Mag Drill Comparison; Can an Inexpensive Mag Drill Hang with a Slugger That Costs Over 4x as Much?

[@chasg5648]

One factor that's difficult to check in a quick test is the long term build quality and ruggedness. I would not be surprised if the Slugger was built beefier. Another big factor is parts availability. Who's parts can one get fastest?

[@otrookie]

New into fab work got my first welder and evolution saw, got myself a vevor I’m excited for $220 it’s a steal in comparison especially someone new to this, I’m sure down the road I’d want something that can cut bigger holes etc but for now I think it’ll be great I think it held it’s ground really good against that slugger for its money. Hougen seems like an awesome machine too, I’ve used hub oil before to cut with on regular drill bits and works great

[@DeathTollRacing]

Awesome! Best of luck with your adventure!

[@behemothinferno]

Cool video. I would have given the point to the slugger in the annular cutter test because you can clearly hear the Vevor bogging down badly when cutting through that steel whereas the slugger was so effortless. Just because they both did the job doesn't mean one didn't do it better than the other.

[@DeathTollRacing]

Good point. The slugger is way more industrial. But it comes with the sacrifice of weight. I feel like more often than not I use these upside down. LOL

[@seabreezecoffeeroasters7994]

The Slugger isn't variable speed it will be switching windings for speed control so it will have higher torque. The Vevor does on this version bumps the power up (has a current sensor in it) if it bogs down so the speed will pick back up a bit. So it might sound like it is hunting the speed - because it actually is.

[@minnesnowda2510]

The max depth of the drill and the motor longevity - reliability would be the biggest concern for me. It would not bother me if some of the wiring or buttons etc on the vevor need repairs over time vs more expensive mag drills as long as the motor lasts a reasonable period of time before burning up or melting etc. even if the vevor lasts 1/2 the time your still better off w vevor because it’s 20-30% of the cost of the other ones I’ve compared

[@DeathTollRacing]

I really like that mag drill. I use it primarily now, and keep my tapmatic on the slugger.

[@robertjohnson7728]

Great to see a honest review.

[@DeathTollRacing]

Thank you!

[@Iowa599]

Maybe you could do a "long haul" test, where you cut something big & monitor motor temperatures. Maybe a drill hits a plateu temp, or just keeps climbing, indicating that if you use it too hard it will eventually melt down. For that, or your drilling speed tests (not rpm), maybe a pully stuck to the handles with a rope & weight for a constant consistent applied force.

[@DeathTollRacing]

Those are some great ideas!

[@kenspaceman3938]

I have a question. I searched for suitable annular cutters with the quick change shank. There’s a shank type called Universal Shank that looks like it has both the Nitto kind of attachment and the Weldon type. These cutters with Universal Shank can be found on both Amazon and AliExpress. Will these be usable as tool less attached cutters on the Vevor mag drill? They weren’t as expensive as the original Nittos and other higher quality ones.

[@DeathTollRacing]

I’m not sure which ones you are looking at, but the ones I see that say universal appear to be nitto, but not Weldon. I can’t say for certain though.

[@Comm0ut]

Sending both to Torque Test Channel for a dyno comparison would be interesting and get both your channels more views. What is not measured directly is not known. As for selling the Jancy, I don't sell good tools. That's what my estate sale will be for. Since it's already long paid for itself there is no opportunity lost by keeping it vs. losing that particular capability. The extra height may be an advantage given the height of your Tapmatic and typical use case. Backup is beautiful and the old saying "one is none and two is one" is a military classic for good reason. I avoid being "one deep" on important equipment. If the Vevor fries one day you'll still have immediate backup and no task interruption.

[@DeathTollRacing]

Some very good points there. It would be cool to torque test. The slugger definitely makes more torque, but the question then lies as to which drill can hang on while applying it. It is nice having the slugger set up with the tapmatic ready to go.

[@topanteon]

Except that you can sell the slugger and buy 4 Vevor drills, thus have more spares. Or check this out, buy 2 vevors and have 200 dollars to spare to take your kids out for dinner. Economy, bro.

