Features
- Drills up to a 2 in. hole through 2 in. of structural steel
- E‑Clutch that cuts power if unexpected rotation is detected
- Compatible with TOOL CONNECT tracking chip (sold separately)
- Two mechanical gears with 5 variable speeds per gear (10 speed settings total)
- Permanent magnet base requires no electrical charge to attach to steel
- Quick‑change chuck system: tool‑free change between 3/4 in. Weldon shank bits and 1/2 in. keyed chuck
- Motor height adjustment for broader accessory compatibility
- Forward/reverse control for tapping and other applications
- On‑board LED to illuminate the drilling area
- Long runtime: up to 40 holes per charge when used with specified FLEXVOLT battery (DCB609G)
- FLEXVOLT ADVANTAGE provides increased power when used with compatible FLEXVOLT battery
Specifications
Power Source | Cordless |
Motor Type | Brushless |
Has Clutch | Yes |
Has Led Light | Yes |
Has Overload Protection | Yes |
Has Reverse | Yes |
Length Of Drill Stroke (In) | 5.8 |
No Load Speed (Rpm) | 810 (varies by speed setting) |
Speed Settings | 10 (5 variable speeds per gear) |
Drilling Capacity | Up to 2 in. hole through 2 in. structural steel |
Permanent Magnet Base | Yes (no electrical charge required) |
Quick Change Chuck | Accepts 3/4 in. Weldon shank; includes 1/2 in. keyed chuck and chuck key |
Product Height (In) | 13.58 |
Product Weight (Lbs) | 31.8 |
Product Weight (Oz) | 508.8 |
Runtime Note | Up to 40 holes per charge on 1/2 in. ASTM A36 steel using DCB609G battery (battery sold separately) |
Flexvolt Advantage | Up to 32% more power when using DCB609G battery (compared to specified 20V battery) |
Battery & Charger | Sold separately |
Includes | Fluid reservoir with tube; 1/2 in. keyed chuck attachment; chuck key; annular cutter ejection pins; chip guard; safety chain; feed handle set; reservoir bracket; Allen key; wrench; wing bolt |
Warranty | 3 Year Limited Warranty; 1 Year Free Service; 90 Days Satisfaction Guaranteed |
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Cordless 2 in. magnetic drill press with a brushless motor, two mechanical gears (10 total speed settings), and a permanent magnet base for attachment to steel. The tool supports quick changes between 3/4 in. Weldon shank annular cutters and a 1/2 in. keyed chuck. It includes an E‑Clutch safety feature that cuts power if rotation is detected. FLEXVOLT ADVANTAGE mode increases power when used with a compatible FLEXVOLT battery (battery and charger sold separately).
DeWalt 20V MAX 2 in. Magnetic Drill Press With FLEXVOLT ADVANTAGE (Tool Only) Review
I brought this DeWalt mag drill to a retrofit on a steel mezzanine where power access was limited and cord management was a headache. A day in, it felt less like a compromise and more like the right tool for the job. Cordless magnetic drills are still a niche category, but this one is capable, thoughtfully laid out, and powerful enough to replace a corded mag drill for a lot of structural work.
Design and build
The overall package is compact and dense. At just under 32 pounds without a battery or coolant, it’s not featherlight, but it’s a bit easier to haul than many corded models I’ve used. The permanent magnet base means there’s no separate power draw to energize the magnet, and a mechanical actuation lever locks it down on steel. The base held to 1/2-inch plate and structural shapes without drama, provided I cleaned the contact area and avoided mill scale ridges. As with any mag drill, you need a sufficiently thick, flat, ferrous surface and a safety tether when working vertically or overhead.
Fit and finish are what I expect from DeWalt’s pro line. The rack-and-pinion feed is smooth, the motor carriage has enough stiffness to keep chatter in check, and there’s an adjustable motor height that helps accommodate different cutter lengths and chuck configurations. The included quick-change system lets you swap between a 3/4-inch Weldon arbor for annular cutters and a 1/2-inch keyed chuck for twist drills or taps without hunting for specialty tools. The on-board LED is more useful than you might think; on dim mezzanines and inside beam webs, being able to see the pilot point clearly is a time saver.
Setup and controls
Two mechanical gears and five electronic speed selections per gear give you 10 total speed settings. The top end is spec’d around 810 RPM, with low gear delivering the torque you need for larger cutters and tapping. The interface is straightforward: gear selector, speed buttons, and a forward/reverse control. The E-Clutch and overload protection are integrated; you don’t “see” them until you need them, which is exactly the point.
