RYOBI ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Cordless Compact 3/8 in. Right A

The Verdict

If you’ve ever contorted yourself under a sink, squeezed between wall studs, or tried to drill straight into a cabinet carcass, you know the pain a right-angle drill solves. The RYOBI ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Compact 3/8-inch Right Angle Drill (model PCL305B) is purpose-built for those awkward, tight-quarter moments where a standard drill simply won’t fit.

What’s in the box

This is a bare tool — no battery, no charger, no case. You get the drill itself, a 3/8-inch keyless chuck, and the documented manual. RYOBI assumes you’re already in the ONE+ ecosystem, and with over 300 tools sharing the same battery platform, that’s a fair bet. If you’re starting from scratch, factor in the cost of a battery and charger before you commit.

Build quality and real-world performance

The headline feature here is the head height. RYOBI engineered this compact right-angle drill to fit in spaces a standard drill can’t touch. The offset head measures roughly 3.5 inches from the chuck centerline to the back of the gear case — that’s significantly slimmer than most right-angle attachments that bolt onto a standard drill. As the product image shows, the compact form factor is the entire point.

The brushless HP motor is the real story. I’ve seen right-angle drills that wheeze under load, but this one punches above its size. It’ll drive 1-inch spade bits through pine studs without slowing to a crawl, and it handles 3/8-inch twists in steel plate with patience. The 3/8-inch chuck is a limitation for larger bits — you’re not putting a 1/2-inch shank in here — but for the tight spaces this tool targets, that’s rarely a problem.

The variable speed trigger gives you solid control from a crawl to full speed. One caveat: it’s a linear trigger, not a paddle switch, so feathering precise pilot holes takes some practice. Users with larger hands will find the grip a bit short, especially with work gloves on.

What buyers consistently praise

The 4.7-star rating across 235 reviews reflects genuine satisfaction. One reviewer noted, “I installed a whole bathroom vent fan from inside the attic without ever having to crawl into the joist space.” Another mentioned using it for “tight cabinet hinge screws and drawer slides where my impact driver just couldn’t get square.” The recurring theme is access — this tool reaches places that would otherwise require removing fixtures or calling in a professional.

Where it falls short

Let’s be honest about the tradeoffs. There’s no belt hook or onboard bit storage, so you’ll need a separate solution for keeping bits within reach. The grip length is genuinely short — if you wear XL gloves, you’ll find your pinky hanging off the end during extended overhead work. And while the brushless motor is efficient, this is still a compact tool; it won’t replace your full-size drill for heavy framing work. It’s a specialist tool for specific scenarios, not a daily driver.

Who should buy this

This is for three specific buyers: the DIYer doing kitchen or bathroom remodels, the electrician or plumber working in finished spaces, and the furniture assembler who’s tired of stripping screws at awkward angles. If you’re already invested in RYOBI ONE+ batteries, this is a no-brainer addition to your kit. If you’re not in the ecosystem, weigh the total cost carefully.

FAQ

Q: Will this fit between 16-inch on-center studs? A: Yes, easily. The head height is under 4 inches, so you’ll have room to spare even with drywall on one side and electrical cables running through.

Q: Does it come with a battery? A: This is the bare tool version. You’ll need a RYOBI ONE+ 18V battery and charger, which you likely already own if you’re in the ecosystem.

Q: Can it handle a 1/2-inch drill bit? A: No — the chuck is 3/8-inch. For larger holes, you’ll need a different tool or a right-angle attachment on a standard drill.

The verdict: 4.6/5

Buy it if: You work in tight spaces regularly, already own RYOBI ONE+ batteries, and need a compact right-angle solution that actually performs.

Skip it if: You’re starting fresh with a battery platform, need to drill holes larger than 3/8-inch, or want a general-purpose drill that does everything.

The RYOBI ONE+ HP Compact Right Angle Drill earns its place in any serious toolbox. It’s not perfect — the grip is short and there’s no bit storage — but for its intended purpose of conquering impossible angles, it’s the best value in its class.

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.