Hougen HMD900 Magnetic Drill - 115V

The Verdict

If you’ve ever wrestled a handheld drill against a vertical I-beam, you know the drill wanders, the bit skates, and your arms burn out before you finish the second hole. The Hougen HMD900 exists to end that fight. This 115V magnetic drill is the mid-tier workhorse in Hougen’s lineup, and with 225 Amazon ratings averaging 4.5 stars, it’s clearly earning its keep on job sites. But before you drop the cash, let’s talk about what it actually does — and where it’ll test your patience.

What’s in the box

You get the HMD900 drill head, a hex key set, a safety strap, and an instruction manual. That’s it — no annular cutters, no coolant bottle, no carrying case. The drill accepts both 3/4-inch and 1-inch Weldon shank cutters, which is good because you’ll need to buy those separately. The unit measures roughly 14 inches tall and 8 inches deep, and at 28 pounds, it’s manageable for one person to lug around, though you’ll want two hands on it.

Performance and build quality

The HMD900’s headline number is 1,150 pounds of magnetic holding force. That’s not marketing fluff — it’s the spec that determines whether this drill stays put when you’re cutting overhead on a steel beam. The magnet base engages with a simple lever, and the rubber boot around the base helps it seat firmly on slightly uneven surfaces. In practice, that force translates to vibration-free cutting. One reviewer put it plainly: “This drill is solid as a rock on vertical steel. No walking, no chatter, just clean holes.”

The two-speed gearbox is where Hougen earns its reputation. Low gear runs at 250 RPM, high at 450 RPM, and you’ll want low for anything over 1/2-inch diameter or for stainless steel. The 10-amp motor delivers enough torque that you won’t feel it bog down mid-cut, even pushing a 1-inch annular cutter through 1/2-inch plate. The rack-and-pinion feed is smooth and precise — you can feather the cut without the drill grabbing and lurching forward.

The safety features deserve mention. There’s a magnetic-on indicator light and an electronic interlock that kills power if the magnet loses contact with the work surface. That’s not just a liability shield; it’s genuinely saved users from wrecking cutters when the drill shifts mid-cut.

What buyers consistently praise

The recurring theme in positive reviews is reliability. Multiple buyers mention using it daily for months without a hiccup. One wrote: “Been using it 6 months on structural steel jobs. It’s never let me down. The magnet holds strong, and the gears feel tight.” Another noted the value proposition: “Half the price of the big-name brands and does the same job. My crew fights over who gets to use it.”

Where it falls short

The biggest complaint is the lack of a built-in coolant system. Hougen sells a separate coolant tray (part of their accessory line), but for the price, plenty of buyers expected it included. You’ll be manually applying cutting fluid or investing in the tray to keep cutters cool and extend their life — dry cutting with annular cutters will burn them out fast.

The 28-pound weight gets old quickly if you’re moving between multiple work sites in a day. It’s not a bench drill you set once; it’s a tool you carry. Also, the side handles are functional but basic — don’t expect the ergonomic rubber grips of premium European brands. A few reviewers noted the power cord feels a bit stiff in cold weather, which is a minor annoyance on winter job sites.

Who should buy this

The HMD900 is ideal for:

• Structural steel fabricators who drill dozens of holes daily and need consistent, repeatable positioning
• Ironworkers and erectors who need reliable overhead and vertical drilling without a second person to steady the tool
• Mobile maintenance crews who need a portable drill that can handle both mild steel and stainless without carrying two machines

Skip it if you only drill a few holes a month — a quality handheld drill and step bits will cover you for far less money. Also skip it if you’re working exclusively on thin sheet metal; the magnetic force can distort lighter-gauge material.

FAQ

Does it come with annular cutters? No. You’ll need to order 3/4-inch or 1-inch Weldon shank cutters separately. Hougen’s own cutters work best, but most brands with the same shank size fit.

Can it drill through stainless steel? Yes, but use low gear (250 RPM), apply cutting fluid, and take your time. The torque is there, but stainless work-hardens if you let the cutter spin too fast.

Will the magnet hold on painted or rusty steel? It holds, but you’ll get maximum holding force on clean, bare steel. For painted surfaces, grind or wire-brush the area where the magnet seats — a 1,150-pound rating drops significantly if the surface isn’t flush.

The Verdict

Rating: 4.6/5

Buy it if you’re a professional fabricator or ironworker who needs a dependable magnetic drill that won’t quit mid-job. The holding force, torque, and clean hole quality justify the investment for anyone making their living on steel.

Skip it if you’re a hobbyist or occasional user, or if you can’t stomach the extra cost of annular cutters and a coolant system on top of the drill itself.

The Hougen HMD900 isn’t the cheapest magnetic drill on Amazon, and it’s not the most feature-packed. What it is, is the one that’ll still be drilling true holes five years from now. For working professionals, that’s the spec that matters most.

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.