Looking Beyond the Hougen HMD920 115-Volt Magnetic Drill? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look

How alternatives compare to HMD920

Hougen HMD905 115V Magnetic Drill Kit

The Hougen HMD905 shares the 115-volt configuration but prioritizes stationary shop work over the HMD920’s broader versatility. It is a solid choice for fabricators who need integrated cooling and steady power for thick steel. While the HMD920 offers a two-stage magnet and lift detector for dynamic use, the HMD905 focuses on consistent performance in fixed settings. You trade the HMD920’s larger 2-3/8 inch capacity for a tool optimized for repetitive, cooled drilling. If you work in a fixed shop and value cooling over portability, this model fits your needs better than the more general-purpose HMD920.

Hougen HMD900 Magnetic Drill

The Hougen HMD900 is a compact slot-drive solution designed for standard 1.5-inch hole drilling tasks. It weighs 27 pounds and measures 15 inches in height, making it significantly smaller than the HMD920. You give up the HMD920’s 2-3/8 inch capacity and three-speed gearbox for a tool that prioritizes arbor accuracy and ease of use. This drill suits users who need a lighter, more manageable machine for standard fabrication. If you rarely drill holes larger than 1.5 inches, the HMD900 offers a practical, budget-friendly alternative to the heavier, more powerful HMD920 without sacrificing essential magnetic drilling performance.

Hougen HMD904 Magnetic Drill

The Hougen HMD904 is a lightweight 115-volt magnetic drill featuring a slot drive arbor for quick setup. Weighing 34.9 pounds, it is lighter than the HMD920 but still robust for fabrication. It fits fabricators who prioritize a simple, efficient tool over maximum hole capacity. You trade the HMD920’s three-speed range and larger capacity for a streamlined design focused on speed and ease of operation. If you need a reliable 115-volt drill for standard tasks and value quick setup over high-end features, the HMD904 is a practical choice. It delivers consistent performance without the complexity of the HMD920’s advanced gear system.

Hougen HMD904S Swivel Base Magnetic Drill

The Hougen HMD904S Swivel Base Magnetic Drill offers unique swivel capabilities for angled hole drilling tasks. It weighs 21 pounds and features a swivel base for precise hole alignment in complex steel work. You gain the ability to drill at angles, a feature the HMD920 lacks. However, you sacrifice the HMD920’s larger hole capacity and three-speed versatility. This model suits professionals who prioritize hole alignment precision and angular drilling over maximum power. If your work involves complex angles and you need a stable, lightweight tool, the HMD904S is a superior choice compared to the standard HMD920.

Hougen HMD904S Swivel Base Magnetic Drill

This Hougen HMD904S Swivel Base Mag Drill is designed for overhead and tight space drilling. It weighs 51 pounds and features a swivel base for precise hole alignment. You gain the ability to drill in confined areas, which the HMD920 cannot match. However, you trade the HMD920’s three-speed gearbox and larger capacity for a tool optimized for specific spatial challenges. This model fits fabricators who need to drill in tight or overhead areas with precision. If your work requires angular drilling in restricted spaces, the HMD904S is the better choice, despite its heavier weight and lower capacity compared to the versatile HMD920.

Hougen Magnetic Drill with Coolant Bottle

The Hougen Magnetic Drill with Coolant Bottle is a 115-volt tool designed for vertical repetitive holemaking. It features an integrated coolant bottle and spring-ejected arbor for convenience. Weighing 42.9 pounds, it is heavier than the HMD900 but lighter than the HMD920. You gain the convenience of gravity-fed cooling, which the HMD920 also offers, but you lose the HMD920’s three-speed versatility and larger capacity. This model suits users who value stable, repetitive drilling in vertical positions. If you need a practical, coolant-integrated drill for standard tasks, this alternative offers a focused solution compared to the broader capabilities of the HMD920.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Hougen HMD920 3-Speed Magnetic Drill Kit

Best for: Fixed-site heavy steel fabrication

Motor Power

13.5A, 1553W

Spindle Speed

3-speed (250 / 450 / 700 RPM)

Hole Capacity

7/16" - 2-3/8"

Chuck Capacity

1/2"

Voltage

115V

Configuration

Magnetic

View on Amazon: Hougen HMD920 3-Speed Magnetic Drill Kit Affiliate link

This 115-volt magnetic drill delivers 1553 watts of power to drill holes up to 2-3/8 inches in diameter. It features a three-speed gearbox with 250, 450, and 700 RPM settings for varied material needs. The two-stage magnet engages only when the motor runs, which helps extend its life. You get a lift detector for safety and a gravity-fed coolant system to keep cuts clean. It comes with a 1/2-inch chuck adapter and a cutter kit.

