Right-Angle Drill vs. Regular Drill/Driver: Do You Need One?
A regular drill/driver is shaped like a pistol, so the chuck sits several inches in front of your hand. In a cabinet, between wall studs or between floor joists, there often isn't room for that. A right-angle drill turns the chuck 90 degrees so the head stays short. To compare real numbers, we read Milwaukee's own pages tonight for its M12 right-angle drill/driver kit and its standard-shape M12 subcompact drill/driver kit, which run on the same batteries. We haven't tested either one hands-on, so there are no ratings here.
| Kit | Maker-listed specs | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee M12 3/8" Right Angle Drill/Driver Kit (2415-21) | 12V; brushed motor; 3/8" single-sleeve chuck; 100 in-lbs max torque; 0-800 RPM; 1 speed; 11 clutch settings; 3-3/4" head length; 11" long; 2.03 lb without battery; in the box: the tool, one M12 CP1.5 battery and an M12 charger; 5-year limited warranty | Check current price |
| Milwaukee M12 Subcompact Brushless 3/8" Drill/Driver Kit (3401-22) | 12V; brushless motor; 3/8" all-metal chuck; 350 in-lbs max torque; 0-1,550 RPM; 2 speeds; 12 clutch settings; 7.6" tall, 5.4" long; 1.58 lb without battery; in the box: the tool, two M12 batteries, a charger and a contractor bag; 5-year limited warranty | Check current price |
What the numbers tell you
The right-angle drill gives up a lot of power to get its shape. Milwaukee lists it at 100 in-lbs and 800 RPM, against 350 in-lbs and 1,550 RPM for the regular drill/driver, and it has one speed instead of two. It also uses a brushed motor (see brushed vs. brushless). What you get in return is a head only 3-3/4" from end to end, so it fits where a standard drill's length won't. It's longer overall, at 11", which is why it reaches into a cabinet or stud bay well but is a bit clumsier for everyday use.
The kits also differ in what comes in the box. The right-angle kit lists one battery, and the regular kit lists two. Since both are M12, batteries and chargers work across both tools.
Which one to buy
Get the regular drill/driver first. It's stronger, faster, lighter and handles nearly every job around a house: pilot holes, shelves, curtain rods, furniture and hardware. For most first-time homeowners it's the only drill they need.
Add a right-angle drill later only if you keep hitting jobs where a normal drill can't fit, like screws inside cabinets, plumbing or wiring holes between studs, or work under sinks. If you already own M12 batteries, the tool-only version can be cheaper than another kit (see bare tool vs. kit). For heavy drilling through framing lumber, a 100 in-lb tool is on the light side, so check that the size of hole you need fits its listed torque.
See also best drill for homeowners, cordless screwdriver vs. drill/driver and 12V vs. 18V/20V.
Sources: https://www.milwaukeetool.com/products/details/m12-cordless-lithium-ion-3-8-right-angle-drill-driver-kit/2415-21, https://www.milwaukeetool.com/products/details/m12-subcompact-brushless-3-8-drill-driver-kit/3401-22. Specs and box contents checked on the manufacturer pages on Oct 30, 2026.