Angle Attachments

About Angle Attachments

Angle attachments are versatile power tool accessories that transform standard drills, drivers and impact drivers into right-angle tools, enabling work in confined spaces where conventional straight-line operation proves impossible. These ingenious devices solve a common problem faced by tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts: accessing tight corners, cramped cupboards, spaces between joists, and awkward positions behind fixtures. From installing electrical back boxes in restricted spaces to drilling through floor joists beneath baths, angle attachments extend the capabilities of existing power tools without requiring investment in dedicated right-angle drills.

The range at Tooled-Up.com encompasses several distinct attachment types, each designed for specific applications. Right-angle drill chuck adaptors accept standard drill bits for making holes at 90 degrees, whilst offset screwdriver attachments excel at driving screws and fasteners in restricted areas. Specialised SDS Plus angle adaptors enable rotary drilling with hammer drills in confined masonry applications, available in different collar sizes (typically 43mm or 50mm) to suit various tool models. Leading manufacturers including Bosch Professional, Milwaukee, Festool, Irwin and Trend have developed attachments with robust all-metal gearboxes, quick-change chucks, and ergonomic designs that maintain torque transfer whilst working at perpendicular angles.

Whether you're a carpenter working on timber framing, an electrician routing cables in tight spaces, or a kitchen fitter installing fixings behind appliances, angle attachments provide cost-effective solutions for occasional right-angle work. Available for both 240v corded and cordless power tools, these attachments typically feature standard hex shanks (usually 1/4-inch or 10mm) or proprietary connection systems like Bosch's FlexiClick that integrate seamlessly with your existing tool collection. Impact-rated models from Milwaukee Shockwave and Irwin withstand the percussive forces of impact drivers, whilst standard attachments suit conventional drills for drilling and driving applications.

Jargon Buster

• Right-Angle Attachment – An accessory converting the inline drive of a standard drill or driver to a 90-degree angle, allowing perpendicular drilling or driving positions. Essential for confined spaces where standard tools won't fit.
• Offset Attachment – A type of angle attachment where the drive mechanism is offset from the tool's centreline, providing additional clearance for your hand and tool body when working extremely close to walls or obstructions. Particularly useful for cabinet work and close-to-wall installations.
• SDS Plus Angle Adaptor – A specialised attachment for SDS Plus hammer drills, featuring a collar mechanism accepting the SDS shank whilst converting drive direction to 90 degrees. Available in different collar diameters (43mm or 50mm) to suit various applications.
• FlexiClick System – Bosch Professional's proprietary modular attachment system allowing quick interchange between different drill and driver heads, including angle attachments, without tools.
• Impact-Rated Attachment – An angle attachment specifically engineered to withstand the high-torque, percussive action of impact drivers. Features reinforced components and shock-absorbing materials preventing premature wear under demanding conditions.
• Chuck Capacity – The maximum drill bit or driver bit diameter that can be securely held in the attachment's chuck, typically ranging from 6mm to 13mm for standard models.

Who Uses Angle Attachments?

• Carpenters and Joiners – drilling between joists, fixing in tight corners, and working on timber framing projects
• Electricians (Sparkies) – installing back boxes, drilling for cable runs in confined spaces, and working within electrical enclosures
• Plumbers – drilling through floor joists, working beneath baths and basins, and accessing pipework in restricted areas
• Kitchen and Bathroom Fitters – installing fixings behind appliances, working inside cabinets, and drilling in tight spaces between units
• HVAC Engineers – installing ductwork fixings and accessing confined mechanical spaces
• General Builders – tackling awkward drilling and driving tasks across various site applications
• Maintenance Engineers – accessing machinery fixings and working in equipment housings
• Shopfitters – installing displays and fixtures in tight retail spaces
• DIY Enthusiasts – home improvement projects involving awkward spaces without investing in specialist dedicated tools

How to Choose the Right Angle Attachments

Drive Type Compatibility: Ensure the attachment matches your power tool's drive system. Standard hex shank attachments (typically 1/4-inch or 10mm hex) fit most drills and impact drivers, whilst SDS Plus angle adaptors require compatible hammer drills. Bosch Professional offers FlexiClick systems for their specific tool ranges, providing tool-free attachment changes.

Application Requirements: Consider whether you need drilling capability, screwdriving functionality, or both. Right-angle drill chuck adaptors accept standard drill bits for making holes, whilst offset screwdriver attachments are optimised for driving screws and fasteners. Some versatile models accommodate both bit types through quick-change chucks.

Collar Size for SDS Attachments: When working with SDS Plus angle adaptors from brands like Bosch, Festool or Sealey, choose the appropriate collar diameter (typically 43mm or 50mm) based on your drilling application and the clearance available in your working environment. Check your hammer drill's specifications before purchasing.

Torque Requirements: For impact driver applications, select impact-rated attachments with reinforced construction. Tooled-Up stocks Milwaukee Shockwave and Irwin impact-rated models specifically designed to handle percussive forces without damage or premature wear.

