S&F STEAD & FAST Mag Drill Annular Cutter 1-1/4in - Precise Cuts

In this review of the S&F STEAD & FAST Mag Drill Annular Cutter 1-1/4in the bottom line is clear: this single-piece HSS annular cutter is aimed at metalworkers and tradespeople who need fast, burr-free holes in single sheets of steel. The biggest reason to buy is its CNC-machined M2AL high speed steel construction and Weldon shank that deliver accurate, clean cuts and secure clamping for use with magnetic drill presses. It is a practical tool for production tasks where cut quality and repeatability matter more than multi-layer capability.

Key Features

• M2AL HSS construction: The super tough high speed steel offers improved wear resistance so the cutter keeps sharp edges through repeated cuts.
• 2in cutting depth: The 2in depth lets users bore deep, through-style holes in single steel plates without stepping the tool.
• 5/4in outside diameter: The 1-1/4in diameter produces consistent hole sizes with smooth, reamed edges and minimal burrs for finish-ready results.
• 3/4in Weldon shank: The two-flat Weldon shank provides secure clamping in most mag drill arbors for stable, accurate drilling.
• Includes pilot pin and case: The kit comes with a pilot pin for chip ejection and a sturdy plastic case to protect the cutter between jobs.

Who It's For

This annular cutter is well suited to fabricators, site crews and maintenance techs who use magnetic drill presses from brands like Alfra, BDS, Dewalt, Fein and Hougen and need a reliable HSS cutter for single-layer steel work. It works particularly well when precise, burr-free holes are required and when the operator can control feed rates and secure the workpiece.

It is not the right choice for drilling stacked or multiple layers of material, nor is it a substitute for carbide cutters when working with extremely abrasive alloys. Buyers who need arbors or intend to use a standard drill press should note that an arbor for a 2in annular cutter is not included.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Durable M2AL HSS material gives good wear resistance and consistent cut quality.
• Weldon shank with two flats ensures secure clamping and less runout in mag drills.
• Produces smooth, reamed, burr-free edges that reduce secondary finishing.
• Includes pilot pin and protective case for safer handling and storage.

Cons

• Mixed reports on long-term sharpness and breakage mean users should monitor feed and engagement technique.
• Not designed for multiple layers and requires a separate arbor for use in some drill presses.

Specifications

Product type	Annular cutter (single piece)
Material	M2AL high speed steel (HSS)
Outside diameter	1-1/4in (5/4in)
Cutting depth	2in
Shank	3/4in Weldon shank with 2 flats
Included	Pilot pin and plastic case (1Pc)
Compatibility	Mag drills like Alfra, BDS, Dewalt, Fein, Euroboor, Hougen, Ruko

Our Verdict

The S&F STEAD & FAST 1-1/4in annular cutter is a solid choice for professionals who need reliable, clean holes in single sheets of steel and value a strong HSS construction and secure Weldon shank. It represents good value when used within its intended limits - single-layer drilling with controlled feed rates - but buyers should be aware that sharpness and breakage behavior varies in heavy use and that an arbor may be required for some drill presses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this on stacked plates?
Answer. No; this series is designed for drilling single layers only and is not recommended for multiple stacked plates.

Is the arbor included for drill press use?
Answer. No; an extra annular cutter arbor is required if you plan to use the 2in cutter in a drill press and is not included with the cutter.

Which drills is it compatible with?
Answer. The cutter fits most magnetic drill presses from popular brands, thanks to the 3/4in Weldon shank, but always confirm arbor fit before purchase.