Because sometimes the only way through is *sideways* — which right-angle drill actually squeezes in and gets the job done?
Tight spots don’t care about your patience. You need a drill that slips into cupboards, joist bays, and engine compartments and still packs enough punch to finish the job. Short reach, big torque, and a head that won’t bind — that’s the sweet spot.
Pick the right right-angle and you save time and swear words. Pick the wrong one and you invent new tools (and regrets). We’ll keep it simple so you can make the call fast.
Top Picks
DEWALT FLEXVOLT 60V Stud and Joist Drill
You get the most power-focused right-angle solution here — designed for large studs, joists, and big fastener work where small tools fall short. The E-Clutch safety system and quick-change hex make it well-suited to demanding site applications.
DEWALT’s FLEXVOLT 60V right-angle stud and joist drill is the high-output tool for structural framing and repetitive large-diameter drilling. If your job requires fast, reliable stud-boring or driving large structural fasteners in thick members, this model was built for that workload. The quick-change bit system and anti-rotation E-Clutch provide both productivity and improved safety when a bind-up could otherwise spin the tool.
Professional-level capability
On-site, that combination reduces downtime and fingered clutch events when you’re pushing large-diameter auger bits or aggressive spade cutters. It’s the tool to choose when a contractor needs maximum throughput in stud-pack drilling or deck/joist work.
Trade-offs and purchasing notes
Jobsite tip
Makita 18V LXT Brushless 1/2" Drill
You get a brushless motor and a true 1/2" chuck that can handle large hole saws and self-feed bits without struggling. It’s a solid choice when you need right-angle access plus the ability to tackle demanding drilling tasks.
Makita’s XAD05Z brings heavy-duty capability to the right-angle category: a brushless motor paired to a 1/2" chuck lets you tackle larger-diameter tasks from cramped positions. If you need to bore wide holes with hole saws or use self-feed bits near joists and studs, this one gives you the torque and bite most compact drills lack.
Strengths you’ll notice on the job
In practice, the XAD05Z lets you finish structurally demanding holes without rigging extra setup. Electricians and framing crews who need larger holes through blocking or rim-joists will find the added muscle and 1/2" capacity a practical advantage.
Trade-offs and use cases
Pro tip
RIDGID 18V SubCompact Brushless 3/8" Drill
You’ll like how small it is without sacrificing torque — it delivers class-leading 375 in-lbs from a very short 3.5" length. It’s a great tool when you need both maximum reach and the power to push through demanding fastener or spade-bit jobs.
RIDGID’s subcompact right-angle drill targets a clear niche: being the smallest tool you can reliably use for heavier right-angle drilling and driving. At about 3-1/2" of head length it slips into many openings standard drills can’t, and the 375 in-lbs of torque means it can power through larger fasteners and spade or hole-saw setups that smaller right-angle tools might stall on.
Where it excels
You’ll get the biggest payback if you routinely need both access and muscle. The combination of compact size and torque makes it popular with carpenters, HVAC techs, and mechanics who face tight spots and heavy-duty fasteners.
Limitations and real-world notes
Pro tip
Milwaukee M12 3/8" Right-Angle Drill Kit
You receive a ready-to-go package that includes battery and charger, which is ideal when you need the tool on day one. It keeps the compact advantages of the M12 platform while reducing the hassle of sourcing accessories.
The Milwaukee 2415-21 kit combines the compact M12 right-angle form factor with the convenience of a battery and charger. That makes it a straightforward buy if you don’t already own M12 packs, or you need a dependable backup without waiting for extra purchases. The kit retains the familiar paddle switch and slim profile that make these drills so effective in tight assemblies.
Why buy the kit
Tradespeople who need a reliable right-angle solution for occasional to moderate tasks will appreciate the kit approach — it removes the friction of building a system and gets you to work faster.
Considerations
Field tip
Makita 18V Compact 3/8" Angle Drill
You’ll get a very usable compromise between torque and compactness that works for framing, cabinetry, and electrical runs. The 3/8" keyless chuck and slim head let you finish jobs that require both reach and reasonable power.