Working Space Constraints: Evaluate the profile of different attachments – stubby models like the Irwin Impact Stubby provide maximum access in extremely confined spaces, whilst longer attachments offer better reach and visibility. Offset designs such as the Bosch GEA FC2 or Milwaukee OSD2 provide additional hand clearance when working close to walls or obstructions.

Build Quality: Professional-grade attachments from Bosch Professional, Milwaukee, Festool and Trend feature all-metal gearboxes maintaining accuracy and durability under regular trade use. Budget attachments may suffice for occasional DIY tasks but can wear quickly under professional site conditions.

Chuck Capacity: Ensure the attachment's chuck accepts the bit sizes you commonly use. Standard capacities range from 8mm to 13mm, with keyless chucks offering convenient bit changes on site without additional tools.

Popular Accessories

• Drill Bit Sets – HSS, brad point and masonry bits in sizes compatible with your angle attachment's chuck capacity
• Screwdriver Bit Sets – PZ, PH, Torx and hex driver bits for various fastener types and applications
• Impact-Rated Driver Bits – reinforced bits designed for use with impact-rated angle attachments from Milwaukee or Irwin
• Magnetic Bit Holders – extending reach and providing secure bit retention during angled work
• Depth Stops – controlling drilling depth when working in confined spaces where visibility is limited
• Quick-Change Chucks – enabling rapid bit changes without removing the angle attachment from your drill
• Extension Bars – providing additional reach in deep or recessed applications
• Belt Clips and Holders – keeping compact angle attachments accessible on your tool belt during site work
• Replacement Chucks – maintaining long-term functionality of your angle attachments

Safety Information

Stability and Control: Angle attachments alter your tool's balance and centre of gravity. Maintain a firm two-handed grip where possible and ensure secure footing when working in awkward positions. The offset torque can cause unexpected tool movement, particularly when drilling through materials or when bits bind.

Speed and Torque Settings: Use lower speed settings than you would for conventional drilling, as the gearing in angle attachments can amplify torque. Start slowly to establish your hole or pilot your fastener before increasing speed. Excessive speed can cause overheating of the attachment's internal components and premature wear.

PPE Requirements: Always wear appropriate eye protection, as debris and swarf are more likely to ricochet unpredictably when drilling at right angles in confined spaces. Work gloves provide additional protection when operating in tight areas with sharp edges or rough materials.

Inspection Before Use: Check that the angle attachment is securely fitted to your power tool before operation. Inspect the chuck or bit holder for wear, and ensure bits are properly seated and tightened. Loose components can detach during use, creating hazardous situations in confined working areas.

Heat Build-Up: Angle attachments can generate considerable heat during extended use due to their gearing mechanisms. Allow cooling periods during intensive applications, and avoid touching metal components immediately after sustained operation. Following HSE guidance on tool maintenance includes allowing adequate cooling time between uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an angle attachment with my impact driver?
Yes, but ensure you select an impact-rated angle attachment specifically designed to withstand the percussive forces. Standard drill attachments may fail prematurely under impact driver torque. Milwaukee Shockwave and Irwin produce impact-rated models engineered specifically for impact driver applications with reinforced components.

Will an angle attachment reduce my drill's power?
Angle attachments do introduce some power loss through their gearing mechanism, typically reducing available torque by 10-30% depending on the design. However, quality attachments from Bosch Professional, Festool and Milwaukee minimise this loss through efficient gear trains and robust construction. The trade-off is worthwhile for accessing spaces where conventional drilling is impossible.

What's the difference between right-angle and offset attachments?
Right-angle attachments turn the drive 90 degrees but maintain a straight profile from the tool body. Offset attachments like the Milwaukee OSD2 or Bosch GEA FC2 position the chuck or driver to one side, providing additional clearance for your hand and the tool body when working extremely close to walls, floors or other obstructions. Offset designs are ideal for close-quarters cabinet and electrical work.

Are SDS Plus angle adaptors suitable for hammer drilling?
Most SDS Plus angle adaptors are designed primarily for rotary drilling rather than hammer action, as the perpendicular gearing doesn't efficiently transfer the percussive force. Always check the manufacturer's specifications – models like the Bosch 43mm and 50mm collar adaptors typically state "rotation only" whilst others may permit light hammer drilling in softer masonry. For heavy-duty hammer drilling at angles, a dedicated SDS right-angle drill is recommended.

How do I maintain my angle attachment for longevity?
Regular maintenance includes cleaning debris from the chuck and gearing mechanism after use, particularly when drilling masonry or working in dusty site conditions. Periodically lubricate moving parts according to the manufacturer's instructions – typically a light machine oil on the chuck mechanism. Store in a dry location, and inspect gears for wear if you notice increased play or noise during operation. Quality attachments from professional brands should provide years of service with proper care.