Swapping between the Weldon arbor and the keyed chuck is genuinely quick. I went from 1-3/8-inch annular cutters to a 1/2-inch twist drill and back in minutes. Runout at the keyed chuck was reasonable for a mag drill—certainly fine for structural holes and field tapping—and the Weldon connection felt rock solid.
Performance on steel
With annular cutters up to 1-1/2 inches, this mag drill is in its element. In low gear at a mid-range speed, it bit cleanly, evacuated chips well with cutting fluid, and produced burr-free holes in ASTM A36 plate. On 2-inch-thick material, the tool has the stroke (about 5.8 inches) and torque to keep moving; feed rate matters here, and the drill rewards steady pressure rather than forcing it. I didn’t max out the 2-inch cutter capacity during my tests, but based on the torque feel and motor behavior, the tool is built for that upper end with the right cutter, lubrication, and patience.
Switching to twist drills, I ran 3/8-inch and 1/2-inch holes with the keyed chuck. As with most mag drills, twist drills don’t clear chips as effortlessly as annular cutters, so peck drilling and plenty of fluid help. The forward/reverse function is handy not just for tapping but also for freeing a snagged bit. Tapping 3/8-16 through 1/4-inch plate worked well in low gear; the reverse engages promptly and the E-Clutch stands guard if the tap binds.
One place the tool impressed me was vertical work on beam webs. The permanent magnet base didn’t draw battery power, so I could take my time aligning and clamping accessories without worrying about drain. Once locked, the drill felt secure and balanced; the handle has enough leverage to feed without overexertion.
E-Clutch and safety
The E-Clutch is not a gimmick. I intentionally stalled a twist drill by feeding too aggressively, and the motor stopped near-instantly. This is a big deal on a 30-pound machine clinging to steel; unexpected rotation can be dangerous. Overload protection kicks in if you lean on the tool too hard for too long, prompting you to back off and let it cool. Neither feature interfered with normal drilling, and both add confidence for less-than-ideal field conditions.
As always, use a safety chain or strap, especially overhead, and keep the magnet contact area clean and flat. A thin shim or plate won’t give you the same holding power as a substantial steel surface.
Runtime and batteries
This is a tool-only unit, and it performs best on a DeWalt FLEXVOLT pack. With a DCB609 (9.0Ah FLEXVOLT), I saw excellent runtime—comfortably within the brand’s “up to 40 holes on 1/2-inch A36 with annular cutters” claim, though that will vary with cutter sharpness, feed rate, and material. The tool works on standard 20V MAX packs, but the FLEXVOLT Advantage feature is real; there’s a noticeable bump in grunt with the bigger battery. DeWalt pegs it at up to around 32% more power, and that tracks with my experience pushing larger cutters in thicker stock.
Plan your battery strategy. For structural work where you’re moving between pieces, two high-capacity FLEXVOLT packs keep you drilling all day. In a fab shop with a charger close by, a single pack can cover a lot of holes if you’re mostly in the 7/8- to 1-1/4-inch range.
Ergonomics and usability
DeWalt did a good job with balance. Carrying the drill by the main handle with a battery installed isn’t awkward, and setting it onto a beam flange feels controlled. The LED is well placed, and the speed controls are glove-friendly. The noise level is typical for a mag drill—ear protection is a must. Vibration is well managed with annular cutters; twist drills transmit more vibration, but that’s the nature of the operation.
A small but practical note: the motor height adjustment is worth using. Keeping the quill closer to mid-stroke improves feel and reduces chatter, especially with shorter cutters or taps.
Limitations and trade-offs
- Weight is still weight. Thirty-plus pounds on a ladder or manlift is work. If you mostly drill overhead or on thin material where magnet holding force is marginal, you’ll wish for lighter options—but those usually sacrifice capacity.
- Tool-only pricing plus the cost of a FLEXVOLT battery and charger adds up. If you’re already on the DeWalt platform, it’s easier to justify.
- The base demands clean, flat steel. That’s not unique to this drill, but mill scale, paint, and weld slag noticeably reduce holding power. Surface prep matters.
- The top speed is sufficient for the typical range of annular cutters and taps, but small-diameter twist drills aren’t this tool’s sweet spot. Use a handheld drill for 1/4-inch holes in sheet.
Who it’s for
- Structural steel installers and field fabricators who need cordless freedom without giving up 2-inch annular capacity.
- Maintenance crews working in facilities where cords and generators are impractical or unsafe.
- Pros already invested in DeWalt 20V MAX/FLEXVOLT who want a mag drill that plays nicely with existing batteries.
If your work is almost entirely bench-top in a shop with abundant power, a corded mag drill can be cheaper with essentially infinite runtime. But for jobsite mobility, this cordless platform is compelling.
