I finally switched from a regular drill to a right-angle drill for tight spots

I was trying to run some 12/2 through a packed header in an old Philly rowhouse last week. The right-angle drill got the hole done in maybe 30 seconds, where my regular drill just couldn't fit and I was about to start cutting drywall. Anyone else have a go-to tool for impossible spaces?

4 comments

4 Comments

phoenix_bailey27d ago

Grab a right angle attachment for your impact driver next. Turns it into a mini powerhouse for driving screws in those same cramped spots. The low profile head and extra torque make a huge difference. Saves you from buying a whole new tool if you already have an impact.

the_rowan18d ago

I've used those right angle adapters before. They add like four inches of length and the joint gets sloppy fast under real load. For a couple of drywall screws in a tight spot, sure. But for driving lags into an old header? That's asking for a stripped head or a broken adapter. Just seems like a workaround that creates more problems.

ruby31027d ago

Oh nice, does that attachment ever slip or feel loose when you're really cranking on it?

taraross27d agoTop Commenter

Man, I feel that so hard. Those old row house headers are no joke, it's like they packed them with solid rock. Right angle drill is a total game changer for that stuff. I gotta look into that impact driver attachment @phoenix_bailey mentioned, because my wrists are shot from trying to drive screws in corners. Makes a brutal job just a normal kind of annoying one.