[@regsparkes6507]

Morse taper, then Weldon shank, now Vevor decides we need even more bits to deal with in what they call a Nitto 1 touch,...why not stay with a tried and true chuck style, the Morse taper get's my vote.

[@DeathTollRacing]

I think that nitto is popular in another time zone. It is nice to use, but all my cutters are Weldon.

[@coryridder1937]

I guess I've never needed a standard chuck in one. I always used these on truck frames and used annular cutters. Up to about 5/8" is pretty cool all the rolling you can use. I was actually looking at getting a vevor off Amazon instead of the higher priced brand name mag drills. Super nice to have when you need it but I don't use one enough to justify a "nice" one. Very cool test thank you

[@DeathTollRacing]

Thank you! I do a lot of drilling a tapping. My Tapmatic actually fits my slugger, so it may just stay attached to it and I'll do everything else with the vevor. If you "sign up" currently the vevor I tested is $369.99 direct from them. s.vevor.com/bfQeyI

[@coryridder1937]

@Death Toll Racing I'm gonna have to look into the tapmatic thing too

[@Comm0ut]

@@coryridder1937 Tapmatics are a machine shop classic but with some practice it's easy to tap using an ordinary chuck which is done all the time on milling machines (for which Tapmatic was originally designed for production use). Unless you require mobile tapping the money for a larger Tapmatic could go towards a used knee mill if you don't already have one, and milling machines are insanely handy.

[@Ca21431]

Ya, try to get ahold and get anything done from vevors customer service! Tried myself and I'll never buy another product from them!!!

[@christiankreb459]

Hi, the Slugger JCM 206 comes with Memory Function speed storage. To reactivate your last reduced speed just press the slow button and Motor on button simultaniously. and the last slow speed is reactivated. Try it!

[@DeathTollRacing]

I just got schooled on my Slugger Mag Drill #tools #toolreview #mechanic #fabrication #welder

[@glenalguire6960]

The metal has to be relatively thick for the magnet to work properly on the vevor , of coarse it’s the only mag drill I’ve ever used , so I don’t know if the expensive drills are any better

[@DeathTollRacing]

I’ve used a lot of them, and across the board it’s the same with the magnets on thinner material. Stupid science! 😂

[@topanteon]

@@DeathTollRacing You could have mentioned the vevor comes with a slot for a ratchet strap, if we're being honest.

[@mikem3161]

I didn't see or maybe I missed it BUT does the handle move from side to side on eigther one??? Cause there are gonna be times you are gonna need to have the handle on onw side or the other!!!

[@DeathTollRacing]

That’s a good question and I had to look to see. The slugger is a definite no. The vevor looks like you can.

[@DeathTollRacing]

The answer is yes on the vevor. There is a bit of finesse to slide it out and in while positioning the rack, but it’s easy if you pay attention.

[@mikem3161]

@@DeathTollRacing Thank you for checking that out for me!!! Good vid.

[@DeathTollRacing]

@@mikem3161 I wish I had thought of that long ago! It’s soooooooo much nicer in general on the opposite side. Glad you thought of it!

[@mikem3161]

@@DeathTollRacing Well I'm a welder fabricator. And I had a slugger at my old job before I went out on my own. That slugger you could switch the handle side to side witch was GREAT but I didn't want to spend the money for it!! I just orded a vevor m50 I build alot of skidloader implements and work on most big equipment (semis heavy equipment big farm machinery) and I can't get some stuff in my drill press this thing will be great!!!

[@MrjackieG]

Something else not tested is run out. I think the vevor would take this one with the NITTO Kohke style shank. These Vevors are perfect to build welding tables 3/4" thick tops with 550+ threaded 5/8" holes. You would out build the Slugger 4-1 maybe more.

[@DeathTollRacing]

Good point!

[@luboshcamber1992]

Great video, thanks! Finally one normal guy just talking straight to the point and no 17 minutes nonsense of trying to be cool and funny. Thanks for that. Some people complained about the drill chuck for classic drill bits wobbling. Did you have that issue? I will need to drill couple accurate holes on my project so I would appreciate your opinion on that. Thanks and God bless.

[@DeathTollRacing]

Mine is tight, but I do worry the coupler will eventually get loose. So far so good with mine though.

