Metabo has just come out with a new brushless drill (BS 18 LTX BL Quick) and hammer drill (SB 18 LTX BL Quick), that they say are the most precise, versatile and longest running brushless hammer drills in the industry.
The new drills feature several new innovative features that we haven’t heard about before, including a variable electronic torque adjustment wheel and an add-on torque amplifier handle.
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Update: Although we haven’t heard about this feature, it’s something that Fein and Festool have already built into some of their cordless drills as well.
Features
- Both drills are powered by Metabo’s 18V 5.2Ah Li-ion battery pack
- 1/2″ keyless chuck that removes to reveal a 1/4″ hex screwdriver bit holder
- Brushless motor for maximized power and runtime
- 0-600 / 0-2500 RPM
- 38,950 IPM (hammer drill)
- Max torque: 44 Nm (~390 in-lbs) soft joint, 90 Nm (~797 in-lbs) hard joint
- Electronic torque selector
- Lowest weight in class – 1.9 kg (4.2 lbs) and 1.7 kg (3.75 lbs) with and without quick drill chuck; hammer drill is 0.1 kg (0.22 lbs) heavier
- Shortest tools in class (screwdriver mode with chuck removed)
- Torque amplifier provides 3X power boost
- “Impuls” mode for precise driving, easy removal of jammed screws, precise spot-drilling in hard materials
Variable Electronic Torque Selector
If you look closely at the new drills, there’s no clutch! Instead, Metabo designed the new cordless drills with an electronic torque selector wheel.
We asked Metabo for more details about this feature, and they said it allow for very precise torque settings and repeatable drilling depths. Users can select between 11 preset torque settings. The lower settings are optimal for lighter drilling and fastening tasks, while the higher settings are optimal for heaviest duty drilling and driving applications.
Recent flagship brushless impact drivers feature 2 or 3 different electronic torque and speed settings that work in a similar manner. But instead of buttons, the Metabo drill has a rotating dial. This is also necessary to accommodate the 11 preset settings.
A red button at the top of each drill allows users to switch to full torque as needed. Press the button again, and the drill resumes operating at the dial-selected torque setting.
(Optional) Torque Amplifier Attachment
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The torque amplifier attaches and locks into place between the drill chuck and 1/4″ hex adapter. The amplifier provides a 3X torque multiplier to help users power through the toughest drilling or driving jobs.
An optional right angle attachment is also available.
Pricing and Availability
MAP: $399 for the drill kit, which come with a drill, (2) 5.2Ah Li-ion batteries, and a charger. Hammer drill might be a little more.
ETA: Available now
You can find these drills at local industrial supply houses and national chains, such as Fastenal, Grainger, MSC, AirGas, and online dealers.
Buy Now(Hammer Drill Kit via Amazon)
More Info(via Metabo)
First Thoughts
Substituting an electronic torque dial, which works in a similar way as a variable speed dial, instead of a mechanical clutch is something we hadn’t seen before. Sure, this is how many brands are building torque limiters into their premium impact drivers, but we didn’t think anyone was thinking of doing the same with their cordless drills. (Note: As discussed in the comments, similar electronic torque features are also found on Fein and Festool cordless drills.)
These new brushless drills have the potential to be game-changers, and could influence the entire cordless drill market. There’s also the potential for users to be scared away by the lack of a traditional adjustable clutch.
One thing I noticed was that Metabo didn’t include any LED work lights on the drill. I have little familiarity with the brand, at least compared to my knowledge and experience with Bosch, Dewalt, Milwaukee, and other leading power tool brands, but this tells me that Metabo might be more a leader than a follower.
Update: There are two LEDs that are subtly placed on the sides of the torque selector wheel.
Metabo talks a big game with these new drills, and it will be interesting to see how well they perform compared to other brands’ flagship models.
Jason
I really like how Metabo designs and builds their tools. The only issue is they have very limited retail support in the USA for the most part. I know pricing would probably be an issue for a big box store, but Lowes should pick up Metabo as an exclusive power tool brand. Home Depot really has Lowes beat when its comes to choice higher end tool choices.
Cody
This metabo drill was released about 5 months ago in the UK. Not new news.
mandip
Electronic torque control is not new, festool have had it in their drills for many many years, i assume the patent probabily ran out and hence metabo and i think dewalt are incorporating it into their cordless drill.
Stuart
Hmm, you’re right. I completely forgot about Festool’s cordless drills!
Jason
That new Protool/Festool 4 speed drill sounds really awesome I can’t wait to see it make it over to the states!!
DragonLord
Nor is this exclusively a feature on “boutique” tools. DeWalt has electronic torque control on the DCD990 and DCD995 premium brushless drills. It’s called E-Clutch and is set using a conventional clutch dial positioned behind the chuck.
Cody
Fein has electronic torque control selectors on their drills
mandip
Just had a look at dewalt uk site and the dewalt DCD995M2 says its electronic torque but selector looks like a normal ring.
Metabo has been in the uk as stated ealier for a few months and saw it at a tool show.
Chris Fyfe
I like their stuff . I own several . I would rate them as being equal to / better than Hilti . And also more innovative .
Chris
Aellynh
I own this drill! (BS18 LTX BL, drill/driver). Its been out since November of last year, but availability just starting ramping up in the recent few months. The thing is a total beast when it comes to torque. Absolutely chews through steel like crazy. Awesome piece of kit!!
Rory
I sell power tools for a living in Australia and as previously stated these have been out for about 3 months here.
Also, it does have lights, 2 motion activated LEDs either side of the torque adjustment wheel…yes that’s right motion activated, when you pick the tool up the lights come on!
Bikerdad
Motion activated? That sounds like a cool, and potentially troublesome, feature. Depending on the sensitivity, the thing could run your battery down while you toodle up the road.
5.2ah battery! Wowza. What’s the weight on this thing?
Morgan Miller
It has a sensor on it so it won’t stay on if the trigger is not pulled. They are awesome tools, they weigh less than Milwaukee, Dewalt and Makita, even with the 5.2 Ah battery. I have used Milwaukee for years, blows them out of the water on torque and run time.
Robert
I have a strange feeling that Metabo products will be coming to Lowe’s later this fall. If you search lowes.com for Metabo there are a number of search results that I do not recall previously seeing. All of the Metabo products lack any ratings which is another clue that they are all new to the web. I might guess that these prices will be what Lowe’s will use when they actually get to the store and magically have the “New Lower Price” sticker attached.
Jason
I have this drill had lots of trouble so far.. At 2 months just stopped working. Metabo took 6 weeks to repair, the chuck slips constantly and because there is no clutch the motor cuts out all the time while drilling. Has been very dissapointing.
Jim
Ive had metabo for a few years, have had to replace the motor, clutch, gearbox and chuck on the drill and motor and on the impact driver. Motor is again on its way out on the drill.
Although i didnt want to i just this weekend switched to milwaulkee. Hopefully a much better experience.
Cheers