A Makita Right-Angle Drill Review – Tested by Bob Vila

If you’ve ever tried to drill a hole between joists with a regular drill, you know the feeling:
the bit is at the perfect angle… right up until the chuck kisses the stud and everything stops.
That’s exactly the kind of nonsense a right-angle drill is built to solve, and Makita’s
XAD05T 18V right-angle drill is one of the standouts that earned top marks in Bob Vila’s hands-on testing.

In this in-depth review, we’ll walk through how the Makita right-angle drill performed in
real-world scenarios, what its specs actually mean on the job, and whether it deserves a
spot in your tool arsenalwhether you’re a pro electrician, a plumber, or just a DIYer
who’s tired of wrestling drills into too-tight corners.

Overview: The Makita XAD05T Right-Angle Drill at a Glance

The model tested by the BobVila.com team is the
Makita XAD05T 18V LXT right-angle drill, a cordless tool designed
specifically for work in tight spaces like between studs, inside cabinets, and above
ceiling joists.

• Brand: Makita
• Type: 18V cordless right-angle drill
• Motor: Brushless
• Max speed: Up to 1,400 rpm (variable speed trigger)
• Weight: About 7.6 pounds with the battery installed
• Chuck: 1/2-inch
• Kit version: Typically includes the drill, two 5.0Ah batteries, charger, and hard case

It’s not meant to replace your everyday drill/driver. Instead, think of it as a
specialist: the pinch-hitter that comes off the bench whenever a regular drill
simply won’t fit.

Design and Build Quality: Makita’s Right-Angle Advantage

The first thing you notice about the XAD05T is the long, narrow body and compact
right-angle head. That head lets you slot the tool between studs, behind cabinets,
or next to ductwork where a conventional drill would just slam into framing. Bob Vila’s
tester used it for drilling through studs and joists and found that the right-angle design
really is a game changer in cramped spaces.

The overall construction feels typically “Makita”:

• A robust plastic and metal housing engineered to handle jobsite bumps.
• A brushless motor that reduces wear and tear and helps with both run time and longevity.
• Grippy, rubberized overmold that keeps the drill from slipping when your hands are dusty or sweaty.

While the XAD05T is a single-battery 18V right-angle drill, Makita also makes heavier-duty
right-angle options like the XAD03Z/XAD03PT 36V (18V X2) LXT, which uses
two 18V batteries and can drill large holes (up to about 6-1/4 inches with a hole saw) and
as many as 160 2-9/16-inch holes in 2x SPF per charge.
Those 36V models are more “framing beast” than “tight-cabinet specialist,” but they’re worth
knowing about if you routinely drill oversized holes.

Specs and Performance in the Real World

Speed and Power

On paper, a top speed of around 1,400 rpm doesn’t sound outrageous when you compare it to
high-end hammer drills that push past 2,000 rpm. But remember: a right-angle drill is
about control and torque in tight spaces, not just raw speed.

In Bob Vila’s testing, the XAD05T drove various drill, auger, and hole bits through studs
and joists without bogging down in typical residential tasks like:

• Drilling holes for electrical wiring.
• Boring through framing for plumbing runs.
• Reaching behind and inside cabinetry to add fasteners or run cable.

For very large-diameter bits or continuous heavy-duty boring, a higher-torque 36V or corded
right-angle model (like Makita’s DA4031 heavy-duty angle drill) is still the better match,
but for most residential remodelling and finish work, the XAD05T hits a sweet spot between
power and manageability.

Battery Life and Runtime

One of the advantages of a brushless motor is that it helps squeeze more runtime out of each
charge. In testing, the XAD05T ran for well over an hour of near-continuous drilling without
noticeable battery sag, and the reviewer never needed to swap batteries during typical
jobsite use.

While Makita doesn’t publish an exact “holes per charge” figure for this specific model,
its bigger sibling (the XAD03) can drill up to 160 2-9/16-inch holes in 2x SPF on a pair
of 5.0Ah batteries, giving you a ballpark sense of how efficient Makita’s right-angle
brushless platform can be.

Ease of Use and Ergonomics

With the battery installed, the XAD05T lands around 7.6 pounds. That’s not featherweight,
but it’s very manageableespecially when you’re bracing the tool with two hands, as you
should when drilling through structural lumber.

