Metabo released four updated 18V LTX-3 Drill Drivers, each having varying features, including the use of the Quick System. Metabo tells us these four models are the most powerful 3-speed drills in their class. Included are the Metabo BS 18 LTX-3 BL Q I with Quick System, the BS 18 LTX-3 BL Q I Metal Drill Driver with Metal Chuck, the BS 18 LTX-3 BL Q I Metal Drill Driver with Quick System and Metal Chuck, and the SB 18 LTX-3 BL Q I Hammer Drill Driver with Quick System and Metal Chuck.
Editor’s Note: Check out our best cordless drill article to get our top reviews and picks.
Let’s go over what each of these Metabo LTX-3 drills has to offer.
Metabo BS 18 LTX-3 BL Q I Quick System Drill
The BS 18 LTX-3 BL Q I with Quick System offers power and versatility. According to Metabo, this tool is suitable for most drilling applications. However, this drill stands out with an additional 3rd gear designed for high-speed metal drilling. Cycling through the speed modes, you’ll get 0–450 RPM, 0–2000 RPM, and 0–4000 RPM respectively.
Driven by Metabo’s second-generation brushless motor and an 18V battery, the 18V BS 18 LTX-3 BL Q I 18V drill driver with Quick System provides a maximum 1,151 in-lbs of torque. Furthermore, it includes an anti-kickback safety feature, which employs onboard gyroscopic sensors that cut power in the event of a bit lock-up.
Editor’s Note on the Metabo Quick System: The Metabo Quick System lets you change out the chuck of LT, LTX, or LTX-3 drill drivers to allow for expanded uses and features. For example, these LTX-3 drill drivers can swap out their chucks, tool-free, for a premium Futuro Top or Futuro Plus metal chuck, 1/2-inch square socket, right angle adapter, Power X3 (1:3) torque adapter, off-set attachment, keyed metal chuck, quick-change 1/4-inch hex holder, or more.
Specs
- Model: Metabo 603184840
- Battery: 18V
- Chuck: Futuro Plus (QuickPlus system)
- Max 4,000 RPM
- Max Torque: 1,150.6 in-lbs (hard); 575.3 in-lbs (soft)
- Weight: 6.2 lbs (w/ battery)
Metabo BS 18 LTX-3 BL I Metal Drill
Like the 603184840, the 18V Metabo BS 18 LTX-3 BL I Metal Drill Driver runs on a brushless motor. It’s virtually identical to the 603184840 in terms of specs. It delivers 4,000 RPM performance and a max torque of 1,151 in-lbs. It also contains the same safety features but weighs 2/10ths of a pound more and comes with an automatically re-tightening Futuro Top chuck.
Specs
- Model: Metabo 603181840
- Battery: 18V
- Chuck: Futuro Top keyless
- Max 4,000 RPM
- Max Torque: 1,150.6 in-lbs (hard); 575.3 in-lbs (soft)
- Max capacity in steel: 5/8 in
- Max capacity in soft wood: 2.68 in
- Weight: 6.4 lbs (w/ battery)
Metabo BS 18 LTX-3 BL Q I Metal Drill w/Quick System
While the Metabo BS 18 LTX-3 BL Q I Metal drill matches the prior models in terms of RPM, torque, and safety features, it includes both the Quick System and the Futuro Top chuck. That makes it the best of both and a premium step up if you want the advantage of the adaptable chuck alongside an included system to really hang on to bits when drilling down from overhead or at height.
Specs
- Model: Metabo 603180840
- Battery: 18V
- Chuck: Futuro Top (QuickPlus system)
- Max 4,000 RPM
- Max Torque: 1,150.6 in-lbs (hard); 575.3 in-lbs (soft)
- Drill steel: 5/8 in
- Drill soft wood: 2.68 in
- Weight: 6.6 lbs (w/ battery)
Metabo SB 18 LTX-3 BL Q I Hammer Drill w/Quick System
Metabo’s 18V SB 18 LTX-3 BL I is the Hammer Drill Driver variant in the lineup. However, the lion’s share of its features are the same as its sibling models. With this drill, you’ll have to grab the $80 QuickPlus Futuro Top chuck as an add-on to get the best combination of features.
Specs
- Model: Metabo 603185840
- Battery: 18V
- Futuro Plus (QuickPlus system)
- Max 4,000 RPM
- Max Torque: 1,150.6 in-lbs (hard); 575.3 in-lbs (soft)
- Max capacity in masonry: 5/8 in
- Max capacity in steel: 5/8 in
- Weight: 6.6 lbs (w/ battery)
Metabo 18V Drill Driver Series Summary
Here’s what all of the drills share in terms of features:
| BS 18 LTX-3 BL Q I | BS 18 LTX-3 BL I | BS 18 LTX-3 BL Q I Metal | SB 18 LTX-3 BL Q I | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model | 603184840 | 603181840 | 603180840 | 603185840 |
| Function | Drill | Drill | Drill | Hammer Drill |
| Max Soft Torque | 575.3 in-lbs | 575.3 in-lbs | 575.3 in-lbs | 575.3 in-lbs |
| Max Hard Torque | 1150.6 in-lbs | 1150.6 in-lbs | 1150.6 in-lbs | 1150.6 in-lbs |
| Adj Torque | 8.9 – 159.3 in-lbs | 8.9 – 159.3 in-lbs | 8.9 – 159.3 in-lbs | 8.9 – 159.3 in-lbs |
| Max Steel | 5/8 in. | 5/8 in. | 5/8 in. | 5/8 in. |
| Max Wood | 2.68 in. | 2.68 in. | 2.68 in. | 2.68 in. |
| Max Masonry | – – | – – | – – | 5/8 in. |
| Impact Rate | – – | – – | – – | 38000 BPM |
| Speed (RPM) | 450/2000/4000 | 450/2000/4000 | 450/2000/4000 | 450/2000/4000 |
| Chuck Capacity | 1/16–1/2 in. | 1/16–1/2 in. | 1/16–1/2 in. | 1/16–1/2 in. |
| Collar Diameter | 1.69 “ | 1.69 “ | 1.69 “ | 1.69 “ |
| Weight (bare) | 4.0 lbs | 4.2 lbs | 4.4 lbs | 4.4 lbs |
| Weight (battery) | 6.2 lbs | 6.4 lbs | 6.6 lbs | 6.6 lbs |
| Chuck | Futuro Plus “QuickPlus” | Futuro Top keyless | Futuro Top “QuickPlus” | Futuro Plus “QuickPlus” |
| Accessories | Side Handle metaBOX 145 L | Side Handle Adjustable wrench metaBOX 145 L | Side Handle Adjustable wrench metaBOX 145 L | Side Handle Adjustable wrench metaBOX 145 L |
| Price | $318 | $330 | $370 | $290 |
Final Thoughts
Overall, the four models in Metabo’s drill driver lineup offer similar performance and near-identical design features. Aside from the lone hammer drill model, the main variations include the Quick System and the chuck configurations.
Any of these tools would make a great drill for those on the Metabo 18X battery platform. The low price of the hammer drill is surprising, considering it adds a feature to the BS 18 LTX-3 BL Q I (leading us to think it may not last). In either case, we love that Metabo continues to improve its products, and the fact that these drills utilize a third gear means you have more flexibility in how you use them on the jobsite.
