What drill is used for tight spaces?

When working in tight or confined spaces, choosing the right drill is crucial for efficiently completing the job. The limitations of the space mean you need a compact and maneuverable drill that can fit into small areas and allow you to drill holes at awkward angles. Here we will look at the key factors to consider when selecting a drill for tight spaces and review some of the top options on the market.

Key Considerations for a Tight Space Drill

Here are some of the most important features to look for when shopping for a drill for tight space applications:

• Compact size – You need a drill small enough to fit into cramped areas and maneuver around obstacles and walls. Look for minimal protruding parts like short chucks.
• Brushed motor – Brushed motors are typically smaller but just as powerful as brushless motors. They also provide better low-end torque for driving screws.
• Pistol grip design – A pistol grip handle allows you to hold and control the drill in confined spaces. D-handle designs take up more room.
• 1/4″ chuck size – A chuck designed for smaller 1/4″ shank drill bits and fasteners is ideal for tight space drilling.
• Variable speed settings – Adjustable speed gives you control over torque and RPMs for different materials and tasks.
• Cordless power – Cordless drills eliminate tripping hazards and give you freedom to maneuver in tight spots.
• Angled design – A drill with the motor housing set at an angle can access hard to reach spaces and drill at odd angles.
• LED light – An LED to illuminate your workspace is extremely helpful when visibility is limited.

Best Cordless Drill for Tight Spaces

For the best all-around tight space drilling performance, a 12V cordless drill is tough to beat. Here are our top cordless drill picks:

Milwaukee 12V Cordless Drill/Driver

With its compact and lightweight design, the Milwaukee 12V drill is engineered specifically for tight access applications. It has a brushed motor and 1/4″ hex chuck to drive small fasteners in tight spaces. The adjustable handle provides control and the onboard LED light aids visibility.

Bosch 12V Max Brushless Drill/Driver

This Bosch 12V drill matches power with portability. Its brushless motor gives it strength while the short head length allows it to fit into confined areas. Weighing only 1.8 lbs, it won’t fatigue your hands in overhead tasks.

DEWALT 12V Max Brushless Drill

DEWALT’s 12V MAX Brushless drill provides the best of both worlds – the compact size of 12V with the superior power of brushless. It’s tough enough to drill through wood and metal in tight quarters. Weighing 2 lbs, it strikes a good balance between power and ergonomics.

Best Right Angle Drills for Tight Spaces

When you need to drill at awkward angles in cramped areas, a right angle drill (also called a 90-degree angle drill) is the ideal tool. Here are top right angle drills for tight spaces:

Milwaukee Right Angle Drill

With its 8 amp motor, this Milwaukee delivers relentless power in a compact right angle design. The 1/2″ chuck accepts large bit sizes. The variable speed trigger gives you control, while the 7 ft cord provides reach.

DEWALT Right Angle Drill

This 7 amp DEWALT right angle drill provides ample power in tight quarters thanks to its corded design. It has a 1/2″ ratcheting chuck for big bits and side handle for stability. At just 5 lbs, it’s very maneuverable.

Makita Compact Right Angle Drill

Makita’s right angle drill measures just 7-3/4″ front to back for access in the tightest spaces. Despite its small size, it churns out 600 in-lbs of torque. The soft start feature prevents twisting if the bit binds up.

Best Drywall Screwguns for Tight Spaces

For driving screws to hang drywall in cramped areas like closets and attics, a specialty drywall screwgun gets the job done with speed and ease. Here are top choices:

DEWALT Drywall Screwgun

With its compact, lightweight design, the DEWALT drywall screwgun excels for overhead use and in tight spaces. It has a powerful motor with adjustable RPM control. The quick-release 1/4″ hex chuck makes bit changes fast and easy when space is limited.

Makita Drywall Screwgun

At just 3.2 lbs, Makita’s drywall screwgun lets you sink screws for hours without hand fatigue. The rubberized grip provides excellent control for precision placement of screws in tight areas. Depth adjustment helps avoid punch-through.

Milwaukee Drywall Screwgun

Part of Milwaukee’s compact INSTINCT line, this drywall screwgun provides incredible access. It drives fasteners quickly thanks to the powerful 7 amp motor. The built-in collated bit holder keeps screws handy.

Best Impact Drivers for Tight Quarters

For running screws in a hurry or broken bolts that require extra torque, an impact driver is ideal. Here are the top impact drivers for tight spaces:

Bosch 12V Max Impact Driver

The Bosch 12V impact driver allows you to exert extreme torque in tiny gaps where a standard drill can’t cut it. It drives stubborn and corroded fasteners thanks to 1,500 in-lbs max torque. Weighing only 2 lbs, it won’t wear out your hand muscles.

Makita 12V Max Impact Driver

Makita’s 12V Max CXT brushless impact driver measures only 5.1″ front to back yet cranks out a whopping 1,040 in-lbs of torque. It makes light work of stubborn screws and overtightened bolts thanks to the compact but mighty design.

Ryobi 12V One+ Impact Driver

As part of Ryobi’s One+ battery system, this 12V impact driver is ideal for tight space jobs. It drives large fasteners and eliminates kickback and stripping. The grippy handle and LED light are perfect for dark, cramped areas.

Best Budget Drill for Tight Spaces

You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a capable drill for tight spaces. Here are top affordable options under $50:

BLACK+DECKER 3.6V Cordless Screwdriver

For less than $30, BLACK+DECKER’s 3.6V screwdriver has plenty of torque for tight space fastening tasks. It has a centered handle grip and bright white LED for illuminating your work. The tip is magnetic to prevent dropped screws.

Pink Power Mini Electric Drill

This mini electric drill by Pink Power delivers ample drilling and driving power in an incredibly compact 6″ design. The 2.4 amp motor provides all the muscle you need for tight spots. It even includes 30 driver bits and drill bits.

Neiko 1/4-Inch Hex Shank Drill

Neiko’s 1/4″ hex shank drill has both forward and reverse modes for incredible versatility. At under $30, it’s engineered for drilling in blind areas. The integrated LED light and built-in bit storage are handy features.

Conclusion

Drilling and driving in tight spaces presents unique challenges. But with the right drill, you can work efficiently even in the most cramped areas. The key is finding a tool compact and powerful enough to fit and operate in confined areas.

For tight space versatility, a 12V cordless drill is the best overall choice. When drilling at odd overhead angles, a right angle drill is extremely useful. To sink screws rapidly when framing walls and ceilings, a specialty drywall screwgun is the ideal tight quarters fastening tool. And for stubborn screws and bolts, nothing beats the brute strength of a 12V impact driver.

While you’ll pay more for the leading Milwaukee, DEWALT, Makita and Bosch models, you can also find very capable budget-friendly options under $50. The most important thing is choosing a drill optimized for maneuverability with features like a compact head design, small chuck size, pistol grip handle, and bright built-in LED light.

With the right drill designed for tight space use, you’ll gain the confidence to take on drilling and driving tasks even in the most cramped, confined areas. So don’t shy away from those tough DIY projects just because the space is limited. Pick a tool from our list designed specifically for tight access, and you’ll get the job done right.

Drill Type	Price Range	Ideal For
12V Cordless Drill	$100 – $200	Most tight space drilling/driving needs
Right Angle Drill	$100 – $250	Drilling at odd overhead angles
Drywall Screwgun	$100 – $300	Driving drywall screws in ceilings/walls
12V Impact Driver	$100 – $300	High torque fastening and breaking loose stuck bolts
Budget Drill Under $50	Under $50	Occasional DIY tight space tasks

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