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Buying Guide

How to Choose a Magnetic Drill for Northeast India Workshops

BDS Maschinen dealer advice on motor power, magnet force, cutter sizes and the right model for structural steel work across Assam and the Northeast.

Written by the counter team at Multi Trade Combines — 35 years supplying NE workshops.

This guide helps fabricators, contractors and maintenance engineers across Northeast India pick the right magnetic drilling machine for their application — from light in-plant work to heavy site fabrication on bridges and towers.

What Is a Magnetic Drill and Why Does It Matter in Northeast India?

A magnetic drill (also called a mag drill or magnetic core drill) clamps to any ferrous steel surface using an electromagnet, then drives an annular cutter to bore clean, burr-free holes. Unlike a hand drill, it holds itself in position — making it the only safe choice for overhead, vertical and confined-space drilling on structural steel.

In Northeast India, where EPC contractors work on bridges, industrial sheds, transmission towers and railway infrastructure across Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal and Manipur, a reliable magnetic drill saves hours per project compared to drilling and grinding. Multi Trade Combines has supplied BDS Maschinen mag drills to these industries from our Guwahati counter since the brand entered the Indian market.

Key Buying Criteria

Motor Power550 W–1800 W. Higher wattage handles larger cutter diameters without stalling. Match to your largest cutter requirement.
Magnet Holding ForceMinimum 10 kN for overhead or vertical use. BDS MAB 100/K: 13.5 kN. MABasic 60R: 10 kN.
Cutting Diameter12–35 mm covers most structural work. Up to 100 mm for heavy fabrication.
Drilling Depth30 mm (MABasic) to 100 mm (MAB 100/K). Match to your thickest steel section.
Spindle SpeedVariable speed is useful for aluminium and stainless. Fixed speed is fine for mild steel.
Coolant SystemBuilt-in coolant ring prolongs annular cutter life — essential for daily production use.
WeightLighter units (5–7 kg) suit on-site crews; heavier units (8–12 kg) better for workshop benches.
Safety Cut-offAuto power-cut if magnet loses grip — a must for overhead and elevated work.

BDS Maschinen Model Tiers

Multi Trade Combines is the authorised dealer and stockist for BDS Maschinen in Northeast India. Below are the main models we carry:

BDS MABasic 60R600 W motor, 30 mm depth, 10 kN magnet. Ideal for light fabrication and HVAC contractors. Best for repetitive 12–25 mm holes in 6–15 mm plate.
BDS MAB 100/K1200 W motor, 100 mm depth, 13.5 kN magnet. Heavy-duty structural work — bridge fabricators, tower erectors, railway contractors. Handles up to 100 mm annular cutters.

Both models come with a carry case, one annular cutter, and a 12-month warranty. As authorised dealers we hold genuine spares at our Guwahati counter.


Browse our stocked BDS units: BDS MAB 100/K · BDS MABasic 60R.

Step-by-Step: How to Choose Your Magnetic Drill

  1. List your largest cutter size. Most structural jobs in Assam use 16–35 mm holes; heavy fabrication may need 50–100 mm. Pick a machine rated at least 20% above your largest cutter.
  2. Check your steel thickness. Drilling depth must exceed your thickest flange or plate. If you drill HEB 300 flanges (15 mm), 30 mm depth suffices. For thick pad-eyes or marine structures, go 50 mm+.
  3. Assess the work position. Overhead or vertical positions demand ≥12 kN magnet and a safety cut-off. Both BDS models meet this requirement.
  4. Consider power supply. Single-phase 230 V supply is standard across Northeast India. Confirm the site generator rating before using a 1200 W+ machine.
  5. Factor in annular cutter cost. HSS and HSS-E annular cutters wear out. Buying from an authorised dealer means we stock compatible cutters and you avoid fake consumables.
  6. Call or WhatsApp us. Describe your job — we'll confirm the right model and cutter set. Delivery to Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Silchar, Shillong and all NE states.

Who Uses Magnetic Drills in Northeast India?

From our 35 years on AT Road, Guwahati, the typical buyers of magnetic drills include:

Related Pages

Frequently Asked Questions

What annular cutter size should I choose for structural steel?

For most structural steel fabrication in Northeast India — cutting through 20–50 mm sections — a 12 to 35 mm annular cutter covers almost everything. BDS MAB 100/K handles up to 100 mm depth; MABasic 60R handles 30 mm depth for lighter repetitive work. We stock a full range of annular cutters at our Guwahati counter.

Is a BDS magnetic drill suitable for on-site bridge or tower work in Assam?

Yes. BDS Maschinen magnetic drills use powerful electromagnets rated 12 kN and above, which hold securely to structural steel even on vertical or overhead surfaces. We supply these to EPC contractors working on bridge projects across Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh.

What is the after-sales support for BDS Maschinen in Northeast India?

Multi Trade Combines is the authorised BDS Maschinen dealer for Northeast India. We carry genuine spare parts — annular cutters, arbors, coolant rings — at our AT Road, Guwahati counter and can arrange service support. Call +91 91812 13332.