Best Compact Magnetic Drills Ranked

14 magnetic drills with cutters up to 1 5/8 in.

Last updated: November 3, 2026

Up to 1 5/8 in covers bolt holes, brackets and structural fabrication. These are the lighter, lower-profile machines, several of which fit between beam flanges, and most weigh 23 to 30 lb.

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.

Full ranking 14

  1. VEVOR ZT-40HA 1.6 in Mag Drill
    #1 of 144.6Full review

    A budget 1 5/8 in mag drill for bolt holes and brackets, with the same limits as the other VEVOR machines.

    Amazon $182.90
    $182.90
    1.6 in2,810 lbf24.9 lb
  2. VEVOR ZT-45H 1.6 in Mag Drill
    #2 of 144.5Full review

    Fine for holes up to about 1 5/8 in. For $40 less the VEVOR 8850E cuts 2 in.

    Amazon $229.90
    $229.90
    1.6 in2,810 lbf26.5 lb
  3. VEVOR 1300W 1.57 in Mag Drill
    #3 of 144.3Full review

    A starter kit for bolt-size holes in structural steel. The 2 in VEVORs cost less and cut larger.

    Amazon $249.90
    $249.90
    1.6 in2,922 lbf28.2 lb
  4. VEVOR MD-35D 1.5 in Mag Drill
    #4 of 144.2Full review

    The entry price for a magnetic drill, for light fabrication where a 1 1/2 in hole is the biggest you cut.

    Amazon $153.90
    $153.90
    1 1/2 in2,248 lbf23.4 lb
  5. VEVOR 8840E Low Profile Mag Drill
    #5 of 143.9Full review

    A compact VEVOR for beam flanges and tight spots. Buy it for the low profile, not the price.

    Amazon $318.91
    $318.91
    1.4 in2,248 lbf23.1 lb
  6. Evolution EVOMAG42 1 5/8 in Mag Drill
    #6 of 143.6Full review

    A step up from the S28MAG for 1 5/8 in holes. Check the warranty before buying.

    Amazon $695
    $695
    1 5/8 in--
  7. Evolution S28MAG 1 1/8 in Mag Drill
    #7 of 143.4Full review

    A mid-priced 1 1/8 in mag drill with a real warranty. It beats budget imports for support, but cuts smaller holes.

    Amazon $550
    $550
    1 1/8 in2,860 lbf26 lb
  8. Hougen HMD900 Magnetic Drill
    #8 of 143.3Full review

    A light mag drill for general fabrication up to 1 1/2 in holes, from a maker that sells to fabrication shops.

    Amazon $890
    $890
    1 1/2 in1,952 lbf27.7 lb
  9. Makita HB350 1 3/8 in Mag Drill
    #9 of 143.3Full review

    A light, compact 1 3/8 in mag drill for contractors already on Makita. The Hougen HMD900 cuts a larger hole for less.

    Amazon $921.33
    $921.33
    1 3/8 in-26 lb
  10. Euroboor ECO.36+ Low Profile Mag Drill
    #10 of 143.3Full review

    The pick for beam flanges and tight spaces if you want the Euroboor safety electronics. The Hougen HMD130 is a close alternative.

    Amazon $1,097.86
    $1,097.86
    1 7/16 in2,645 lbf-
  11. Hougen HMD904 Magnetic Drill
    #11 of 143.2Full review

    A 1 1/2 in mag drill built for daily fabrication use. Buy it for the warranty and safety features, not the price.

    Amazon $1,107
    $1,107
    1 1/2 in1,750 lbf30 lb
  12. Hougen HMD130 Low Profile Mag Drill
    #12 of 143.1Full review

    Choose the HMD130 only for tight spaces where nothing taller fits. For general work the HMD900 cuts deeper for less.

    Amazon $1,490
    $1,490
    1 3/8 in-23.8 lb
  13. Milwaukee M18 FUEL Lineman Mag Drill
    #13 of 143.0Full review

    The only battery mag drill here, for linemen and steel erectors who work away from an outlet.

    Amazon $2,059.98
    $2,059.98
    1 1/2 in2,000 lbf-
  14. Euroboor ECO.30S+ Mag Drill
    #14 of 142.3Full review

    A European-built compact drill with safety electronics. Value is weak when a Hougen HMD900 cuts 1 1/2 in for about $100 less.

    Amazon $984.29
    $984.29
    1 1/16 in1,300 lbf-