Mag Drill Accessories

About Mag Drill Accessories

Mag drill accessories are essential components that extend the functionality, versatility and performance of magnetic drilling machines. These precision-engineered attachments and adapters enable professional tradespeople to tackle a wider range of drilling applications, from standard twist drilling operations to specialised tapping, pipe work and challenging non-ferrous or textured surface installations. Tooled-Up.com stocks a comprehensive selection of mag drill accessories from industry-leading manufacturers including Fein and Rotabroach, ensuring compatibility with most professional magnetic drilling systems used across UK construction sites, fabrication workshops and steel erection projects.

The range includes quick-change systems, drill chuck adapters, Weldon shank components, vacuum plates for non-magnetic surfaces, cutting fluid delivery systems, tapping chucks and magnetic swarf management tools. These accessories transform a standard magnetic drill into a multi-functional workstation capable of handling diverse metalworking tasks. Professional-grade mag drill accessories are manufactured to exacting tolerances, ensuring secure mounting, minimal runout and reliable performance under the demanding conditions typical of structural steel work, mechanical engineering and heavy fabrication environments.

Whether you're drilling through steel beams on construction sites, fabricating structural components in workshop settings, or carrying out maintenance work on industrial machinery, the right accessories can significantly improve productivity, accuracy and job quality. From keyed drill chucks that accept conventional twist bits to sophisticated quick-change tapping systems and specialised pipe drilling clamps, these accessories represent a worthwhile investment for any tradesperson relying on magnetic drilling equipment for their daily work.

Jargon Buster

Weldon Shank

A standardised flat-sided shank design (typically 3/4" or 19mm) that provides secure, slip-free mounting in magnetic drill arbors. The flat side prevents rotation under high torque loads, making it the preferred connection standard for annular cutters and drilling accessories.

QuickIN System

A rapid tool-change mechanism developed by Fein that allows instant switching between different drilling accessories without tools. This system significantly reduces downtime when alternating between core drilling, twist drilling and tapping operations on site.

Vacuum Plate

A specialised mounting accessory that uses suction rather than magnetism to secure a mag drill to non-ferrous materials (aluminium, stainless steel) or textured surfaces where standard electromagnetic bases cannot achieve adequate grip.

Tapping Chuck

An accessory that converts a magnetic drill into a tapping machine, allowing threads to be cut accurately in drilled holes. Available in various sizes to accommodate different tap shank dimensions and thread specifications.

UNF Thread

Unified National Fine thread standard (such as 1/2" x 20 UNF), commonly used on mag drill arbor connections and adapters. The fine thread pitch provides secure mounting with reduced risk of vibration loosening during operation.

Arbor Adaptor

A connecting component that allows different shank types or thread standards to be used together, enabling standard drill chucks or alternative tooling to be fitted to magnetic drill spindles.

Who Uses Mag Drill Accessories?

• Steel Erectors and Structural Engineers – drilling connection holes in beams, columns and structural steelwork on construction sites
• Fabricators and Welders – preparing metalwork components in workshops and on-site fabrication projects
• Maintenance Engineers – carrying out repairs and modifications to industrial machinery, plant equipment and manufacturing installations
• Mechanical Fitters – installing pipework, supports and equipment brackets in commercial and industrial settings
• Shipbuilders and Marine Engineers – drilling through hull plates, deck structures and marine-grade steel components
• Railway and Infrastructure Contractors – working with rail track components, bridges and heavy-duty metal structures
• Plant Hire Companies – maintaining and expanding the capabilities of magnetic drilling equipment rental fleets
• Metalworking Contractors – general drilling operations across diverse industrial and construction applications

How to Choose the Right Mag Drill Accessories

Compatibility with Your Magnetic Drill: Always verify that accessories are compatible with your specific mag drill model. Check the arbor thread type (such as 1/2" x 20 UNF or M18), shank size requirements (typically 3/4" Weldon for professional machines) and any quick-change system specifications. Manufacturers like Fein produce model-specific accessories designed for their KBU, KBM and KBE series machines.

Application Requirements: Consider the drilling tasks you regularly undertake. If you frequently switch between core drilling and twist drilling operations, a quality drill chuck adaptor offers excellent versatility. For threading work, invest in properly sized tapping chucks. Those working with non-magnetic materials such as aluminium or stainless steel should consider vacuum plate attachments to maintain secure positioning.

