In a surprising move, we saw the release of Metabo 12V tools this week, beginning with several key categories. Like every other brand who makes 12V tools, these offer users less power but at substantial weight and size savings. Metabo opted for a 12v slide pack, allowing them to keep the handle slimmer and more compact.
The Starting Lineup of Metabo 12V Tools
Metabo announced four drill-driver models to start off their 12V line:
Metabo SB 12 Brushed Hammer Drill
Weighing 2.2 lbs and with 354 in-lbs of hard torque (150.5 in-lbs soft torque), the Metabo SB 12 drill presents itself as the baseline 12V model. This tool features a brushed motor and 20 clutch settings. It works well with the compact 2.0Ah battery (which the kit includes). Weight is just 2.4 lbs with the 2.0 Ah battery pack.
- Battery: 2.0 Ah 12V
- Maximum torque (soft) :150.5 in-lbs
- Maximum torque (hard): 354 in-lbs
- Masonry drilling: 3/8 in.
- Steel drilling: 3/8 in.
- Max. capacity in soft wood: 23/32 in.
- No-load speed: 0 – 360/1400 rpm
Metabo SB 12 BL Brushless Hammer Drill
The Metabo SB 12 BL drill comes in even smaller due to the use of a brushless motor. The tool weighs just 2.2 lbs with the 4Ah battery pack.
- Battery: 4.0 Ah 12V LiHD
- Maximum torque (soft) :159.3 in-lbs
- Maximum torque (hard): 398.3 in-lbs
- Max. capacity in steel: 3/8 in.
- Max. capacity in soft wood: 1 in.
- No-load speed: 0 – 500/1650 rpm
Metabo has two new 12V cordless impact wrenches as well:
Metabo SSD 12 Cordless Impact Driver
While the Metabo SSD 12 cordless impact wrench is designated as such on the website, it’s really an impact driver. For some reason, the company refuses to adopt the American lingo for this tool. The Metabo SSD 12 uses a brushed motor and features 1,020 in-lbs of max torque. Weight is just 2.4 lbs with the battery pack.
- Battery: 2.0 Ah 12V
- Maximum torque (hard): 1,020 in-lbs
- Impacts: 3500 bpm
- No-load speed: 0 – 2500 rpm
Metabo SSD 12 BL Cordless Impact Driver
While the Metabo SSD 12 BL cordless impact wrench steps up to a brushless motor, giving the tool 1,260 in-lbs of max torque. You also get an additional mode for the tool, letting you dial back the torque for less intensive applications or smaller fasteners. Weight is still 2.2 lbs with the 4Ah battery pack.
- Battery: 4.0 Ah 12V
- Maximum torque (hard): 1,260 in-lbs
- Impacts: 4000 bpm
- Speeds/modes: 2
- No-load speed: 0 – 2500 rpm
But wait—there’s more. Metabo also announced two new 12V cordless caulking guns with different pipe lengths. The tools have a maximum discharge pressure of 989 pounds of force.
Finally, a cordless 12V portable lamp and power adapter finishes off the line. This tool serves multiple functions as desktop charger, energy source, and LED lamp. It even has a belt clip so you can carry it easily while charging your phone.
12V LiHD Batteries
We’re no stranger to Metabo LiHD battery technology. Seeing that in a 12V pack does turn our heads, however. The new 12V batteries come as either 2Ah Li-Power battery packs or 4Ah LiHD high-performance battery packs. Metabo also states that their future chargers will be 12V/18V compatible—allowing for easier charging across the lines.
All new Metabo 12V tools carry the company’s 3-year warranty on the battery pack.