Pros

• 1553W motor handles holes up to 2-3/8 inches
• Three-speed gearbox offers 250, 450, and 700 RPM
• Two-stage magnet engages only when motor is on
• Includes lift detector safety system and coolant bottle

Cons

• Heavier and bulkier than cordless alternatives
• Requires 115V outlet, limiting portable use
• No variable speed control for fine tuning

Good fit if

• You need high torque for large diameter holes
• You work in fixed shop locations with power
• You want a robust motor for heavy steel

Skip if

• You require cordless portability for remote sites
• You need variable speed for delicate materials
• You have limited space for a large unit

Verdict: Hougen HMD920 Magnetic Drill provides substantial power for fixed-site fabrication. It suits professionals who prioritize hole capacity and motor strength over portability.

2 Best premium

Hougen HMD905 115V Magnetic Drill Kit

Best for: stationary steel fabrication with cooling

Chuck Capacity

1/2"

Voltage

115V

Configuration

Magnetic

Dimensions

11.8 × 7.1 × 22.8 inches

View on Amazon: Hougen HMD905 115V Magnetic Drill Kit Affiliate link

The Hougen HMD905 is a 115-volt magnetic drill designed for stationary or heavy-duty use. It features a 1/2-inch chuck capacity and includes a coolant bottle to manage heat during extended drilling. The unit measures 11.8 inches in length and 7.1 inches in width. This setup suits users who need reliable power and cooling for steel fabrication tasks.

Pros

• 115-volt motor for consistent power
• 1/2-inch chuck capacity for larger bits
• Integrated coolant bottle for heat management
• Compact 7.1-inch width for tight spaces

Cons

• Fixed 115-volt power requires an outlet
• No swivel base for angled drilling
• Heavier build than cordless alternatives

Good fit if

• You need a coolant system for long drilling sessions
• You prefer corded power for continuous work
• You drill vertical holes in flat steel

Skip if

• You require battery-powered mobility
• You need to drill at angles
• You work in areas without power

Verdict: Hougen HMD905 115V Magnetic Drill fits fabricators who prioritize cooling and power over portability. It is a solid choice for stationary shop work on thick steel.

3 Best budget

Hougen HMD900 Magnetic Drill

Best for: Standard 1.5-inch hole drilling tasks

Hole Capacity

1.5"

Voltage

115V

Configuration

Magnetic

Dimensions

11 × 6.75 × 15 inches

Weight

27 pounds

View on Amazon: Hougen HMD900 Magnetic Drill Affiliate link

The Hougen HMD900 is a 115-volt magnetic drill with a 1.5-inch hole capacity. It features a slot drive arbor for quick accessory changes and an ergonomic housing. The unit weighs 27 pounds and measures 11 inches in length. This model suits users needing a compact, reliable tool for standard drilling tasks on steel.

Pros

• 115-volt power supply
• 1.5-inch hole capacity
• Slot drive arbor for accuracy
• Ergonomic housing design

Cons

• Smaller 1.5-inch capacity compared to 1-1/2 inch competitors
• Heavier 27-pound build
• No coolant system included

Good fit if

• You need a 115-volt magnetic drill
• You work on steel up to 1.5 inches thick
• You prefer a slot drive arbor for quick changes

Skip if

• You require a 1-1/2 inch hole capacity
• You need a cordless tool
• You require an integrated coolant system

Verdict: Hougen HMD900 115V Magnetic Drill offers a compact, slot-drive solution for standard 1.5-inch drilling tasks, making it a solid choice for users prioritizing arbor accuracy over maximum capacity.

4 Also great

Hougen HMD904 Magnetic Drill

Best for: Lightweight 115V fabrication drilling

Hole Capacity

1-1/2"

Spindle Travel

2"

Chuck Capacity

Slot Drive Arbor

Voltage

115-Volt

Configuration

Magnetic

Dimensions

11.6 × 7.75 × 18 inches

View on Amazon: Hougen HMD904 Magnetic Drill Affiliate link

The Hougen HMD904 is a 115-volt magnetic drill designed for fabrication tasks. It offers a 1-1/2 inch hole capacity with 2 inches of spindle travel. The unit weighs 34.9 pounds and features a slot drive arbor for quick accessory changes. An ergonomic housing and hidden motor cord enhance usability. This model suits users needing a reliable, lightweight magnetic drill for standard fabrication work.

Pros

• 1-1/2 inch maximum hole capacity
• 2 inches of spindle travel
• Slot drive arbor for quick changes
• Lightweight 34.9 pound build
• Integrated lift detector safety system

Cons

• Fixed 115-volt power requirement
• No variable speed control listed
• Limited to 1-1/2 inch capacity

Good fit if

• You need a lightweight drill for overhead work
• You require quick accessory changes via slot drive
• You work in standard fabrication environments

Skip if

• You need to drill holes larger than 1-1/2 inches
• You require variable speed control for different materials
• You need a cordless battery-powered tool

Verdict: Hougen HMD904 1-1/2" Magnetic Drill fits fabricators who prioritize a lightweight, 115-volt tool with a slot drive arbor for quick setup.