Build Quality and Precision: Professional-grade accessories manufactured to tight tolerances ensure minimal runout, secure mounting and extended service life. Browse the selection at Tooled-Up.com for products from established manufacturers like Fein and Rotabroach, which are engineered specifically for demanding trade environments and heavy-duty applications.

Quick-Change Systems: For high-productivity environments where time savings are critical, quick-change accessories such as the Fein QuickIN system dramatically reduce tool changeover times. These systems eliminate the need for spanners and allow single-handed accessory swaps, improving efficiency on busy job sites.

Specialised Attachments: Consider whether your work involves unique drilling challenges. Pipe drilling clamps enable accurate drilling on cylindrical surfaces, flexible cutting fluid hoses improve coolant delivery to the cutting zone, and magnetic swarf rods simplify chip management around the work area.

Popular Accessories

• Annular Cutters – high-speed steel and TCT core drill bits in various diameters and cutting depths
• Cutting Fluid and Coolant – specialist lubricants that extend cutter life and improve drilling performance
• Pilot Pins – centering guides that locate annular cutters accurately before drilling commences
• Spare Electromagnet Fuses – replacement safety components for 240v magnetic drill base units
• Twist Drill Bit Sets – HSS and cobalt drill bits for use with chuck adaptors
• Carrying Cases – protective storage solutions for magnetic drills and their accessories
• Extension Leads – heavy-duty 240v cables rated for high-current power tool use on site
• Thread Taps – cutting tools in metric and imperial sizes for use with tapping chuck accessories

Safety Information

When using mag drill accessories, always ensure the magnetic base is properly secured before commencing drilling operations. Verify that vacuum plates achieve adequate suction pressure when working on non-magnetic surfaces – inadequate grip can result in dangerous tool movement during operation. Check that all adaptors and chucks are tightened securely to prevent accessory ejection under load.

Wear appropriate personal protective equipment including safety glasses, hearing protection and gloves when operating magnetic drilling equipment. Be aware that metal swarf produced during drilling can be extremely sharp – use magnetic swarf collection tools and handle waste material carefully. Always disconnect from the 240v power supply before changing accessories or performing maintenance.

Follow HSE guidelines for working at height when using magnetic drills on elevated structural steelwork. Ensure accessories are compatible with your drill's power rating and never exceed the manufacturer's specified capacities. Regular inspection of accessories for wear, damage or thread degradation helps prevent accidents and maintains drilling accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Weldon shank and why is it important?

A Weldon shank features a flat side that locks into the arbor, preventing rotation under high torque loads. This flat-sided design is the industry standard for magnetic drill accessories because it provides superior grip compared to round shanks, ensuring safe and accurate drilling through thick steel sections.

Can I use a standard drill chuck with my magnetic drill?

Yes, by using an appropriate arbor adaptor available from Tooled-Up. These adaptors typically feature a Weldon shank on one end that fits your mag drill's arbor, and a threaded connection (such as 1/2" x 20 UNF) on the other end that accepts standard drill chucks. This allows you to use conventional twist drill bits with your magnetic drilling machine.

How do vacuum plates work for non-magnetic materials?

Vacuum plates create a strong suction seal against the work surface, allowing magnetic drills to be used on aluminium, stainless steel, plastic or textured surfaces where electromagnetic attraction is insufficient. They require a smooth, relatively flat surface area and use either manual or powered vacuum pumps to maintain secure adhesion during drilling operations.

What's the advantage of quick-change accessory systems?

Quick-change systems like Fein's QuickIN dramatically reduce the time required to swap between different accessories such as annular cutters, drill chucks and tapping attachments. This eliminates the need for spanners and allows tool-free changeovers in seconds rather than minutes, significantly improving productivity on projects requiring multiple drilling operations.

Are mag drill accessories interchangeable between brands?

Basic accessories with standard Weldon shanks and UNF threads often work across different mag drill brands, but proprietary quick-change systems and model-specific adaptors are typically manufacturer-specific. Always verify compatibility before purchasing, checking your drill's arbor specifications and consulting product documentation to ensure proper fitment and safe operation.