The Makita XAD02Z is a long-standing favorite when you need a reliable, compact angle drill. Its 3/8" keyless chuck and short angle head make it ideal for electricians, framers, and cabinet installers who must work between joists and inside tight assemblies. The motor and gearing provide a practical mix of torque and speed for everyday tasks.
What it does well
You’ll find it handy for installing garage-door hardware, driving fasteners into metal framing, or cleaning up welds with small wire brushes. Multiple users report it as the most powerful right-angle option they’ve used in the compact 3/8" class.
Things to keep in mind
Practical tip
Milwaukee M12 12V Right Angle Drill
You’ll appreciate the M12 platform’s small size and surprising torque when working in confined automotive or cabinet spaces. The paddle switch and slim profile make it easy to manipulate the tool where a conventional drill won’t reach.
This Milwaukee M12 right-angle drill is built to solve access problems that leave larger drills stuck on the bench. The M12 form factor keeps the tool narrow and lightweight so you can reach behind engines, inside cabinet carcasses, or between studs without awkward contortions. The 3/8" ratcheting chuck holds bits securely and supports common driving and drilling tasks.
Why it stands out
Professionals and hobbyists often reach for this when they need a quicker, cleaner solution than removing a whole assembly to get a straight shot at a screw or hole. Reviews from automotive and cabinet installers frequently call out its ability to get into places other drills simply won’t fit.
Considerations for buyers
Practical tip
DEWALT 20V MAX Compact Right-Angle
You get a dependable, compact drill that balances power and maneuverability for routine trades and DIY tasks. It’s a smart pick when you need a versatile right-angle driver that fits into crowded cabinets and joist bays without breaking the bank.
DEWALT's 20V MAX right-angle model is designed to be the everyday compact option you reach for when space is constrained. Its short front-to-back length (around 4.0") and multi-grip trigger let you position the tool in places a standard drill simply won't fit. The two-speed gearbox covers common drilling and fastening needs without complicating controls.
Key features and how they help you
These features let you switch between driving screws and drilling pilot holes without changing tools. For example, you can use the lower speed and higher torque for stubborn lag screws, and the higher speed for small-diameter holes or rapid bit work.
Practical use and limitations
If you already run DEWALT 20V MAX batteries, this drill slides right into your kit as a compact, workaday solution. If you’re building a new battery ecosystem, expect to add the battery and charger cost. The 3/8" chuck is fine for most hardware but won’t accept larger hole-saw arbors without adaptors.
Tip from the field
RYOBI ONE+ HP Compact 3/8" Drill
You can get brushless performance and useful torque in a very compact package without a premium price tag. It’s a cost-conscious choice that integrates into the large ONE+ battery ecosystem for broad flexibility.
The RYOBI ONE+ HP right-angle drill gives you surprisingly strong performance for the price. Its brushless motor and up-to-350 in-lb torque spec make it suitable for most framing, cabinet, and light structural tasks where access is limited. Being just 3.6" long, it’s one of the easier tools to slide into narrow cavities and overhead fixtures.
Why it’s attractive
If you already own ONE+ batteries, this drill is a straightforward, value-packed addition. Even if you don’t, the lower price point compared with pro-brand offerings makes it a reasonable entry into brushless right-angle capability.
Practical considerations
Field tip
Final Thoughts
For the heaviest, most demanding right-angle work you should reach for the DEWALT FLEXVOLT 60V Stud and Joist Drill. Its 60V platform gives you class-leading power for large studs, joists, long fasteners, and tough site tasks. The E‑Clutch safety system and quick‑change hex make it rugged and jobsite-friendly — choose this when you need raw torque and reliability in cramped framing or structural work.
If your jobs are mostly about getting into very tight cavities — electrical boxes, cabinet interiors, engine bays, and tight joist bays — the RIDGID 18V SubCompact Brushless 3/8" Drill is your best bet. At roughly 3.5" overall length it delivers exceptional reach and a surprising 375 in‑lbs of torque without the bulk. Choose this when space, maneuverability, and real fastening power matter.
Quick note: if you frequently use large hole saws or self‑feed bits in tight spaces, the Makita 18V LXT Brushless 1/2" Drill is the specialist pick for that task.