already had other tools plus 4 batteries and a couple chargers. I've also had a corded right angle hole hawg for 30 years. The Ryobi isn't in the same league, but I doubt any of the other cordless ones are either.

That said, I used the Ryobi a while back for running some romex for a couple outlets and lights thru the framing in a small storage building. Probably drilled 25-30 holes thru studs using a 3/4 or 7/8 Forstner bit and the battery (one of the small ones) held up fine. No idea how it would do with a paddle bit trying to wear a hole thru the wood as I have a serious hatred of those damn things.

 

[DFB]

A SHARP non screw point spade or brad point bit is what you need with a small cordless drill like the M12. Something like a Bosch Dare Devil bit (even as cheap as they are) just pulls hard into the wood and can stall the tool. And without a screw tip its easy to pull back on the bit and clear the hole.

And IMO using other style bits will just add way more resistance with that type of lightweight tool and would be fairly easy to see poor performance



And ya spades can do massive blowout of the wood. So if a clean cut is more your style by all means drill from both sides

 

[Rabid Badger]

The DeWalt is a whopping $20 more than the Milwaukee and will be vastly more powerful. How is this even a question?

 

[paulsomlo]

I don't think you'll be happy with the M12 - you're going to have situations where you're drilling through multiple 2x at a time. You said you wanted cordless, but I'm betting that you'll use the drill for your wiring job, then you won't use it again for years. In that context, you might consider corded - either a Milwaukee Hole Hawg, or their right angle D-handle drill. And the D-handle drill can be used as either right angle or straight. They're both all over CL and ebay, I bought one that was near new for half the price.

 

[DrkMtnDew]

The M12 has been working well for me. However I will say that you need either a good supply of batteries or fast chargers if you are doing any serious drilling/driving. No experience with the other brands.

 

[jgromada]

I think you are going to be very very disappointed with any cordless right angle drill trying to drill through a floor joist. I have the DeWalt right angle drill and it just doesn't cut it for drilling floor joist.

As mentioned i have the Bosch Dave devil spade bits and they just stall out. Using the Milwaukee CORDED drill 1107 it just does the job without complaint.

 

[kngelv]

I love my DeWalt stuff but the RA 20V is not super powerful but fine for a typical homeowner. The Milwaukee 12V is quite anemic by comparison. The Milwaukee Hole Hawg or Super Hole Hawg are both miles better than either.

James

 

[rick carpenter]

Milwaukee with one M28 and several M18 products and Makita with one 2x18v product may be your best options for 1/2" cordless RADs. I have a corded Milwaukee 3107 that I'm very pleased with, their 0721 is the M28 version and probably would work well for you. However, the Milwaukee Hole and Super Hawgs and the 0721 are pricey with the Makita slightly less so.

For electric holes in studs, you might be able to do with a 3/8" which opens up your selection for less $. I borrowed my BIL's (a retired lineman) cordless 3/8" DeWalt for a project and I was very pleased with it. But plumbing and electric holes through plates & floors may require a 1/2".

The feature I'd like to see on all RADs is a wrap-around handle like the fore handle on a chainsaw.

 

[tarbellb]

(solid advice above, but DO NOT BUY M28 products!, they are obsolete)

You have to choose between a small installer type RA or a big electrician/plumber RA.


AFAIK, nobody is making a 12v/18v BRUSHLESS right angle drill in the smaller package. You have to step up to the big boys for that. The big electrician/plumber RA's will go through anything.

Rigid makes the MegaMax, adaptable drill head, brushless, RA available.

I would look at the new Milwaukee M12 4in1 drill coming out.

 

[dnschmidt]

M18 hole hawg. That's the right tool for the job. Over and out.

 

[strutaeng]

Ok, don't laugh, but I used my Ridgid cheesy multi Job Max with the right angle adapter and got though about a dozen studs with a stubby auger bit for romex.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-JobMax-3-8-in-Drill-Driver-Head-Tool-Only-R8223402/202388057

I have the corded one:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-...lti-Tool-with-Tool-Free-Head-R28602/206824272

I just couldn't fit my Hole Hawg between tight studs about 10" clearance. The cordless equivalent drill would have probably stalled.

I thought the Ridgid was going to let out the smoke, but worked surprisingly well with that sharp auger. I had to let it rest in between because it got pretty hot.

I'd say for occasional use, just get a heavy duty dedicated corded version in any flavor you feel like. I think my Hole Hawg was $50 used.

2,000 sq ft. project and used Hole Hawg mostly for studs @ 16. For ceiling joists @ 24 my regular Dewalt 20V drill worked well, especially working on scaffolds.