In testing, several usability details stood out:

• Ergonomic grip: The handle angle and rubber overmold make it easy to keep
  a secure hold even when you’re half-crouched on a ladder, leaning into a joist bay.
• Excellent LED work light: Reviewers called out the LED as far brighter
  and more useful than the “token” lights some tools includeespecially handy at the back
  of cabinets or between studs.
• Soft start and variable-speed trigger: The drill spools up smoothly,
  which helps prevent the bit from grabbing or walking before it bites into the wood.
• Tool hook and attachment port: A built-in hook lets pros hang the drill
  from rafters or joists, and there’s a port for an optional side handle if you want
  extra leverage.

The only catch is that one-handed operation can feel slightly awkward at first; there’s
enough torque that you’ll naturally want to stabilize the tool with your other hand. That’s
really a good thingit nudges you toward safer technique.

Where the Makita Right-Angle Drill Shines

Electrical and Plumbing Rough-In

Right-angle drills are beloved by electricians and plumbers, and the Makita is clearly
optimized for them. Rough-in often means drilling dozens of holes through studs and joists
without a lot of clearance. The compact head lets you:

• Slip into stud bays without removing extra material.
• Drill perpendicular holes where a straight drill would hit framing before reaching depth.
• Angle the bit around pipes, ducts, or existing wires.

When BobVila.com tested a lineup of right-angle drills, the Makita XAD05T rose to the top
specifically for this kind of tight-quarters drilling, combining precision, control, and
enough power for typical hole sizes.

Cabinetry, Built-Ins, and Finish Work

Cabinet installers and finish carpenters also get a lot of value from a right-angle drill.
Driving screws in the back corners of cabinets, inside pantry boxes, or behind face frames
is so much easier when the drill body doesn’t stick straight out.

The Makita’s bright LED and right-angle profile make it ideal for:

• Adding extra screws to sagging cabinet boxes.
• Driving hardware inside awkward built-ins and closet systems.
• Working under staircases or inside low-clearance storage areas.

DIY Home Projects in Tight Spaces

You don’t have to be a pro to appreciate it. Typical DIY scenarios where this drill feels
like a cheat code include:

• Running low-voltage wiring through existing walls.
• Adding outlets in finished basements or crawlspaces.
• Working around existing mechanical systems during renovations.

If you’ve ever tried to drill a hole under a stair landing with a standard drill and ended
up lying sideways on the floor, contorted like a pretzel, the Makita right-angle drill
feels like a very small miracle.

Pros and Cons

What the Makita XAD05T Does Really Well

• Excellent for tight spaces: The right-angle design and slim profile
  make it far more capable in cramped areas than a standard drill.
• Strong performance for its class: Up to 1,400 rpm and a brushless motor
  give it more than enough power for most residential drilling and driving tasks.
• High-quality build: Makita’s LXT line has a solid reputation, and the
  XAD05T feels like a professional-grade tool built to last.
• Great runtime with 5.0Ah batteries: The kit’s large-capacity batteries
  and efficient brushless motor offer long stretches of work time between charges.
• Thoughtful user-friendly touches: An LED work light, stable ergonomics,
  and a tool hook all add real-world convenience.

Where It Falls Short

• Price: At roughly $500–$600 for the kit at many major retailers, it’s
  not an impulse buy if you only drill the occasional hole.
• Not a “do-everything” drill: For heavy torque applications or very
  large-diameter holes in framing, a beefier 36V or corded angle drill still wins.
• Slightly heavy for some users: Around 7.6 pounds can feel borderline
  heavy if you’re holding it overhead for long periods, especially for smaller users.

Who Should Buy the Makita Right-Angle Drill?

The big question: Is this tool for you, or is it just “cool but overkill”?

Best For

• Electricians and plumbers who drill holes through framing all day long.
• Remodeling contractors who constantly work in finished spaces and can’t
  just “open the wall more” to fit a standard drill.
• Cabinet installers and finish carpenters who need clean, controlled
  drilling and fastening inside tight cabinet boxes and built-ins.
• Serious DIYers who already own a standard drill/driver and want a
  dedicated tool for awkward drilling tasks.

Probably Not Necessary For

• Homeowners who just need to hang pictures, assemble furniture, and occasionally drill
  a hole in a 2x4those users will be better served by a standard compact drill/driver.
• Folks on a tight budget who won’t regularly take advantage of the right-angle capability.

If you look at it as a primary drill, the price is hard to justify. But if you
view it as a specialty tool that saves time, frustration, and rework on every tight-space
job, it becomes much easier to see the valueespecially for pros who bill by the hour.

