How to Use a Right Angle Drill Attachment
Clip the attachment into your drill or impact driver, seat a bit or socket in its holder, and hold the attachment body with your free hand so it cannot spin. Start slowly with the bit square to the fastener, then build speed as the screw bites. Check that the attachment suits your tool, because small adapters are often meant for low speed and light work.
DEWALT DWAMRAFTBest overall
DEWALT DWAMRASETFTBest system
Titan 16189Best compactWhat the attachment does
A right angle drill attachment turns the straight line of your drill into a 90 degree drive. The attachment goes into the chuck or hex holder, and the bit sits in a small head set at a right angle to the drill. That lets you drive screws inside cabinets, between joists and behind appliances where a full drill body will not fit.
Because it uses the drill or impact driver you already own, it is a simple way to add an angle tool. If you want to compare models first, our best right angle drill attachment page puts several on one spec sheet.
Check that it fits your tool and the gap
Before you start, look at three numbers: the head height, the overall length and the maximum speed or impact rating. Head height decides how narrow a gap the head can enter. Length decides how much room you need behind the head for the drill. Impact rating tells you whether the attachment is built for an impact driver.
Measure the opening first, then compare it with the listed head height. Also leave room for the drill body, because the drill still has to sit somewhere behind the attachment.
- Measure the gap where the head must go.
- Check the room behind the gap for your drill.
- Read the listing for an impact rating if you use an impact driver.
- Note any maximum RPM and keep your drill below it.
Set up and drive a screw step by step
Most attachments have a 1/4 in hex shank, so they fit a standard chuck or quick-change holder. Follow these steps for a smooth first screw.
Take your time on the first turn. Most slips happen in the first second, when the bit is not yet seated in the screw head.
- Remove the battery or unplug the drill before you fit anything.
- Push the shank in fully, or tighten the chuck on it, so it sits straight.
- Insert a bit in the head. A magnetic holder keeps the bit and screw in place.
- Set the drill to a low speed or low clutch setting.
- Place the screw on the bit and hold the attachment body or handle with your free hand.
- Line the bit up square to the screw, press gently and pull the trigger slowly.
- Stop when the screw is seated, then back the head out straight.
Choose the right type for the job
Not every attachment suits every task. Some hold 1/4 in hex bits for screws. Others have a 3/8 in square drive that takes sockets directly for nuts and bolts. The table below uses figures from our spec sheet.
If you are still choosing a tool to pair with it, our best drill page is a good place to start. Compare any attachment against the speed and torque your drill can deliver.
| Attachment | Length | Head or speed data | Drive | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEWALT FLEXTORQ DWAMRAFT | 9.2 in | 1.5 in head, impact ready | 1/4 in hex bits | General screw driving with a drill or impact driver |
| Titan 16189 | 5.5 in | 1.5 in head, 3000 RPM max | 1/4 in hex bit holder | Confined spaces with a drill |
| AUTOTOOLHOME 00069 | 2.36 in | 400 RPM max | 1/4 in hex bit holder | Light work in very small gaps |
| DEWALT FLEXTORQ DWAMRA38FT | 9.3 in | 1.5 in head, impact ready | 3/8 in square | Nuts and bolts with sockets |
Safety before you pull the trigger
Wear eye protection whenever you drive fasteners, because bits can slip and chips can fly. If you use an impact driver, wear hearing protection too, since impact tools are loud.
Hold the attachment body firmly. A drill's torque tries to twist the attachment around the bit, and a free-spinning body can hit your hand. Keep fingers clear of the head and any rotating shaft.
Before driving into a wall, cabinet back or floor, check for hidden wires and pipes. Switch off power at the panel if you suspect a cable is close. If you are on a ladder or reaching overhead, set your footing first and keep both hands steady.
Fix common problems
If the bit keeps falling out, check that it is seated fully and that the magnet is clean. If the attachment body spins, brace the handle or flange against a solid surface and start slower. If the screw wobbles, reseat the screw square on the bit.
If the attachment gets warm or the drill bogs down, stop and let it rest. Small adapters can list low speed limits, and heavy fasteners may ask for more than they are built for. For larger screws, step up to a sturdier attachment or consider a dedicated tool. Our best right angle drill page covers full tools for the jobs an attachment cannot handle.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a right angle attachment in a hammer drill?
Turn the hammer function off. Hammering shock is hard on small gears and can damage an attachment. Use plain drilling or driving mode at low speed, and check the listing for what the attachment is rated to handle.
Why does my right angle attachment spin in my hand?
The drill torque twists the body when nothing holds it still. Hold the handle with your free hand or brace it against a solid surface, and start at low speed.
Should I use it for drilling holes or only driving screws?
Many are suited to driving screws and light drilling. Check the maximum speed on the listing, keep the drill below it, and use short bits so the head fits the gap.
How do I change bits in the head?
Disconnect the battery first. Pull or eject the bit from the magnetic holder, then push the new bit in until it holds. Some models offer quick bit ejection.