The Milwaukee 4272-21 1-5/8 in. Electromagnetic Drill Kit is a portable corded magnetic drill built for holemaking in steel. This is a portable electromagnetic drill designed for annular cutter drilling and twist bit drilling in structural metal. Model Number 4272-21. If you need a mag drill that sets fast, cuts cleanly, and gives you the flexibility to move between cutter and chuck work without wasting time, this is the one Milwaukee built for that job.

The main story here is speed and setup. Milwaukee pairs a 13 amp motor with a 2-speed gearbox rated at 475 and 730 RPM, so you can run the slower range for annular cutters and the faster range for twist bits. That matters on the job because magnetic drilling is not just about making a hole, it is about making a clean hole in heavy material without burning up tooling or fighting the machine. The tool-free adjustment from cutter to twist bit work is a real time saver when the scope changes and you do not want to drag out a second drill.

This drill uses a 3/4 inch Weldon quick-change arbor, which is the right setup for serious steel drilling. Milwaukee also includes a 3/4 inch Weldon to 1/2 inch chuck adapter, so the platform is not locked into one style of work. That gives the Milwaukee 4272-21 1-5/8 in. Electromagnetic Drill Kit more range than a single-purpose mag drill. If you're fabricating, installing steel, or working in the field where conditions change by the hour, that versatility is worth real time.

Milwaukee also built in practical jobsite features instead of leaving this as a bare-bones machine. Auto-Stop lift-off detection is a big one. On a magnetic drill, holding power is everything, so any added protection when the tool loses contact matters. There is also a tool-free motor head adjustment and a tool-free feed-handle LED light, both aimed at making setup faster and visibility better when you're working around darker steel, awkward layouts, or indoor fabrication spaces.

In terms of size, this is still a substantial tool at 30 lbs, but that weight is part of what makes a portable steel drilling tool feel planted and capable. The listed dimensions of roughly 15.5 inches high, 11.25 inches long, and 7.5 inches wide make it compact enough for field use while still delivering the pressure and rigidity you expect from a magnetic drill. Supplementary product data also lists drill point pressure at 600 lbs and a 5-3/4 inch stroke length, which helps explain why this unit is built for real structural work rather than light-duty bench tasks.

The kit format matters too. Milwaukee includes the safety strap, lubrication spray bottle, chuck key, carrying case, Weldon-to-chuck adapter, and two 1 inch retractable pilot pins. That means you're not opening the box and then immediately ordering the basics needed to get started. For crews working in fabrication shops, steel erection, mechanical installation, or plant maintenance, that is the difference between getting the tool into service now and waiting until later.

Who should buy it? This magnetic drill makes the most sense for steel fabricators, weld shops, mechanical contractors, maintenance teams, and anyone drilling repeatable holes in ferrous metal where accuracy and holding power matter. It is also a strong fit for contractors who need one corded mag drill that can handle both annular cutters and twist bit drilling. If you are only doing occasional light metal drilling, this is more tool than you need. If steel holemaking is part of your actual workload, this is the kind of machine that earns its keep.

A Real Mag Drill for Real Steel Work

The Milwaukee 4272-21 1-5/8 in. Electromagnetic Drill Kit hits the sweet spot for crews that need portable magnetic drilling power without giving up flexibility.

• Who it's for: Steel fabricators, weld shops, maintenance departments, and contractors drilling repeatable holes in ferrous metal.
• Why it stands out: You get a 13 amp motor, 2-speed gearbox, 3/4 in. Weldon quick-change arbor, and tool-free switching between annular cutter and twist bit setups.
• Worth knowing: At 30 lbs, this is not a light-duty metal drill. That is the tradeoff for a portable electromagnetic drill that is actually built to clamp up and work.

• Is this a cordless or corded magnetic drill? This is a corded electromagnetic drill and supplementary specifications list it as 120 V.
• What speeds does it run? The 2-speed gearbox is listed at 475 RPM and 730 RPM.
• Can it run both annular cutters and twist bits? Yes. It has a 3/4 in. Weldon quick-change arbor and includes a 3/4 in. Weldon to 1/2 in. chuck adapter for twist bit work.
• Does it have a safety feature if the magnet loses hold? Yes. Milwaukee lists Auto-Stop lift-off detection as a key feature.