Hougen HMD904 Review

Hougen HMD904 Product Image

Editor Rating: 4.6/5

Great

Hougen HMD904 Review

Reviewed by: Timothy Henderson

Published on: March 21, 2018

Last modified: Aug 19, 2022 @ 1:15 am

 

 

  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Hougen HMD904 Review Summary:

As you probably already know, a quality magnetic drill can be a very versatile tool. Today’s market offers a wide array of different brands and models, allowing contractors and fabricators to choose from a number of types and sizes.

Hougen is one of the most reliable and most respected manufacturers of mag drills, offering a broad range of options suitable for everyone’s budget. Those looking for an all-rounder model will find the company’s HMD904 model as a pretty good choice – it’s one of the most popular units in its category for a number of reasons.

And if you’d like to know more about these reasons, keep on reading. We put the Hougen HMD904 to the test and tried to find out if it’s actually worth the money, while, at the same time, thoroughly analyzing all of its features. Did it impress us or has it left us disappointed? Read on and find out!

Specifications:

  • Weight – 28.9lbs
  • Dimensions – 20.5″ x 18″ x 9″
  • Chuck Size – 1/2″
  • Depth – 2″ (50mm)
  • Voltage – 115 volts

Hougen HMD904 – The Basics


This magnetic drill has been designed to assist the user with quick and efficient drilling of holes. It’s a versatile, lightweight, and a powerful model with a couple of additional features, and something that’s bound to make short work of every task you throw at it.

The model has a large 1-1/2″ x 2″ capacity, as well as the positive slug ejection. It comes equipped with feed handles, rear-mounted controls, and the so-called lift detector safety system. The package also includes some accessories – there’s the hex wrench, a safety chain, a pint of coolant, as well as the convenient carrying case.

Due to the fact that Hougen is one of the best brands of magnetic drills, we thoroughly analyzed the features of this particular model. Here’s what we found:

The Features


The Design


One of the things that make Hougen HMD904 the most popular tool in its class is its build construction. The drill sports a very durable housing, with little to no plastic parts. This makes it a perfect choice for those working in harsh conditions, as it gives the necessary peace of mind when it comes to mechanical damage.

The model is also quite lightweight for a magnetic drill. It weighs only 28.9 pounds (34.9 pounds when shipped) and has the dimensions of 20.5″ x 18″ x 9″. This, in turn, makes the machine highly portable, allowing you to easily transport it from one job site to another.

Power


The manufacturer has recently given this drill the necessary overhaul by adding the all-new 2-stage magnet. It has been made in a way that prolongs the magnet’s life by allowing it to reach the full power only when the machine is turned on. They also added the new slot-drive arbor system, as well as the positive slug ejection and the integrated light that allows working in dimly-lit spaces.

We were also quite pleased with the presence of the quick-change feed handles. These can be easily switched from one side of the unit to another, which is quite convenient and deserves special praise. The lift detector safety system, on the other hand, has a purpose of preventing accidental operation.

Warranty & Accessories


One of the most significant benefits of purchasing a Hougen drill is that it’s compatible with an extensive catalog of the manufacturer’s accessories, such as countersink tools, tapping, chucks, and a myriad of other items. With this particular mag drill, you’ll also be getting a hex wrench, a safety chain, a pint of coolant, and a handy carrying case.

The machine comes with a standard 1-year warranty, which isn’t that generous but it’s still better than nothing.

Pilot Light

Pros:

N

Ideal for heavy-duty jobs

N

2-stage magnet

N

Slot drive arbor

N

Integrated pilot light

Cons:

N

Short warranty

N

Quite pricey

R

Things we liked about it

This magnetic drill showed us why Hougen is still one of the most trusted names when it comes to power tools. The HMD904 is one of the most formidable units in this price category, as it packs a pretty powerful punch and comes equipped with a number of convenient accessories.

The model has a large 1″-1/2″ capacity, which makes it more than suitable for a number of heavy-duty applications. Its 2-stage magnet is a welcomed addition, as it’s sure to prolong the machine’s lifespan, while the inclusion of a quality slot drive arbor leads to faster accessories changes and increased accuracy.

We were also quite pleased to see the integrated LED light, the quick-change feed handles, the positive slug ejection feature, as well as the compatibility with numerous Hougen accessories. The durable housing is a bonus – it turns the HMD904 into a genuinely reliable power tool.

Q

Things we didn’t like

There’s not a lot to complain about this mag drill – the machine is a close contender for the best device of this type we’ve reviewed so far. Our complaints have nothing to do with the unit itself, but rather with its price and warranty.

The Hougen HMD904 is a very expensive tool – it’s as simple as that. To purchase it, you’ll have to reach very deep into your pocket. However, it’s important to say that the quality definitely justifies the price here.

Our second and final complaint is the included warranty deal, covering just one year from the date of purchase. This is far from today’s standards and something we hope to see fixed in the next revision.

What Users Say About The Hougen HMD904


Just like we expected, the users are more than pleased with the power and functionality of this mag drill. They give high praise to its durable housing and a number of convenient features that it’s equipped with, like the 2-stage magnet or the slot drive arbor.

One thing the users are particularly fond of is how easily the HMD904 drills holes in thick steel. They’re saying that it delivers the smoothest holes they’ve ever seen and are happy to recommend the machine to their friends and acquaintances.

Conclusion


In conclusion, we can safely say that the Hougen HMD904 is one of the best mag drills we’ve had the opportunity to test so far. The drill works beautifully – it finished every task we threw at it with great speed and efficiency. That fact that it’s equipped with so many convenient features makes it a worthy purchase, and something that’s sure to become the most favorite tool of every serious handyman or contractor.

Buying HMD904 is a wise decision – you surely won’t end up disappointed.

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