By When you do enough DIY home improvement projects, there is a likely chance that a right angle drill and driver will be needed in low clearance situations.
Our benchmark right-angle driver, the Bosch 12V MAX I-Driver, may not serve everyone’s needs. Instead of investing in a much more expensive right angle drill, which also requires larger storage space, look to these compact right angle adapters as a great accessory for your regular drill or ¼-inch hex screwdriver. Plus they’re much smaller than a full-size drill and driver; allowing access into confined spaces even a right angle power drill and drivers cant fit.
A Few Key Points
- There is no locking mechanism that allows these adapters to be used on their own. The free spinning ¼” hex input shaft must be turned by another tool.
- Both hands are required. One hand on the adapter to hold it firmly to the fastener…and the other hand on the drill driver or screwdriver; contrary to what some of the manufacturer images may show with just a single hand.
- A common 1″ insert bit provides the lowest clearance with these right angle adapters, but they can also be used with longer power bits for various projects. Check each products rpm and torque ratings for bit and task compatibility.
To use these adapters for drilling, Insty Bit and Montana Brand make convenient hex shank drill sets.
Milwaukee Offset Adapter
Speaking with a long-time tool store owner I know, he said, “the Milwaukee offset drive adapter (48-32-2100) is the original right angle hex adapter”.
Milwaukee says, “Use the power and speed of your Cordless Screwdriver to fasten or remove screws in light applications up to 400 RPM.”
Pros
- Thumb flange goes around the adapter 360-degrees and allows 12 positions for best thumb placement.
- Strong magnet securely holds bit.
- Low width clearance head: 1.15″ without bit and 1.4″ with common 1″ insert bit.
- Notched head allows another thumb placement.
Cons
- Low rpm and torque rating.
- Short body easily allows the lower part of your hand to make contact with the hex drive as it’s turning.
| MILWAUKEE OFFSET DRIVE ADAPTER (48-32-2100) SPECIFICATIONS | |
|---|---|
| OVERALL LENGTH | 5.435 inches |
| HEAD WIDTH | 1.15 inches |
| OFFSET ANGLE | 105° |
| WEIGHT | .43 lbs. |
| MATERIAL | Die Cast |
| MAXIMUM RPM | 400 |
| MAXIMUM TORQUE | 100 in-lbs. |
| BIT HOLDER TYPE | Magnetic |
Milwaukee Right Angle Adapter
- The product is easy to use
- The product is durable
- The product is manufactured in Taiwan
- 1/4-inch hex right-angle drill/driver attachment; accepts standard 1/4-inch hex shank bits
- For cordless 2.4- to 18-volt drills; up to 235-inch-pounds of torque; allows work in tight spots
The Milwaukee Right Angle Attachment (49-22-8510) is a big step up from their 48-32-2100 model. With twice the weight of the other adapters in this list, the heavy-duty construction makes you feel confident in your purchase and the tools ability to perform.
Pros
- Durable all metal housing and steel gears.
- Quick release lock and magnetic bit holder.
- 2.75″ long grab bar adjusts up and down as well as 360-degrees.
- Online reviews rave about it’s impact durability, although Milwaukee makes no mention of impact readiness.
Cons
- Cost is substantially more than all other right angle attachments.
- With the widest head and protrusion of the quick lock bit mechanism (another .5″), this is the least compact adapter to fit into the smallest places.
| OVERALL LENGTH | 6.2 inches |
| HEAD WIDTH | 2 inches |
| OFFSET ANGLE | 90° |
| WEIGHT | .9 lbs. |
| MATERIAL | Steel & Cast |
| MAXIMUM RPM | 1750 |
| MAXIMUM TORQUE | 235 in-lbs. |
| BIT HOLDER TYPE | Magnetic & Locking |
DeWALT Right Angle (DWARA50)
- Tighter access with your current drill/driver
- 2X longer life than the competition
- Accepts any 1/4. hex shank accessory
- For use with most drill
DeWALT offers their DWARA50 right angle attachment as an entry model into the right angle attachment market.
Pros
- If you like the DeWALT brand, you have an attractive and useful accessory to add to your tool collection.
- The plastic body and head combination provide a large area for comfortable hand grip and placement.
Cons
- Weakest magnetic hold of all models listed.
| DEWALT RIGHT ANGLE (DWARA50) SPECIFICATIONS | |
|---|---|
| OVERALL LENGTH | 5.95 inches |
| HEAD WIDTH | 1.25 inches |
| OFFSET ANGLE | 90° |
| WEIGHT | .39 lbs. |
| MATERIAL | Plastic & Metal |
| MAXIMUM RPM | 3000 |
| MAXIMUM TORQUE | N/A |
| BIT HOLDER TYPE | Magnetic |
DeWALT Right Angle (DWARA100)
- Right-angle Attachment For Impact Driver, 5X longer life on average vs. Milwaukee 48-32-2100 in Milescraft 1302
- Sure-set System Floating Magnet Secures Fasteners, True 90 degree head allows tight access when using 1" bit tip
- Better Accessibility For Tight Spaces, Impact Ready Performance - Designed for Use in Impact Drivers
- Better accessibility to drive screws and drill holes in tight spaces, Fasteners supported by ring magnet
- Ergonomic ABS handle does not get hot while in use, Allows for tighter access with your current impact driver, with increased gear strength
DeWALT classifies their DWARA100 right angle attachment as impact ready.
What’s the main difference between the DWARA50 and DWARA100 models? A response from DeWALT says, “The DWARA100 is just a heavier duty version of the right angle attachment plus the addition of the magnet.” But, unlike the very noticeable difference in weight and build quality between the two Milwaukee models, the DWARA100 is actually slightly lighter than the DWARA50 model.
Pros
- Impact ready
- Ring magnet securely holds bits, and when 1″ insert bits are used, the magnet is also close enough to the fastener to securely hold it as well.
Cons
- Some reviews question the long term durability for impact use.
| DEWALT RIGHT ANGLE (DWARA100) SPECIFICATIONS | |
|---|---|
| OVERALL LENGTH | 5.96 inches |
| HEAD WIDTH | 1.4 inches |
| OFFSET ANGLE | 90° |
| WEIGHT | .38 lbs. |
| MATERIAL | Plastic & Metal |
| MAXIMUM RPM | 3000 |
| MAXIMUM TORQUE | N/A |
| BIT HOLDER TYPE | Magnetic Ring |
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