Magnetic Drill Presses
Magnetic Drill Presses for Structural Steel
A magnetic drill press clamps to steel with an electromagnetic base so you can bore accurate holes in beams, plate, and columns where a bench drill press cannot go. Most of this collection is Milwaukee: corded electromagnetic drill kits, the compact 4270, separate fixed and adjustable position bases with 1/2-inch, 3/4-inch, and No. 3 MT motors, plus M18 FUEL 1-1/2-inch cordless mag drills including a lineman model. You will also find the DeWALT DWE1622K 2-speed, the Fein JMC MAGFORCE 90, and the Makita HB350.
What to Look For
- Corded or cordless. Corded mag drills run all shift in the fab shop; M18 FUEL models skip the generator on a steel erection site or utility pole.
- Hole capacity. Check the listed capacity, from 1-3/8 inches on the Fein and Makita to 2 inches on the DeWALT, against the annular cutters you plan to run.
- Motor and base. Milwaukee sells bases and motors separately, so you can pair an adjustable position base with the arbor style you need.
- Size and weight. Compact units fit inside flanges and tight framing where a full-size drill will not sit flat.
Buy magnetic drill presses from The Tool Nut, an authorized dealer and specialty tool store since 1994, with free shipping on most orders and rewards points on every order.
Magnetic Drill Presses FAQ
Fixed or adjustable position base?
A fixed position base keeps the motor in one spot for repeat holes. An adjustable position base lets you slide the motor sideways to fine-tune hole location after the magnet is set, which saves re-clamping on layout-critical work.
Do I need a No. 3 MT motor?
Choose a Morse taper motor if you want to run twist drills, taps, or reamers with a taper shank in addition to annular cutters. A 3/4-inch arbor motor is the simpler choice if you mainly cut holes with annular cutters.