Magnetic Drills

About Magnetic Drills

Magnetic drills, also known as mag drills or magnetic drilling machines, are specialised power tools designed for precision drilling in metalwork applications. Unlike conventional pillar drills, these innovative machines use powerful electromagnetic bases to attach securely onto steel and metal surfaces, allowing tradespeople to bring workshop-level accuracy directly to fabrication sites, structural steelwork, and engineering projects. The magnetic base creates an incredibly strong bond with ferrous metals, enabling safe operation on horizontal, vertical, and even overhead surfaces.

MyToolShed.co.uk stocks magnetic drills from leading manufacturers including FEIN, Rotabroach, Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee and Sealey, ranging from compact portable units ideal for maintenance work through to heavy-duty industrial machines capable of drilling holes up to 100mm diameter. Most magnetic drilling machines work with annular cutters – hollow drill bits that remove only the outer edge of material for faster, cleaner holes – though many models feature interchangeable arbors or chucks to accommodate conventional drill bits for smaller diameter applications.

Applications

Magnetic drilling machines are essential tools for metalworking professionals across various industries:

• Structural Steel Erectors – drilling connection holes in beams, columns and frameworks on construction sites
• Fabricators and Welders – preparing components and assemblies in workshops and on-site installations
• Mechanical Engineers and Fitters – maintenance work on industrial machinery, tanks and processing equipment
• Railway Infrastructure Workers – drilling rail tracks and associated metalwork for repairs and installations
• Shipbuilders and Marine Engineers – working on hulls, decks and marine structures
• HVAC Installers – fixing ducting, pipework and equipment to metal substrates
• Plant Maintenance Teams – on-site repairs requiring precise hole placement in heavy equipment
• Automotive Specialists – drilling chassis rails, roll cages and structural components

Choosing The Right Magnetic Drills

Power Source: Corded 240v models offer unlimited runtime and consistent power for workshop use, whilst cordless 18V, 36V or 40V battery-powered machines provide exceptional portability for site work and locations without mains access.

Drilling Capacity: Match the machine's maximum capacity to your typical applications. Compact models handling up to 35mm annular cutters suit general maintenance, mid-range machines (35-50mm) cover most structural steelwork, whilst heavy-duty models (50-100mm+) tackle large-diameter holes in thick plate.

Magnetic Base Strength: Higher adhesion force means greater stability and safety. Look for at least 10,000N for general use, with 15,000N+ for demanding vertical or overhead applications.

Weight and Portability: Lighter compact models (10-15kg) offer advantages when working at height or moving between locations, whilst heavier machines (20-35kg) provide greater stability for workshop-based operations.

Additional Features: Consider coolant systems for continuous heavy-duty work, integrated lighting for poorly-lit locations, brushless motors for improved efficiency, and automatic feed systems that reduce operator fatigue on larger machines.

Safety Information

Always use the safety chain or strap to secure the drill before starting – never rely solely on the magnetic base, as power interruption causes immediate disengagement. Ensure the metal surface is clean, flat and free from paint, rust or oil, with minimum 12mm thickness for safe operation. The material must be ferrous (magnetic) steel for the base to adhere properly.

Never use magnetic drills in wet conditions due to electric shock risk. Use RCD protection when working on construction sites as required by UK building regulations. Always wear safety glasses as metal swarf can be ejected at high speed, and use hearing protection during extended operations. Annular cutters become extremely hot during use – allow adequate cooling time before handling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a magnetic drill on stainless steel or aluminium?

Magnetic drills can drill through stainless steel and aluminium, but the magnetic base must be attached to a ferrous (magnetic) steel backing surface. The material being drilled doesn't need to be magnetic, but the surface the base adheres to must be. Use appropriate TCT annular cutters for these harder materials.

Are cordless magnetic drills as powerful as corded models?

Modern cordless models using 36V or 40V battery technology, available at MyToolShed.co.uk from DeWalt and Makita, offer impressive performance rivalling corded models for most applications. However, corded 240v machines still provide advantages for sustained heavy-duty drilling where unlimited runtime and consistent maximum power are required.

What's the difference between an annular cutter and a standard drill bit?

An annular cutter is hollow and removes only the outer ring of material, leaving a solid slug. This design requires significantly less power, drills faster, produces less waste heat, and creates more accurate holes than twist drills, especially in larger diameters above 13mm in metal.