Cutters of 2 in and up cut plate and heavy sections and need a stronger motor and a heavier base. The budget machines list 2 in at $190 to $450; the Hougen and DEWALT machines cost four to fifteen times as much.
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
- ZELCAN J1CD-35S 2 in Mag Drill#1 of 14Full review
The lightest 2 in budget mag drill here, with reverse. Sold in cutter-kit bundles at higher prices.
Amazon $209.99$209.992 in2,922 lbf23.8 lb - GarveeTech 1750W 2 in Mag Drill#2 of 14Full review
A cheap 2 in mag drill with a large motor rating, but without a published magnet figure it is a gamble on thin steel.
Amazon $184.99$184.992 in-26.5 lb - VEVOR 8880E 2 in Mag Drill#3 of 14Full review
A cheap 2 in mag drill for occasional shop and farm steel work. A name-brand machine is the pick if it will run all day on a jobsite.
Amazon $228.99$228.992 in2,922 lbf26.5 lb - VEVOR J1CD-60D 2.4 in Mag Drill#4 of 14Full review
For a shop that needs 2 1/4 in plus holes and tapping without a pro-grade price. Plan on a lift or a second person for overhead work.
Amazon $365.90$365.902.4 in2,922 lbf49.6 lb - VEVOR 8850E 2 in Mag Drill#5 of 14Full review
A good-value light 2 in mag drill for home and farm fabrication. Treat the magnet rating as the maker’s claim.
Amazon $188.90$188.902 in2,810 lbf25.1 lb - VEVOR MD-50A 2 in Mag Drill#6 of 14Full review
The cheapest way to get a 2 in magnetic drill, for a buyer who will carry it only a few times a year.
Amazon $192.90$192.902 in2,922 lbf39 lb - VEVOR ZT-50HAR 2 in Mag Drill#7 of 14Full review
A 2 in VEVOR that comes with cutters. Buy the 8850E and a separate cutter set if you want to save money.
Amazon $281.90$281.902 in2,878 lbf27.3 lb - iMeshbean 1400W 2 in Mag Drill#8 of 14Full review
A reversing 2 in mag drill from a small seller. The VEVOR 8850E is the same size for $95 less.
Amazon $284.90$284.902 in2,922 lbf28 lb - ZELCAN 1550W 3125 lbf Mag Drill#9 of 14Full review
For steel where holding force matters more than weight, such as vertical or overhead work you can mount with a strap.
Amazon $279.99$279.992 in3,125 lbf45 lb - VEVOR MD-50E 2 in Mag Drill#10 of 14Full review
The VEVOR to choose for tapping and curved pipe, since a strap holds it on 3 to 12 in pipe. For flat plate the cheaper models do the same job.
Amazon $450.90$450.902 in-28 lb - Hougen HMD920 Swivel Base Mag Drill#11 of 14Full review
A heavy-duty 2 3/8 in drill for steel erection and shop plate. The swivel version sold here weighs 4 lb more than the standard base.
Amazon $2,166$2,1662 3/8 in2,480 lbf53 lb - Hougen HMD918 6 in Depth Mag Drill#12 of 14Full review
For fabricators who regularly drill 3 in plus through stacks. Everyone else should buy the HMD905.
Amazon $2,913$2,9132 3/8 in2,385 lbf44.2 lb - DEWALT DWE1622K 2 in Mag Drill#13 of 14Full review
A mainstream 2 in mag drill from a brand with service centers everywhere. Buy it for the warranty rather than raw spec.
Amazon $884.99$884.992 in-33 lb - Hougen HMD905 Magnetic Drill#14 of 14Full review
The two-speed Hougen for 2 in holes. It earns its price in daily use, not in occasional jobs.
Amazon $1,757$1,7572 in1,750 lbf35 lb