Call Now
Website
Call
Business Details
37 Years
experience
Trusted Manufacturer of Industrial Drilling Solutions
Established in 1989 by Noel Rankin, a pioneer of Australian manufacturing, our company has dedicated over three decades to innovating industrial drilling solutions. We specialise in developing ergonomic, safety-focused equipment that enhances productivity while reducing operator fatigue. Our flagship product, the Drillmate Portable Drill Press, was born from the practical needs of our sister company requiring high-volume precision drilling in truck chassis. Through continuous research and development, we've expanded our range to include versatile tools like the Vac-Pad system, capable of drilling diverse materials from concrete to marble. Recognised with the Australian Design Award and Occupational Health and Safety Award early in our history, we maintain a global presence with products distributed across five continents. Our commitment to ergonomic, safety-driven (E.S.P.) design principles ensures every product balances technical excellence with workplace wellbeing.

With manufacturing based in Bayswater, Victoria, we combine Australian engineering rigor with international market adaptability. Our patented technologies, including magnetic-based drilling systems for non-ferrous materials, demonstrate our capacity to solve complex industrial challenges. Today, we continue evolving drilling solutions that meet changing workplace environments and material requirements while maintaining our founding focus on operator safety and efficiency.
Services
Portable Drill Press Vac-Pad Drilling System Cordless Rail Drilling Machine Vac-Force 2000 Oz-Plank Builders Planks 45 Degree Block Worktable Drill Bit Adaptors Battery Drill Kits Magnetic Drilling Systems
Details
  • Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
  • 35 years of Australian manufacturing expertise in industrial drilling solutions
  • Patented Drillmate Portable Drill Press technology with 14:1 force ratio
  • Ergonomic, Safety and Productivity (E.S.P.) design philosophy since 1989
  • Award-winning innovations including Australian Design Award and OH&S recognition
  • Global distribution network serving five continents from Australian headquarters
Services
Portable Drill Press
Our lightweight portable drill press system enhances drilling precision while reducing operator fatigue. Weighing just 1.6kg, it features a 14:1 force ratio that ensures optimal feed pressure for various drill bits and cutters. Compatible with electric, air, and battery-powered drills, this system increases cutter lifespan by up to 80% while maintaining safety and productivity across multiple industrial applications.
Vac-Pad System
The Vac-Pad drilling system enables secure drilling on diverse materials including concrete, marble, and sheet metals. Utilising vacuum technology, it provides stable anchoring for precision drilling tasks. This adaptable system accepts magnetic-based drilling machines for non-ferrous materials, offering versatile solutions for construction and manufacturing environments requiring accurate hole-making in challenging substrates.
Battery Drill Kits
Our battery drill attachment kits offer customised solutions for different drilling requirements. Available in four configurations, these kits accommodate twist drills, mini cutters, and broach cutters with diameters ranging from 8mm to 25.5mm. Each kit ensures proper drill bit alignment and force application, optimising drilling efficiency while maintaining workplace safety standards across various industrial applications.
Magnetic Drilling Systems
Designed for non-ferrous materials, our magnetic drilling systems provide secure attachment for precision drilling tasks. The Vac-Pad compatible magnetic base ensures stable operation on steel surfaces while maintaining drilling accuracy. These systems enhance productivity in fabrication shops and field operations requiring portable, reliable drilling solutions for structural steel and similar applications.
Worktable Solutions
Our precision-engineered worktables optimise drilling operations by providing stable, adjustable platforms for various materials. Designed to integrate with Drillmate systems, these tables enhance drilling accuracy while improving operator ergonomics. The adjustable height and positioning features accommodate different workpiece sizes, making them ideal for workshops requiring consistent, high-quality hole-making across multiple production batches.
People
Noel Rankin
Founder
As founder of Drillmate Pty Ltd since 1989, Noel Rankin pioneered Australian manufacturing innovations in industrial drilling equipment. His development of the Drillmate Portable Drill Press addressed practical needs in vehicle modification workshops, leading to internationally recognised designs that prioritise ergonomic safety and productivity across diverse industrial applications.
Questions
What makes Drillmate different from other drill presses?
Our patented 14:1 force ratio system ensures optimal drilling pressure while reducing operator fatigue. Unlike conventional tools, Drillmate combines ergonomic design with precision engineering to extend cutter lifespan by up to 80%.
Can Drillmate handle different drill bit sizes?
Yes, we offer four specialised kits accommodating twist drills (1-13mm), mini cutters (8-25.5mm), and broach cutters with 25mm depth of cut, ensuring compatibility with various drilling requirements.
Is Vac-Pad suitable for concrete drilling?
Yes, the Vac-Pad system is specifically designed for drilling concrete, marble, and sheet metals. Its vacuum-based anchoring provides stable operation on multiple surfaces while maintaining drilling accuracy.
Do you offer international distribution?
We have established distribution networks in Australia, Canada, Norway, Sweden, and the United States, with products serving industrial clients across five continents from our Bayswater manufacturing base.
Can Drillmate handle large diameter drilling?
Our special order extended travel model accommodates battery drills for large diameter applications up to 250mm+ in tubing and structural steel, with quick conversion back to standard configuration for smaller tasks.
Reviews (3)
Wendy Gribble
Dec 11, 2020 Report
Excellent service, dealing with someone who is not just a salesman but actually knows his product.Arrived ahead of schedule, well packed. I will definitely being dealing with them in the future.
Grace Ling
Oct 16, 2019 Report
Our business upgraded to Narada Battery System with an inverter for our factory and its working very well. Happy with the help and support from Choose Solar
Kate Strachan
Jul 31, 2019 Report
We have had the pleasure of dealing with Noel for years, we are enjoying the frequent updates. Thanks Kate & Jim