ZELCAN J1CD-35S 2 in Mag Drill
The lightest 2 in budget mag drill here, with reverse. Sold in cutter-kit bundles at higher prices.
Amazon $209.99$209.99
The ZELCAN J1CD-35S 2 in Mag Drill is the better magnetic drill overall, rated 4.3 to 3.4. The ZELCAN J1CD-35S 2 in Mag Drill leads on value, weight and magnet. The Hougen HMD918 6 in Depth Mag Drill wins on cutter size. The ZELCAN J1CD-35S 2 in Mag Drill costs $2,703.01 less ($209.99 vs $2,913).
Prices were last checked November 4, 2026. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon or the retailer's site at the time of purchase apply. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Hougen HMD918 6 in Depth Mag Drill
#12 in 2 in and largerFull review
For fabricators who regularly drill 3 in plus through stacks. Everyone else should buy the HMD905.
Amazon $2,913$2,913
Which should you buy?
- Choose the ZELCAN J1CD-35S 2 in Mag Drill for value ($105 per inch of cutter ($209.99, 2 in) vs $1,226.53 per inch of cutter ($2,913, 2 3/8 in)), weight (23.8 lb vs 44.2 lb) and magnet (2,922 lbf stated magnet force vs 2,385 lbf stated magnet force).
- Choose the Hougen HMD918 6 in Depth Mag Drill for cutter size (2 3/8 in largest annular cutter vs 2 in largest annular cutter).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every 2 in and larger magnetic drill; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | ZELCAN J1CD-35S 2 in Mag Drill | Hougen HMD918 6 in Depth Mag Drill |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.3/5 | 3.4/5 |
| Value 30% | 98 $105 per inch of cutter ($209.99, 2 in) | 13 $1,226.53 per inch of cutter ($2,913, 2 3/8 in) |
| Cutter size 20% | 33 2 in largest annular cutter | 83 2 3/8 in largest annular cutter |
| Power 20% | 83 1,550 W motor | 84 1,553 W motor |
| Magnet 15% | 96 2,922 lbf stated magnet force | 69 2,385 lbf stated magnet force |
| Weight 15% | 90 23.8 lb | 39 44.2 lb |
Specifications
| ZELCAN J1CD-35S 2 in Mag Drill | Hougen HMD918 6 in Depth Mag Drill | |
|---|---|---|
| Drilling | ||
| Power | Corded, 120 V | Corded, 120 V |
| Motor | 1,550 W | 1,553 W (12.5 A) |
| Largest annular cutter | 2 in | 2 3/8 in |
| Cutting depth | 2 in | 6 in |
| Speed | Variable, up to 580 rpm | Two-speed, up to 450 rpm |
| Stroke | - | 6.8 in |
| Reverse | Yes | - |
| Base and build | ||
| Magnet force (stated) | 2,922 lbf | 2,385 lbf |
| Weight | 23.8 lb | 44.2 lb |
| Warranty | - | 2 years |