Recommendation
I recommend the DeWalt mag drill for pros who regularly drill structural steel in the field and want corded-level performance without the cord. It’s strong with annular cutters up to its rated capacity, the quick-change chuck system covers twist drilling and tapping, and the E-Clutch adds meaningful safety. Pair it with a high-capacity FLEXVOLT battery to unlock its best performance, plan for proper surface prep and tethering, and you’ll have a reliable, portable drilling solution that earns its spot on the truck.
Project Ideas
Business
Mobile On‑Site Steel Drilling & Tapping Service
Offer a same‑day field service drilling up to 2 in. holes in structural steel and tapping threads for retrofits (baseplates, guardrails, machinery pads, mezzanines). The cordless, permanent‑magnet setup saves clients hot work permits and power runs. Monetize per‑hole + diameter multiplier + travel; upsell layout, template fabrication, and corrosion protection. Target GCs, fabricators, facility managers, and sign installers.
Shipping Container & Steel Structure Retrofits
Specialize in drilling/tapping containers and steel frames for solar racking, louvered vents, signage, cable glands, and interior fit‑outs. The quick‑change system lets you swap between annular cutters for clean penetrations and twist bits/taps for hardware. Package services: site survey, layout, drilling, hardware install, and sealants. Partner with container dealers and off‑grid/EV charging integrators.
Railing, Stair, and Mezzanine Field Modification
Provide precise field drilling for misaligned holes, retrofit posts, and add‑on safety features without removing assemblies. Use 10 speed settings to match cutters to unknown steel grades; the E‑Clutch reduces risk in awkward positions. Bill hourly with minimum call‑out, plus material and anchor hardware. Market to metal shops that lack portable mag drills and to builders needing post‑inspection corrections.
Industrial Maintenance & MRO Add‑On Service
Support plants by drilling/tapping frames and guards for sensors, cable trays, and safety barriers during short downtime windows. The LED and compact stroke help in low‑light, cramped areas; FLEXVOLT batteries extend runtime. Offer PM bundles: asset tagging (TOOL CONNECT chips), guard retrofits, and bolt‑pattern standardization. Price by scope with emergency response premiums.
Architectural Signage and Metal Installations
Fabricate and install steel signs, brackets, and art panels with standoff mounts. Annular‑cut clean mounting holes in thick steel substrates on site for perfect alignment; tap threads for hidden fasteners. Bundle: design/CAD, shop fabrication, on‑site drilling, finish touch‑ups. Sell to architects, retail fit‑outs, and municipalities; charge per project with add‑ons for night work and traffic control.
Creative
Modular Home Gym Rig + Attachments
Build a freestanding power rack and bolt‑on accessories (dip bars, landmine, J‑cups, band pegs). Use the mag base on a sacrificial steel plate or welding table to keep the drill stable while you annular‑cut clean 5/8 in. holes on 2 in. centers through 11‑gauge steel tube/plate. Switch to the keyed chuck to drill pilot holes and tap threads with forward/reverse for accessories that don’t use through‑bolts. The precise hole spacing and burr‑free edges from annular cutters give a pro look and easy alignment.
Industrial Bookshelf/Media Console (Bolt‑Up Frame)
Create a steel angle and plate frame that bolts together with visible hardware for an industrial aesthetic. Lay out matching hole patterns in the uprights and shelves; the 10 speed settings let you match cutter speed to material. Use the fluid reservoir for cool cuts and the ejection pins for fast slug removal. Add hardwood shelves that bolt on via tapped inserts in the steel for a clean, tool‑serviceable design.
Custom Overland/Truck Rack and Accessory Mounts
Fabricate a modular roof or bed rack with bolt‑on mounts for awnings, shovels, max‑trax, and light bars. The permanent magnet base grips to a steel jig or fixture so you can drill repeatable hole patterns in tubing/plate. Tap M8/M10 threads for accessories using the drill’s reverse control. Quick‑change to annular cutters for larger pass‑through holes (wiring, grommets) without distorting thin sections.
Modern Handrail and Stair Stringers
Build a steel handrail with plate brackets and concealed fasteners. Annular‑cut clean holes in stringers and landing plates; countersink with twist bits via the keyed chuck where needed. Tap threads in post plates for set screws and infill panels. The LED light helps mark alignment on darker finishes, and the E‑Clutch adds safety while working on awkward stair runs.
Steel Planters with Bolt‑On Trellis System
Make heavy‑duty planters from 1/8–3/16 in. steel with a modular trellis that bolts on for climbing plants. Drill consistent hole grids in planter walls using a steel backer so the magnet holds strongly. Tap for standoffs and decorative panels; annular cutters keep edges clean to reduce paint chipping. Powder‑coat or patina for a premium exterior finish.