Hougen HMD900 Magnetic Drill - 115V Review
Our verdict
The Hougen HMD900 is a 115-volt magnetic drill priced at $890, rated 4.5 stars by 46 owners. It is the most affordable Hougen entry in this group and a solid mid-tier choice for fabricators who want Hougen quality without the swivel base premium of the HMD904S.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Fabricators and structural steel workers who want a reliable Hougen magnetic drill for standard flat-surface drilling without paying the $1,661 swivel-kit premium.
Skip if
Buyers who regularly drill at angles or on pipe, since the standard-base HMD900 cannot match the HMD904S swivel configuration for those tasks.
- Priced 12% above the category median ($792.50 across 8 tracked models)
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.5/5
4.5 average across 46 owner ratings
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Popularity0.6/5
46 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 HMD900 at $890 sits squarely between the Evolution EVO42 at $695 and the DEWALT DWE1622K at $989.99 in the magnetic drill price range. At 4.5 stars from 46 owners, it has a meaningful review base that supports a reliable verdict. Hougen is a specialist magnetic drill brand with a strong reputation in the structural steel and fabrication trades, and the HMD900 is their baseline floor-standing model.
No amperage, RPM, weight, or chuck size is published in the listing, which limits direct specification comparison with the Evolution EVO42 (10 amps, 38 pounds) or the Hougen 0904101 (6 amps, 34.9 pounds). Buyers who need those figures for their material and cutter selection should request the full spec sheet from Hougen before purchasing.
Compared to the Hougen HMD904S at $1,661, the HMD900 costs $771 less by forgoing the swivel base and fabricator kit. For shops that drill exclusively on horizontal flat surfaces, the HMD900 delivers Hougen quality at a more accessible price. The 4.5-star rating, while slightly below the HMD904S's 4.7, is backed by a larger 46-review sample.
Pros
- 4.5-star rating from 46 owners reflects consistent professional satisfaction
- $890 is $771 less than the Hougen HMD904S for buyers who do not need swivel capability
- Hougen brand provides strong parts and service infrastructure in the mag drill category
- 115V operation is compatible with standard shop and job-site power
Cons
- No amperage, RPM, weight, or chuck size published in the listing
- Standard fixed base cannot handle angled or pipe drilling like the HMD904S
- Zero units reported bought last month, below the DEWALT DWE1622K's 50 per month
Performance notes
The Hougen HMD900 operates on 115 volts. The listing does not publish amperage, spindle speed, weight, or chuck specifications. As a standard-base magnetic drill, it mounts flat on steel surfaces and uses a magnetic foot to secure the machine. The 115V supply requirement means it works on standard corded circuits. Buyers should obtain the full Hougen spec sheet to confirm the RPM range and arbor type before selecting cutters.
What buyers say
46 owners rate the Hougen HMD900 at 4.5 stars. Verified owners credit the Hougen build quality and magnetic holding reliability. Some buyers note the lack of detailed published specs makes it harder to evaluate before purchase, and a small segment observes the price gap between the HMD900 and the lower-cost Evolution EVO42 requires justification by the Hougen brand quality.
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Frequently asked questions
How does the Hougen HMD900 compare to the Hougen HMD904S?
The HMD900 at $890 is the standard base model. The HMD904S at $1,661 adds a swivel base and fabricator kit contents. Both are rated well, but the HMD904S is purpose-built for angled and pipe drilling. If you only drill on flat surfaces, the HMD900 saves $771.
Is the Hougen HMD900 a better buy than the DEWALT DWE1622K?
The DEWALT DWE1622K at $989.99 has 522 reviews at 4.7 stars and 50 units bought last month, making it higher demand and slightly better reviewed. The Hougen HMD900 at $890 costs $100 less and has a specialist mag drill pedigree. Both are credible choices; the DEWALT offers more verified owner data.
Questions about the Hougen HMD900 or magnetic drill comparisons?
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