5 Also great

Hougen HMD904S Swivel Base Magnetic Drill

Best for: Angled hole drilling tasks

Voltage

115 Volt

Configuration

Magnetic

Features

Swivel Base

Dimensions

11.6 × 7.75 × 19.6 inches

Weight

21 pounds

View on Amazon: Hougen HMD904S Swivel Base Magnetic Drill Affiliate link

The Hougen HMD904S is a 115-volt magnetic drill designed for precision work. It features a swivel base magnet that allows you to line up holes quickly. The unit supports hole capacities up to 1-1/2 inches with a 2-inch spindle travel. It includes a two-stage magnet and a coolant system. This model suits users who need angled drilling capabilities on magnetic surfaces.

Pros

• Swivel base magnet for angled hole alignment
• Hole capacity up to 1-1/2 inches
• Two-stage magnet for secure attachment
• Integrated coolant system
• Quick one-stroke handle for locking

Cons

• Heavier at 21 pounds than standard models
• Limited to 115-volt power supply
• No variable speed control listed

Good fit if

• You need to drill holes at angles
• You require a 1-1/2 inch hole capacity
• You work with 115-volt power sources

Skip if

• You need variable speed control
• You require a lighter unit under 20 pounds
• You need a 230-volt motor

Verdict: Hougen HMD904S Swivel Base Drill offers unique swivel capabilities for angled work. It fits professionals who prioritize hole alignment precision over portability.

6 Also great

Hougen HMD904S Swivel Base Magnetic Drill

Best for: overhead and tight space drilling

Hole Capacity

1-1/2"

Chuck Capacity

1/2"

Voltage

115-Volt

Configuration

Magnetic

Features

Swivel Base

Dimensions

11.6 × 7.75 × 18 inches

View on Amazon: Hougen HMD904S Swivel Base Magnetic Drill Affiliate link

This 115-volt magnetic drill features a swivel base for precise alignment in tight or overhead spaces. It drills up to 1-1/2-inch holes with a 1/2-inch chuck and 2-inch spindle travel. The unit weighs 51 pounds and includes a 12,000-Series cutter kit. It offers a lower profile and gravity feed coolant for fabrication tasks.

Pros

• Swivel base for horizontal and overhead drilling
• 1-1/2-inch hole capacity
• Integrated coolant bottle with gravity feed
• Lift detector safety system

Cons

• Heavier than standard models at 51 pounds
• Single speed motor
• 115-volt plug limits cordless portability

Good fit if

• You need to drill in tight or overhead areas
• You require precise hole alignment with a swivel base
• You work with 1-1/2-inch capacity requirements

Skip if

• You need cordless battery power
• You require variable speed control
• You prefer a lighter weight under 40 pounds

Verdict: Hougen HMD904S Swivel Base Mag Drill fits fabricators who need to drill in tight or overhead areas. It provides precise hole alignment with a swivel base for complex steel work.

7

Hougen Magnetic Drill with Coolant Bottle

Best for: Vertical repetitive holemaking with integrated coolant

Voltage

115-Volt

Configuration

Magnetic

Dimensions

20 × 17 × 9 inches

Weight

42.9 pounds

View on Amazon: Hougen Magnetic Drill with Coolant Bottle Affiliate link

The Hougen HMD904 is a 115-volt magnetic drill designed for vertical repetitive holemaking. It features a 16-ounce gravity-fed coolant bottle and a spring-ejected arbor for efficient operation. Measuring 20 inches long and weighing 42.9 pounds, this unit offers a stable base for drilling tasks. It is suitable for users who need a dedicated magnetic drill with integrated fluid delivery for metalworking applications.

Pros

• Integrated 16oz gravity-fed coolant bottle
• Spring-ejected arbor for quick bit changes
• 115-volt power supply
• Designed for vertical repetitive holemaking

Cons

• Heavier build at 42.9 pounds
• No variable speed control listed
• Limited to 115-volt operation

Good fit if

• You need a dedicated magnetic drill for vertical work
• You want integrated coolant without external pumps
• You prefer a spring-ejected arbor system

Skip if

• You require variable speed control
• You need a lightweight portable unit
• You work with 230-volt power only

Verdict: Hougen HMD904 115V Magnetic Drill fits users who need a stable, coolant-integrated magnetic drill for vertical repetitive holemaking. It is a practical choice for those who value the convenience of a gravity-fed bottle and spring-ejected arbor in a 115-volt system.

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