Metabo HPT Hits an Unbelievable Value with $99 Brushless Impact Driver
The Metabo HPT WH18DBFL2 cordless impact driver looks tempting with its $99 kit price. We wanted to know if it’s something serious Pros should consider so we ran it through a series of tests. What we found might just change what you should expect from a budget-friendly impact driver.
Pros
- Solid fastening performance
- Excellent breakaway torque
- Outstanding value
- Comfortable handle design
- Lightweight and compact
Cons
- Kitted battery is only 1.5Ah
- Pretty basic feature set
Metabo HPT WH18DBFL2 Cordless Impact Driver
Performance
Metabo HPT specs this cordless impact driver at 3100 RPM and 3400 IPM with 1522 in-lbs of torque. At first glance, that doesn’t necessarily raise anyone’s eyebrows around here, but let’s look at our test results before we make any judgments.
In our 1/4-inch ledger screw speed test, Metabo HPT’s brushless impact driver averaged 544 RPM. To put that in some context, the average impact driver is closer to 470 RPM in the same test and this model sits comfortably with a group that set itself apart in the top tier.
Our power test results were a tale of two directions—forward and reverse. In forward, it took 1176 in-lbs of torque to loosen Metabo HPT’s effort on our test rig. That’s acceptable, but it’s not going to light anyone’s world on fire considering the top performance we’ve seen is more than 2600 in-lbs.
But in reverse, this little impact driver with its 1.5Ah battery broke 4800 in-lbs loose—that’s 400 ft-lbs! We’re not saying you should plan on taking lug nuts off with this model, but it has some impressive reverse power.
The takeaway from all of this data is that the Metabo HPT WH18DBFL2 performs well above its $99 price tag. It’s a capable fastening tool that should have no problem with any of your standard screws. We recommend it up to 1/4-inch diameter fasteners.
Size and Weight
Metabo HPT balances its performance with a compact, lightweight design. Bare, the impact driver weighs just 2.0 pounds. With the 1.5Ah battery that comes in the kit, it’s just 2.8 pounds on our scale (Metabo HPT specs it at 2.9 pounds). It’s one of the lightest models we’ve tested with only the Ryobi HP Compact coming in about an ounce lighter.
The size is in check as well. Measuring just 5.8 inches long across its head, it’s within a 1/2-inch of the most compact 18V models currently available.
Additional Feature Notes
There’s some debate in our office about the need for speed—specifically multiple speeds. Tom Gaige keeps his impact drivers in high and feathers the trigger to get what he needs from it. Others of us actually change speed modes depending on the project we’re working on. For those of us in the latter camp, it’s important to know that the Metabo HPT WH18DBFL2 is a single-speed impact driver.
Like we saw on the Metabo HPT cordless compact drill, the LED battery indicator only has two bars, so you only know if you’re above or below 50% charge.
Other Features
- Brushless motor
- LED light mounted below the collet
Missing Features
- One-hand bit insertion
- Spring bit ejection
- Assist modes
- Smart controls
Price
When you look at the performance and design of the Metabo HPT WH18DBFL2 cordless impact driver, $99 for the tool seems like a steal.
At the end of the day, it’s a quality name-brand brushless impact driver that’s backed by a lifetime warranty. You’ll have to work awfully hard to find this kind of value from other professional brands.
The Bottom Line
While its lightweight, compact design and incredible value are the biggest highlights, this Metabo HPT cordless impact driver is no slouch in performance. It’s a solid fastening tool for professionals that don’t need a lot of bells and whistles or DIYers looking for professional performance and design.
Metabo HPT WH18DBFL2 Black Series Cordless Impact Driver Specifications
- Model: Metabo HPT WH18DBFL2QB
- Power Source: Metabo HPT 18V or MultiVolt battery
- Kitted Battery: 1 x 1.5Ah
- Drive: Keyless 1/4″ Hex
- Torque: 1,522 in-lbs
- No-Load Speed: 0-3,100 RPM
- Impact Rate: 0-3,400 BPM
- Length: 5.8 in.
- Weight (w/ 18V 1.5Ah battery): 2.9 lbs.
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty on tool body, 2-year warranty on battery, 1-year warranty on charger
- Price: $99
