Mag drills, AKA magnetic drills, are very useful tools used for metalworking, and come in handy for many different purposes and industries. With that being said, choosing the right mag drill for your needs can be challenging, especially because there are so many options to choose from.
Well, this is exactly what we are here to help with today, to help you find the very best mag drill that the market has to offer. We’ve reviewed several models based on their features and functionality, with some rising well above the rest of the pack. Let’s find out who makes the best magnetic drill.
Table of contents
What is a Mag Drill?
A mag drill may also be called a magnetic drill. This is a very special type of drill that features a magnetic base. This magnetic base is designed to adhere to ferrous metals, or in other words, to anything magnetic. It’s an ingenious tool that allows you to mount the drill itself to any magnetic surface, and drill through it, primarily metal. That said, mag drills can also be used for drilling through non-ferrous materials, given the right attachments.
What is a Mag Drill Used for?
Primarily, mag drills are used to drill through metal. This is what they specialize in, although they may technically also be used for other materials. Mag drills are often used to make pass-through holes in metal sheets, for creating frames and structure, in shipbuilding, and for many other metalworking purposes as well.
How to Choose a Mag Drill
Choosing a mag drill is easier said than done, mainly because there are so many things to look out for. However, by keeping the below five considerations in mind, you can narrow down the selection and make a choice of mag drill that suits you best.
Power
Perhaps one of the most important aspects to consider when purchasing a mag drill is the power level it has, often rated in Watts. Most models start at around 800 Watts, although there are still far more powerful units out there, such as ones from VEVOR and other brands, many of which have nearly 2,000 Watts, thus allowing for consistent power.
Speed
Another important factor to pay attention to is how fast the drill can move, with models usually ranging from 500 to 1,000 RPM and higher. Remember, faster moving drills are best for smaller holes and tougher materials, whereas slower moving drills are best for making larger holes and for softer metals.
Safety Features
Every good mag drill should have built in safety features, with a guard or chip guard being perhaps the most important of all. This is a special guard that prevents metal chips and shavings from flying your way. Moreover, looking for mag drills that also feature overload and overheat protection is essential. Another crucial safety feature is the emergency stop button, which every unit should have. It allows you to press it and instantly stop the machine in the event of an emergency.
Size and Weight
Yes, the size and weight of the mag drill in question should also be taken into account. The larger and heavier the drill is, the harder it is to maneuver, and the less portable it becomes. However, heavier and larger mag drills tend to be more stable, accurate, and have higher powered motors.
Type of Mag Drill
The type of mag drill should also be considered. There are three main types of mag drills, which include electromagnetic, pneumatic, and hydraulic mag drills. Electromagnetic mag drills have great holding power, and usually have plenty of force behind them too, although they require electricity to function, and aren’t overly portable. Pneumatic models are more portable, plus suitable for wet and explosive conditions. Hydraulic units are usually only used in large-scale metalworking.
The Best Mag Drill of 2024: Our Picks
Let’s now take a closer look at the top five best mag drills that your money can buy.
The VEVOR Mag Drill
Our number one pick has to be the Vevor Mag Drill, and for good reason, because its features are nearly unrivaled across the board.
Features and Benefits of the VEVOR Mag Drill
This electromagnetic drill from the VEVOR brand name is perhaps one of the very best on the market right now. The reason for this is because it features a whopping 1400 Watts of power, which makes it more than powerful enough to work its way through virtually any material.
Even better is that it also has an adjustable speed setting with up to 10 speeds to choose from, making it a super versatile unit indeed. It can move at up to 810 RPM, which should be more than enough for most uses.
Keep in mind that this is an electromagnetic drill, so it does require a power source. However, it is also made with a magnetic base that can muster close to 3,000 lbf of holding power, thus making it very stable and secure. Speaking of safety, it also comes with a special cooling system to prevent it from overheating, overload protection, a good guard, and an emergency stop button as well.
People generally love the user-friendly design of the VEVOR Mag Drill, as uit comes with an easy to use 3-handle crank lever, a built-in scale, and much more. Everything about this mag drill is designed for accuracy, precision, and ease of use, not to mention that it’s fast and powerful as well.
Hougen HMD130 Magnetic Drill
If you are on the hunt for a small and compact mag drill that can fit into the tightest of spaces, the Hougen HMD130 Magnetic Drill might be just what you need. It’s only 23 lbs and has a compact design, making it ideal for small spaces. It also has a pilot light, so you can see when it’s dark.