Makita vs Other Right-Angle Drills

In comparison tests and roundups of right-angle drills, Makita’s models consistently
show up near the top of the list thanks to their build quality and refined ergonomics.

• Versus other cordless right-angle drills: The XAD05T stands out for its
  high-quality feel, bright LED, and balanced design, though some competitors may offer
  cheaper kits or slightly lighter tools.
• Versus heavy-duty corded right-angle drills: Makita’s DA4031 and similar
  models deliver raw torque and huge hole capacities but are heavier and tied to an outlet;
  the XAD05T trades some of that brute force for cordless convenience and mobility.

Final Verdict: Is the Makita Right-Angle Drill Worth It?

The Makita XAD05T right-angle drill is exactly what it claims to be: a high-quality,
pro-grade solution to the permanent headache of drilling and fastening in tight spaces.
It’s not the most affordable option on the market and it’s not built to be your “one drill
to rule them all,” but in the niche it serves, it performs exceptionally well.

If you make a living drilling holes through framing, installing cabinets, or fishing wires
through cramped cavities, this drill can pay for itself in time savings and reduced
frustration. If you’re a casual DIYer, it’s more of a luxury splurgecool to own, but not
essential.

Put simply: if tight spaces are your daily enemy, the Makita right-angle drill is the kind
of ally you want on your side.

Real-World Experiences with the Makita Right-Angle Drill

Tools always look great on spec sheets, but the real story shows up in drywall dust and
sawdust. Here are some experience-based insights inspired by the kind of field testing
done by BobVila.com and other reviewers, plus the way tradespeople actually use these
drills every day.

1. The First Time You Use It in a Stud Bay

Imagine you’re finishing a basement and you need to run a new circuit across three bays of
studs. With a standard drill, you’re angling the bit, backing up, readjusting, and hoping
the hole ends up somewhere close to level. With the Makita right-angle drill, you slide the
head into the bay, line it up, squeeze the trigger, and the bit goes exactly where you want.

The first time you do that, you can almost feel your shoulders relax. You don’t have to
fight the drill for positionits shape and balance do most of the work. You start planning
wiring runs around where the drill fits best instead of where your frustration is lowest.

2. Working Overhead Without Hating Life

Overhead work is where tool weight really shows. Holding 7.6 pounds of drill over your head
for a full day is no one’s idea of fun, but there’s a meaningful difference between
wrestling a bulky, front-heavy drill and using a well-balanced right-angle tool.

With the XAD05T, you can keep your elbows closer to your body and brace the drill against
the joist or stud more naturally. That doesn’t magically erase fatigue, but it does spread
the effort more evenly, making long days of overhead drilling less punishing.

3. The LED You Didn’t Know You Needed

Many people underestimate how much a good work light changes the experience of using a
drill. The LED on this Makita is bright enough that reviewers repeatedly mentioned it as a
standout feature. When you’re inside a dark cabinet or working behind a sink, that extra
visibility can be the difference between a clean, centered hole and a “we’ll just hide that
under a washer” situation.

Once you get used to seeing your exact bit placement in cramped, shadowy spaces, you’ll
never want to go back to guessing by feel.

4. Respecting the Torque

Even though the XAD05T isn’t the most powerful right-angle drill in Makita’s lineup, it
still has enough torque to twist your wrist if a big bit binds suddenly. That’s why
tradespeople are so fond of two-handed operation and, on some larger models, a torque
limiter that disengages the drive when a bit jams.

The experience-based tip here is simple: let the drill do the work. Use sharp bits, don’t
lean your entire body weight into the tool, and ease off the trigger if you feel it start
to bog down. Your wrists will thank you.

5. Owning the Right Tool for the Right Moment

One of the most satisfying parts of owning a Makita right-angle drill is the moment you
realize you no longer have to improvise sketchy solutions. No more using stubby bits while
the chuck rubs against drywall, no more holding a standard drill sideways and praying it
doesn’t slip, no more “good enough” holes that don’t line up with anything.

Over time, that shows up in cleaner work, fewer callbacks, and a calmer workday. Pro users
often talk about how quality tools don’t just save timethey also reduce mental friction.
You’re not constantly solving the same “this drill doesn’t fit” problem; you solve it once
by owning the right tool.

And that’s really the Makita XAD05T’s biggest real-world selling point: it lets you focus
on the job, not the gymnastics.

SEO JSON TAGS