Hougen HMD904S 115-Volt Swivel Base Magnetic Drill Fabricator's Kit with Review
Our verdict
The Hougen HMD904S is a 115-volt swivel base magnetic drill sold as a fabricator kit at $1,661, rated 4.7 stars by 57 owners. The swivel base is the defining feature, allowing the drill to mount at angles on structural steel, which is a genuine advantage in structural and pipe fabrication work.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Structural steel fabricators, pipe fitters, and ironworkers who regularly drill at angles or in tight spaces where a fixed-base mag drill cannot be positioned correctly.
Skip if
Buyers who only drill on flat horizontal surfaces and do not need the swivel capability, since the price premium over the Hougen HMD900 reflects the swivel base and fabricator kit components.
- Priced 110% above the category median ($792.50 across 8 tracked models)
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.7/5
4.7 average across 57 owner ratings
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Popularity1.2/5
57 owner reviews, fewer than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other power tools and workshop machinery we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
The Hougen HMD904S swivel base magnetic drill is a 115-volt tool packaged as a fabricator kit, priced at $1,661. The swivel base is what separates it from standard mag drills in the Hougen lineup, including the Hougen HMD900 at $890. The ability to pivot the drill head and mount at angles is critical for pipe drilling, beam flange work, and any application where the work surface is not horizontal.
With 57 owner reviews at 4.7 stars, this is a well-verified professional tool. The 4.7-star rating matches the DEWALT DWE1622K's average and exceeds the Evolution EVO42's 4.2 stars, making it one of the more trusted mag drills in this group. Fabricator kit packaging typically includes additional arbors or accessories, though the specific kit contents are not detailed in the listing data.
At $1,661, the HMD904S is the most expensive non-floor-press drill in this magnetic drill group. The premium is justified for shops where angled drilling is routine, but buyers who primarily work flat should evaluate whether the standard HMD900 at $890 covers their needs.
Pros
- Swivel base enables angled mounting for pipe and structural steel work
- 4.7-star rating from 57 owners reflects strong professional-level satisfaction
- Fabricator kit packaging adds utility for dedicated fabrication workflows
- 115V operation suits standard shop and job-site power
- Hougen brand has well-established support infrastructure
Cons
- $1,661 is a significant premium over the standard Hougen HMD900 at $890
- Kit contents not specified in listing data, making exact value comparison difficult
- Zero units reported bought last month, suggesting lower current sales velocity than the DEWALT DWE1622K
Performance notes
The Hougen HMD904S runs on 115 volts. No amperage, RPM, weight, or chuck size data is published in the listing. The swivel base mechanism allows the magnetic drill to mount at angles rather than only flat on a horizontal steel surface. The fabricator kit likely includes an arbor and cutters, but those specifics are not confirmed by the available data.
What buyers say
57 owners rate the Hougen HMD904S at 4.7 stars. Professional fabricators highlight the swivel base as a genuine production advantage and rate the magnetic holding force as reliable. The primary complaint noted by a small segment is the price relative to fixed-base alternatives, particularly for shops where angled drilling is occasional rather than routine.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Hougen HMD904S and the Hougen HMD900?
The HMD904S includes a swivel base that allows drilling at angles and is sold as a fabricator kit, priced at $1,661. The HMD900 is a standard fixed-base magnetic drill at $890. Choose the HMD904S if angled drilling on pipe or structural sections is part of your regular workflow.
Does the Hougen HMD904S kit include annular cutters?
The listing describes it as a fabricator kit but does not specify kit contents. Contact Hougen or the seller for a complete list of included accessories before purchasing.
Questions about the Hougen HMD904S or other swivel-base mag drills?
Email the ToolGalaxy team at hello@toolgalaxy.com for a comparison.