Even in a world of cordless drills and impact drivers, plumbers and electricians have always needed corded right-angle drills for getting through plates and multiple studs quickly. But with Milwaukee’s new M18-Fuel Hole Hawg, that has changed. This 18v right-angle cordless drill, which is sold as a bare tool ($250) and in kit form with two M18 4.0-amp-hour (Ah) batteries ($450), has the power of a corded tool. I recently used one to drill hundreds of 3/4-in. holes while I wired an entire house.
 

The Hole Hawg is heavy but well balanced, and the handle design makes the drill easy to use and easy to hang on to. This is important, because it produces as much torque as a corded model. I took a 3/4-in. self-feeding auger bit that had seen some use and ran it through five ganged-together Douglas-fir studs, and the motor didn’t slow at all.
 

The drill comes in two versions: one with a standard keyed chuck and the one I tested, which has Milwaukee’s Quik-Lok chuck. The Quik- Lok model accepts 7/16-in. hexshaft bits. These bits come in two styles: Some have straight sides, and others have a reduced diameter top. I found that the chuck holds both types securely.

With a 4.0-Ah battery, I got about 120 holes through new Douglas-fir 2x4s. I like the fuel gauge on the battery packs, so you know if you have enough power before you enter an attic or a crawlspace.
 

I found it much quicker to drill holes for wires when I didn’t have to set up and drag around a power cord. When wiring a whole house, I’ll probably continue to use my corded right-angle drill to save wear and tear on the expensive ($75) battery packs. But for attics, crawlspaces, and remodeling work, this is the tool for the job.