[@gabrielesposito2735]

Great video Death Toll Racing! 🔥 Thank you! 💯

[@DeathTollRacing]

Thank you!

[@terrellscaife2411]

Great video I’m looking into getting the Milwaukee version

[@DeathTollRacing]

I’ve used a lot of different ones, but not the Milwaukee. I would bet it’s pretty good though.

[@hansnoeldner1861]

Build quality and robustness are big issues over the long haul. For example, it looks like the wiring from the base unit to the motor on the Slugger is much more resistant to damage than on the Vevor.

[@SierraADV]

That's also a really simple fix if it does fail.

[@MrJmBecker]

What about the reverse function on the Vevor ? Nice for tapping.

[@DeathTollRacing]

I actually can’t remember off the top of my head. I use a tapmatic in the slugger for tapping. It’s pretty much all I use the slugger for any more. Only problem is they are unjustifiable in price for diy guys like me unless you come across one at an auction or ???

[@topanteon]

I feel you skipped an important part, and that's cooling. That slugger doesn't look like it's got a cooling method, while the Vevor feeds coolant through the shaft, straight into the center of the annular cutter. Also the Vevor has a center punch thingie that is spring loaded, which makes it easier to hit the drilling center, plus it helps to push out the slug that's been cut.

[@DeathTollRacing]

They both have cooling. I think I mention early on in the video that I never use it since I generally use these upside down or sideways so I am very used to doing that manually. Both have the spring centers on the annular cutters.

[@jamessowards3822]

I have used the slugger often and the Vevor occasionally. The slugger is a much more industrial use drill that will outlast the Vevor without a doubt. If you are a hobbyist the Vevor is OK. The model slugger you used is not the only one they have. There are better models to compare. I personally like the Hougen drills most of all.

[@DeathTollRacing]

Yes, it really depends on what you use them for. I think the vevor is great for occasional use or overhead use since it's light. But it's also lighter duty. Both are great in their own regard.

[@Vindex0]

thanks for this nice comparison, you know where this vevor gets built?

[@DeathTollRacing]

I'm sure it's China. I do believe the Slugger is Germany.

[@bobweiram6321]

I wonder if you can replace the odd ball tool holder with a straight morse taper shank.

[@DeathTollRacing]

You can adapt to the straight 3/4. There’s a link to it in the description of the video.

[@AndersHellquist]

It is actually a Japanese holder (or clone) that is used in expensive high end equipment. It might get more common.

[@bryanmeier8251]

Mine came with the Weldon adapter

[@DeathTollRacing]

Really? Dang.

[@wrenchbender01]

The one aspect you missed for me was, rack and pinion range of motion. Otherwise well put together.

[@DeathTollRacing]

I thought I did? I must have missed that part during editing.

[@Iowa599]

IMO, since 7-5/8 is 145% of 5-1/4, I think the slugger should get 1.45 points for chuck height…

[@DeathTollRacing]

That's a good point. Chuck height is important, and is probably the biggest downfall to the vevor. I currently have the slugger set up with a tapmatic and just keep it on there now. It wouldn't be an option on the vevor (or at least the tapmatic I have wouldn't) due to height restriction.

[@saltpilotspeedshop3030]

Great video, what force gauge are you using?

[@DeathTollRacing]

It’s this one. It’s also a vevor. I’ve had it for a few years now. Good to 1000kg s.vevor.com/bfQvjP

[@isaacclark6749]

All that really matters is which one holds up to daily use.

[@DeathTollRacing]

I thought I was pretty clear, but if you use a mag drill daily, the slugger is worth the money. If you can’t justify the money because you use it seldom, the vevor is a great option.

[@fitch8363]

The Vevor has less height and the adaptor makes it even less. I'd hang onto the Slugger and the Vevor if it were me.

[@DeathTollRacing]

I leave a tapmatic on my slugger now pretty much full time. It works great with it. I'll be using the 2 in a video soon where I'm upgrading my fab table with some parts from Fire Ball Tool.