With 1035 Watts of power, it should be able to handle most basic materials, along with a two-speed system that allows you to choose settings. The unit itself can move at up to 450 RPM, which should be finer for most applications, especially for drilling larger holes and for working with softer metals.
In terms of the magnetic function, expect this unit to hold up to 2165 lbs, which is not too bad at all, although it doesn’t come close to the model from VEVOR. It also has a number of other useful features, such as a carrying handle, positive slug ejection, and convenient rear mounted controls.
Pros
- Compact
- Affordable
- Ideal for small jobs
Cons
- Not overly powerful
Milwaukee 13 Amp Magnetic Drill
Sitting somewhere in the middle of the first two options, the Milwaukee Magnetic Drill features a 13 amp motor, which is quite powerful. This makes it powerful enough to handle some relatively tough and dense metals. It also features a two-speed gearbox that powers this unit from 475 to 730 RPM with the flick of a switch.
It has a permanent magnetic base, but it is not electromagnetic, which means that you don’t need electricity for it to function, it produces constant hold even when there is no power, upwards of 2,000 lbs of holding power.
What’s neat is the partial magnet feature that allows users to turn the magnet off partially, allowing for easy hole realignment. This makes it particularly suitable for overhead applications.
Pros
- Lots of power for its size
- Dual speeds
- Ideal for overhead use
Cons
- Somewhat limited durability
Mophorn 1100W Magnetic Drill
Next, we have the Mophorn 1100W Magnetic Drill, a fantastic unit if you need something with a permanent magnetic base with plenty of holding power, nearly 2,7000 lbf of holding power, which is nothing short of impressive considering the relatively low price that it comes to us at.
Thanks to its 1100W copper motor (which also happens to be very long lasting), it can move at up to 550 RPM, which is fine for basic applications, particularly relatively soft metals. Many people enjoy this unit thanks to the user-friendly design of it, although it is not the most durable or powerful out there. However, it comes complete with a wide variety of bits and accessories to make use of.
Pros
- Many bits included
- Good price
- Works fine for basic use
Cons
- Limited speed and power
Black BRM-35-B Bluerock Magnetic Drill
If you’re looking for a quality mag drill, this model from Bluerock is certainly worth considering. It may not be the most powerful, coming in at just 900 watts of power. It’s on the lower end of the spectrum, although it should work fine for light-duty work.
Its maximum speed is 595 RPM, which isn’t too bad, all things considered. It comes with all of the basic safety features that a mag drill should have, plus a user-friendly design that allows anyone and everyone to use it with ease. It comes complete with a number of bits to get you started.
Pros
- User-friendly design
- Great safety features
- Durable design
Cons
- Quite expensive
FAQs
Do I Need Magnetic Materials to Work with a Mag Drill?
Yes, mag drills are designed to adhere to magnetic surfaces, hence the name, magnetic drill. This means that metals must be ferrous, or in other words, magnetic. That said, some units come with special bases that allow you to use them with non-magnetic metals and materials.
What Safety Features Should a Good Magnetic Drill Have?
A good magnetic drill should at the very least have an emergency stop button and a chip guard. The former allows the user to turn the machine off in a moment’s notice in the event of an emergency, whereas the latter stops debris from flying at you and injuring you. The best mag drills also come with cooling systems to prevent them from overheating, combined with overload protection.
Are Electromagnetic Drills Portable?
How portable an electromagnetic drill is depends on the type in question. Pneumatic and compact units are portable, whereas electromagnetic units are less so, and hydraulic mag drills even less than that. However, the fact that they can adhere to magnetic surfaces does help in many cases.
Can You Do Tapping with Mag Drills?
Yes, many magnetic drills come with attachments for tapping, and there are some that already come with this feature built in. It makes it much easier to accurately thread holes once drilling is done.
The VEVOR Mag Drill: Conclusion
The bottom line is that if you want a good magnetic drill, we recommend checking out all of the options from VEVOR. It’s by far one of the best brands to consider if you need high quality tools and equipment at reasonable prices. The VEVOR Mag Drill we reviewed today is powerful, fast, versatile, and quite portable too, all things that make it our top pick! Remember that VEVOR has many options to choose from, with some starting as low as $170!
