A right angle drill has a chuck at a 90 degree angle to the rest of the tool, making it useful for working in tight spaces. It is commonly used by plumbers and electricians, but can also benefit hobbyists and DIYers. Researching different brands is important before making a purchase.
A right angle drill is a power tool that has a chuck oriented at a 90 degree angle to the rest of the tool. In tool terminology, a “chuck” refers to the clamp that holds the bit or other tool to the drill. This type of drill is most commonly used by plumbers and electricians due to its ability to work in tight spaces, although many trades can benefit from this type of chuck design. Hobbyists and home project enthusiasts are among the most common users outside of the professional construction industry, for example. There are a number of models to choose from in most places. Some manufacturers have designed their angle drill bits with multiple speed settings that allow the tools to drill through many types of material quickly and efficiently, and materials and strength capabilities can also vary. People interested in purchasing this type of tool usually do well to start with a little market research.
Basic concept
The main idea of any drill is to give power to what would otherwise be the hand force of drilling a hole in a substance. Manual drilling is possible in many cases, but often requires a lot of force and is usually slow. Power drills, whether they derive their power from electricity or batteries, normally provide a quick and efficient way to drill holes of uniform size.
Drills normally come in a couple of different sizes and styles. A specifically right-angle drill is, as the name might suggest, a drill that forms what is known in geometry as a right angle: that is, an angle with two perfectly perpendicular sides measuring 90°. This type of angled bit isn’t always ideal for every situation, but it can be useful in a variety of different drilling scenarios as it allows users to reach corners and other small spaces that the tool itself may not be able to penetrate.
Main uses
Construction is usually the most popular setting for this type of instrument. During residential and commercial construction, plumbers and electricians have to drill hundreds of holes through wall studs, floor joists, flooring, and even roofing materials to get the job done. These areas are often in confined spaces, and it was for this purpose that the angle drill was invented. The hole sizes required by these tradesmen and women can be large enough to accommodate large diameter drain pipes and ductwork, so these drills must produce enough power to drill through a lot of material in one pass. For convenience, corded and wireless models are also available.
Benefits for do-it-yourselfers and hobbyists
Many other trades can also benefit from this specialized drill. Carpenters, furniture builders and fitters, hobbyists, mechanics, and anyone else, professional or otherwise, who needs a tool that provides access to tight spaces may find this tool useful. In most cases, any type of drill attachment can be used in a right angle drill with the same results as in a straight line drill, which just adds versatility.
Do-it-yourselfers generally don’t want or need a tool designed for a specific purpose, as they usually only need their tools infrequently or on a project basis. Straight line drills are more appropriate for most small to medium sized DIY projects. However, having a right-angle capability only when it’s needed is cost-effective, and angled drill attachments are often available for this reason. All the capacity and power is transferred from a drill chuck to the right angle drill chuck at a more affordable price.
Research your options and make a choice
When the need for an angle drill arises, a consumer should research the different brands available to find the best fit for the project at hand. A drill designed for a professional carpenter may be too big and too powerful for DIY use. It’s often a good idea to try out a few drill models at your local hardware stores before making a purchase.
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