[@jheissjr]

The issue with the Vevor is that turning the speed down is reducing the torque because it's just reducing the motor voltage. Half the speed, half the torque. This is exactly the opposite how it should be operated. The correct way to reduce the speed is to gear it down. Half the speed, twice the torque. You put a larger drill in the Vevor, turn it down and now the larger drill is running at half power. The Slugger does this correctly with the gearbox. If the Vevor had a low speed selection with gear reduction it would be a great drill.

[@DeathTollRacing]

I agree. I do like how light the vevor is though since I often use them upside down. The lack of gearbox is helpful in that regard. The slugger is hands down a more industrial drill, but there’s definitely a place for the vevor.

[@johngibson1468]

Ullll😅l

[@shannonsmith8004]

For 33yrs in heavy industrial welding and fabrication I’ve used Milwaukee and Hougan drills a lot. They seem to use the same way to slow them down and they work great. It doesn’t take a lot of pressure to use mag drills effectively. They cut pretty quickly essentially through 1/2” or less

[@DeathTollRacing]

@@shannonsmith8004 very true

[@MrjackieG]

@@jheissjr vevor uses electronic speed control. It’s torque sensing so when you dig the cutter in it maintains the set speed. And it works.

[@bentlikeitsmaker]

Honestly nitto aren't that hard to find most industrial suppliers have them there are adapters for weldon honestly I hate the weldon style bits they are junk compared to the nitto bits also find standard annular cutters jamb up way easier with chips and break bits the slugger style honestly I wouldn't run it any bigger then 2 inches

[@DeathTollRacing]

I haven’t been around the Nitto bits enough for an honest longevity claim. So far I like them though.

[@shawn7913]

Without a doubt, no a cheaper mag mount doesn't come close to a slugger. I used one for drill holes in a Mack frame, then I used a Milwaukee mag mount. It was so lose, no comparison. The slugger was so precise even mounted horizontal.

[@DeathTollRacing]

I own both. I actually use the vevor more. It’s light and it works. My slugger has a tap matic in it now, so I just switch back and forth

[@rikujkoivisto]

you like vevor (made in china), i take slugger (fein?) last 5x longer, and who needs rpm? torgue matters

[@DeathTollRacing]

There’s a place for both. I think you skipped that part

[@silverbackag9790]

I don’t necessarily agree that weight should be factor. Seems like cheaper materials and cheaper motors will make the lesser quality machine always get that point in a head to head.

[@DeathTollRacing]

I think you missed my assessment of “industrial vs hobbiest”

[@a.a.b.47]

That was fun!

[@DeathTollRacing]

It was!

[@arccaptain-weld]

Can we get an honest review from you too？We are very looking forward to😄

[@DeathTollRacing]

On what product?

[@arccaptain-weld]

@@DeathTollRacing MIG130, this is our best seller, great for beginners and light metal😄

[@earlmiller6093]

Gear reduction… yeah that is sweet

[@DeathTollRacing]

it is for sure.

[@jedclampett6466]

4 minutes in you explained why i would never buy this unit.

[@DeathTollRacing]

Perfect!

[@creativecreative9582]

Why would that be I'm new to mag drills?

[@bouyno]

Not even remotely close to the correct adapter! Weldon 3/4" male to 1 1/4" weldon female??? That's wasted money...😒

[@DeathTollRacing]

Stupid Amazon. Yeah, that link was wrong. Even if I go through my purchase it sends to that adapter. I fixed the link to another one.

[@RAREFORMDESIGNS]

The test here is almost useless.

[@DeathTollRacing]

key word "almost"

[@earlmiller6093]

Hold on there…. I have a variable speed drill mag drill… they have a constant torque …. When I dial the speed down, put a load on it… it starts drawing more amps to maintain torque… I know this because if I immediately remove load the motor revs and then settles down to speed setting again…. This is why these motors have to have thermal protection because at low speed settings the amperage draw increases substantially under load creating heat… but the power remains.

[@DeathTollRacing]

Yes, I wasn’t clear, that’s how the slugger is, but the vevor not. At least not well. The slugger also has a gear reduction.

[@rocklanddale8646]

UH BASE PLATE OR TABLE THICKNESS IS MUCHO IMPORTANTE, 1/2 PLATE WILL WORK BRAVO

[@DeathTollRacing]

Cool