Evolution Power Tools: Mag Drills That Earn Their Spot in the Shop

Drilling holes in steel is routine in welding and fabrication, but it is not always simple. Large plates, structural pieces, awkward angles, and assemblies that have already been welded can turn a simple hole into a time consuming frustration. That’s where mag drills come in!

Built for metalworking, mag drills provide stable, accurate, and portable hole making, whether you are at a bench, on a beam, or in the field.

We've trusted Evolution's line up of power tools for years for their solid quality, competitive pricing, and warranty support, so today we are highlighting the two mag drills they have on offer: the S28MAG and the EVOMAG42. We'll go over what we like about them and why we feel they earn their spot in the shop!

Unlike handheld drills or drill presses, a magnetic drill uses a powerful electromagnetic base to lock itself directly onto steel. This means that once engaged, the drill stays firmly in place, allowing you to drill accurate holes with little effort.

For welding and fabrication shops, this means:

• No need to move large or welded parts to a drill press
• Stable drilling on horizontal, vertical, or even overhead surfaces
• Consistent, repeatable hole quality
• Faster hole production (when paired with annular cutters)
  
  

Mag drills are especially useful after welding, when parts are heavy, awkward, or already installed and repositioning just isn’t practical or possible.

BEST SUITED FOR:

• Brackets and base plates
• Welded frames and fixtures
• Tabs, gussets, and mounting holes

The Evolution S28MAG is a compact, portable magnetic drill built for general fabrication work and daily shop use.

With a max annular cutting capacity of 1-1/8 inches, its small footprint still delivers serious stability thanks to a 2-stage magnet rated at 2,860 lbs of adhesion. This strong magnetic hold helps keep the drill firmly planted during operation, even when working on vertical surfaces.

​Each unit comes ready to go with a carry case, safety strap, coolant bottle and tubing, chuck and adapters, and operating accessories, making it easy to carry between jobs or job sites.

BEST SUITED FOR:

• Bridges 
• Structural I-Beams and columns
• Industrial fabrication and fieldwork

The Evolution EVOMAG42 is a compact, portable magnetic drill built for heavier fabrication and structural steel applications.

​Offering a larger annular cutting capacity of 1-5/8 inches, with the same 2-stage magnetic base with 2,860 lbs of holding force that provides the stability needed for precise drilling in demanding conditions, while still staying portable enough for onsite use and confined spaces.

​This model also comes equipped with a carry case, safety components, coolant system, chuck and adapters, and accessories making it job-ready right out of the box.

So which one is the right choice for your shop? Choosing between the two really comes down to the type of work your shop handles most often. For everyday fabrication and lighter structural work, go with the S28MAG. For heavier industrial applications, larger hole requirements, or structural steel, go with the EVOMAG42.

These mag drills really shine when paired with annular cutters, which remove only the perimeter of the hole instead of cutting solid material like a twist drill.

​Evolution has a great line-up of annular cutters from high speed steel to carbide-tipped, they're available individually or in curated sets that cover the most commonly used sizes. With these, you'll get faster drilling speeds, less heat and torque, and cleaner burr-free cuts!

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Evolution’s S28MAG and EVOMAG42 magnetic drills are purpose-built for professionals looking for accuracy, efficiency, and reliability. These tools offer a practical way to improve your workflow without overcomplicating the process! 

For welding and fabrication shops looking to drill smarter, reach out to the Earlbeck team. We'll talk you through the options and help find the perfect fit for the job!