 

[PelicanPines]

You need TWO..

1. M18 hole hawg
2. M12

Sometimes you need stronger

Sometimes you need smaller


Don't waste your time going with something in the middle.

 

[HenryAZ]

40 years ago, I bought a corded 3/8" Makita right angle drill. The nicest thing about it is that the chuck is flush with the drill body. This provides a lot more room when drilling in close quarters as opposed to a drill where the right angle chuck extends outwards. I'm not sure a similar model is still available. I still have my old one and it works great.

 

[ekimneirbo]

Go to Lowes and get a Kobalt cordless BRUSHLESS Lithium Drill for $99 on sale. 5yr war-ranty on drill and 3 yr on battery. Take it home and try it. It comes with an extension handle so it doesn't twist your wrist when it takes a bite. IF YOU DON"T ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT, just take it back and they will refund your money....no questions asked. You have nothing to lose. If you keep it, get a $49 4ah battery for it next time you go to Lowes. Give it a try........

If you need more room between studs to operate, just shorten the shank down on the drill bit.

 

[RKA]

Go to Lowes and get a Kobalt cordless BRUSHLESS Lithium Drill for $99 on sale. 5yr war-ranty on drill and 3 yr on battery. Take it home and try it. It comes with an extension handle so it doesn't twist your wrist when it takes a bite. IF YOU DON"T ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT, just take it back and they will refund your money....no questions asked. You have nothing to lose. If you keep it, get a $49 4ah battery for it next time you go to Lowes. Give it a try........

If you need more room between studs to operate, just shorten the shank down on the drill bit.

This thread is about a right angle drill. AFAIK, Kobalt doesn't have one currently for sale on Lowes. But if you have a link to a relevant item, feel free to post it.

The other thread you posted in was about an air ratchet. There you recommended a Kobalt impact drill. I'm not sure what that has to do with an air ratchet, but search lowes and tell us when you find a relevant item.

 

[kythri]

Brand fanaticism blinds people. Every problem is a nail, and their favored brand is the only hammer - doesn't matter if it's not the right application. Logic plays no part.

 

[ViRuscha]

My husband recently had a problem in the car.
He noticed his tensioner was extremely loose and the belt was halfway off the pulley.
He decided to tighten the bolt. But something went wrong and as soon as he started the engine he heard the bolt rip out. Half the bolt was stuck in there. He had to remove the rest of the bolt.
He thought for a long time how to fit in there, not to mention the drill. We watched the forums, YouTube.
Fortunately, the husband retrieved this piece. I know that he studied sites with angle drills (this one we definitely looked at https://cozyhousetoday.com/best-right-angle-drill/. And he eventually settled on a Makita right angle drill as they are the only option with less than a 3" head.
Best of luck to you!

 

[HenryAZ]

Here's my 40 year old Makita:

 

[Citation]

I haven't used a right angle drill other than an air drill used to put rivet holes in aluminum. Not the same type of tool. So what would be the problem with using a decent right angle adapter vs buying another tool? I'm asking out of ignorance vs implying an answer.

 

[Luciferi]

I have two 18v and one 20v dewalt right angles. The 20v is stronger than the 18 as expected. I used to do home automation and typically had to drill 3/4” or 1” holes using spades. The right angles can do it but need a bit of patience and finesse compared to a standard drill that will rip right through. Usually my bits are trashed so that doesn’t help either. I would not want to prewire a whole house with a ra but just use for tight spots.

I do use right angle more in just about every other situation.

 

[ChrisLS8]

You need TWO..

1. M18 hole hawg
2. M12

Sometimes you need stronger

Sometimes you need smaller




Don't waste your time going with something in the middle.

The GJ motto. There's no kill like overkill

 

[Bert_]

Not really sure what the need for cordless is. I do this every day and if I just need to drill a few holes a regular cordless drill works fine. If it's a lot of holes than the corded angle drill comes out.

If you run a regular cordless drill a sharp bit makes all the difference. I really like the bosch daredevil or Irwin makes a similar bit with 3 blades. They work well in smaller drills, even 3/8 corded drills.

 

[Two Speed]

I have a Dewalt 90º drill at work, old 18v NiCad, used to use that drill daily for years. It was a bit heavy and akward in some situations, however the head tucks nicely into cramped quarters. Back when I got it Makita was my other option, didn't like it for whatever reason (won't buy milwaulkee as their chucks are junk as far as I am concerned). Still use it occasionally, I would buy it again.

Alex.