Dewalt Magnetic Drills
DeWalt mag drill kit is for clean, accurate steel drilling when you cannot clamp up or wobble about on site.
When you are drilling structural steel, RSJs, plate, or fabrication work, a DeWalt magnetic drill gives you a solid, hands-free base so the cutter stays put and the hole stays true. Pick the right cutters and capacity for the steel you are actually drilling, then crack on.
What Are DeWalt Mag Drills Used For?
- Drilling accurate holes in RSJs, beams, and columns on steelwork jobs where a handheld drill would wander or snatch.
- Cutting larger diameter holes in plate and channel with annular cutters for base plates, brackets, and fabrication fit-ups.
- Working overhead or on vertical steel where the magnetic base locks the tool in place and keeps the cut controlled.
- Site modifications and retrofits where you need repeatable hole spacing for bolting, fixings, and structural connections.
Choosing the Right DeWalt Mag Drill
Match the drill to the hole size and the steel you are actually working on, not the odd best-case spec on paper.
1. Hole diameter and cutter type
If you are mainly doing bigger holes in steel, look for a DeWalt magnetic drill that is designed around annular cutters, because it is quicker and cleaner than forcing big twist bits. If you only ever need smaller holes, a lighter setup can make more sense day to day.
2. Material thickness and clearance
If you are drilling thicker section or stacking plate, do not guess, check the stated cutting depth and overall height so you are not stuck when you cannot physically fit the drill in the space you are working.
3. Magnetic hold and site conditions
If the steel is painted, rusty, or not perfectly flat, you need to be realistic about magnet grip and prep the surface properly, because a mag drill is only as safe as the contact it gets on the workpiece.
Who Uses DeWalt Magnetic Drills?
- Steel erectors and fabricators drilling beams and plate because the mag base keeps the tool planted and the hole position accurate.
- Mechanical fitters and maintenance teams opening up fixing points on plant, frames, and gantries without fighting a handheld drill.
- Site engineers and installers doing structural alterations who need consistent, repeatable holes for bolted connections.
The Basics: Understanding Magnetic Drills
A mag drill is basically a drill press you can take to the steel. The magnet locks it to the work so the cutter stays square and does not skate about.
1. The magnetic base does the clamping
Instead of trying to clamp a pillar drill setup, the base magnet grips the steel and holds the whole machine steady, which is what keeps holes accurate on beams, columns, and plate.
2. Annular cutters remove a ring, not the whole core
For larger holes, annular cutters cut around the outside and leave a slug, so you get faster drilling with less load than pushing a big twist drill through solid steel.
3. Feed control is what stops snatching
A steady feed rate and proper cutting fluid is what keeps the cutter working cleanly, stops chatter, and helps the tool last when you are doing multiple holes in a run.
Mag Drill Accessories That Keep You Cutting
The drill is only half the battle on steelwork, because the right consumables and holding kit are what stop downtime and scrapped holes.
1. Annular cutters
Keep the common sizes you drill most, because nothing kills a job like turning up to a beam run and realising the cutter you need is blunt or missing.
2. Cutting fluid and applicators
Use proper cutting fluid to stop heat build-up and premature wear, especially on thicker steel where dry cutting will burn the cutter and slow you right down.
3. Safety strap or chain
If you are working vertical or overhead, a safety strap is not optional in real life, because it backs you up if the surface is poor or the magnet loses grip.
Shop DeWalt Mag Drills at ITS
Whether you need a DeWalt mag drill for fabrication, install work, or site steel, we stock the range so you can match capacity and setup to the jobs you actually do. It is all held in our own warehouse, in stock and ready for next day delivery so you are not stood waiting when the steel is up.
DeWalt Mag Drill FAQs
Does DeWalt make a mag drill?
Yes. DeWalt makes magnetic drills for steelwork drilling where you need a magnet base to hold the machine steady on beams, plate, and structural section.
What is a mag drill used for?
A mag drill is used for drilling accurate holes in ferrous metal, mainly structural steel. The magnetic base clamps the drill to the work so you can drill square, repeatable holes on horizontal, vertical, and overhead steel.
How big of a hole can you drill with a mag drill?
It depends on the model and whether you are using annular cutters or twist bits. Check the stated maximum cutting diameter and cutting depth for the specific DeWalt magnetic drill, because that is what decides the real-world hole size on site.
Will a mag drill stick to painted or rusty steel?
It will, but do not trust it blindly. Paint, rust, mill scale, and uneven surfaces reduce magnetic grip, so clean back to solid metal where you can and always use the safety strap, especially on vertical or overhead work.
Do I need annular cutters, or can I just use normal drill bits?
You can use twist drills for smaller holes if the chuck and spec allow, but for larger holes annular cutters are the sensible option. They cut faster, run cooler, and leave a cleaner hole in steel with less strain on the machine.
