In the aisle you hold a drill; it feels solid but purposeful in your hand. Its grey body contrast with the Metabo label. Something sturdy, but not as expensive than those big American names.
It makes you think, because as a tradesman or DIYer shopping around for an upgrade, you’ve probably asked yourself this before: is this corded beast worth the money? Or will it end up like so many others, collecting dust once the newness have worn off? So, is it?
Well, that’s up for interpretation. If ‘worth’ is defined as the most bang for your buck (ie: raw power/dollar), then yes, Metabo frequently comes out ahead of the competition. But what about versatility, or integration with a battery ecosystem?
Does this corded drill deserve a spot in your tool box based off those metrics? This review look past the specs to examine both ergonomics and the motor technology that make the difference between a good drill and a great one.
Reviewing Metabo Corded Drill Value And Performance
Metabo Gearless Motor Technology
Gearless transmission is at the heart of what a Metabo tool is.
And I don’t mean that as marketing blather. There are no wear points like with old style worm gear transmissions. There is less friction and fewer part to go bad over time.
It’s a direct drive system: The motor drives the chuck directly. What does that do for you? More power from the motor gets to the bit then is otherwise lost in mechanical waste.
It also makes this tool real quiet. Quieter than others on the market. If you’re doing your work first thing in the morning or even in someone else’s space later in the day, that lower decibel level can make a huge difference.
Durability and Build Quality
Where this brand realy excels is in durability. They are built to take a beating and last through drops and other rough handling. I’ve witnessed these tools getting abused on job sites and they haven’t missed a beat.
They don’t feel flimsy or cheaply made. The plastic feels like it’s going to last. It actualy has some grippy texture with ribs for added structure.
There is a bit more upfront cost than with cheap, generic brands, but you’re also paying for a tool that will likely outlive the life of your next three houses. That type of value is difficult to measure but easy to appreciate.
Ergonomics and Handling
It’s a pretty ergonomic design for such a heavy-duty tool.
For one thing, the angle of the handle take some pressure off your wrist on overhead work. And though this is a heavy tool, the switch is large enough and positioned well enough so that you can find it with your thumb, glove or no glove. The trade-off is weight.
The corded tools weighs more than their plastic-bodied competitors. You notice it after long periods of use. Your arm gets tired from it, but it also stabilizes the drill and dampens vibration while working.
Users adjust fairly fast, although novices may find them fatiguing initially.
Performance and Chuck Security
It provides good power Whether drilling heavy duty holes or putting in some delicate screws, the variable speed trigger lets you dial-in exactly what you need to do the job right. It has plenty of torque for general wood and masonry projects.
It’s not going to run your concrete mixer. But it handles typical jobs without any problem whatsoever. The chuck locks down on bits well and stays secure.
That is important so when you really need something to bite. It does. Slipping bit is bad news.
It is also frustrating. Metabo uses quality materials and tight tolerances to keep this from happening.
Value and Comparison to Competitors
It’s hard to set a price point.
Metabo lands somewhere between the bargain bin and the luxurius tier. Sure, I could go buy a cheaper drill at another place. Or I could drop some big bucks on a top-tier line made by pros.
For those that want reliable tools but don’t need to lease a whole battery system, this falls into the sweet spot. For people like me who has lots of power outlets, the corded thing isn’t a bug. It’s actualy a feature.
You never have to think about whether your batteries is charged enough or if they will last long enough to finish what you’re doing. The power is always there when you need it.
Competition is stiff.
Bosch and Makita also offer similar products. Lighter and quieter is what you’ll get with Bosch. Makita offers better brand awareness and parts availability.
Metabo sets itself apart with its European engineering sensibility and its gearless motor. Less marketing and more purist in the mechanics of it all. That simplicity appeal to some users.
Others find not having a cordless offering in the same family a negative. So is it a good deal? That depends on how you use it.
It is a yes if you do a lot of drilling and appreciate durability. Yes if you like low-maintenance, high-lifespan economics over time. It is a no if you want something light and mobile.
Don’t purchase based solely on the name. Purchase based on mechanical strengths that match your work. I am going back to that first feeling I had when I walked down the aisle with it.
The drill feels heavy and I mean that as a good thing. It is built to last, not just to sell. To perform not to impress.
And for that you should of paying for engineering. A lot of folks believe that’s a fair trade. Is it something you need?
If so, it is worth it.