Best Angle Grinder-

Change disc without tools

Stops Spinning faster

Two of the most annoying and possibly dangerous features of angle grinders have been solved by Metabo of Germany in their new range of power grinders

metabo quick stop grinder

I am constructing this page to publish the findings of my tests of the new Porsche Multihammer drill made by Metabo.

This radical looking powertool uses cast aluminium and carbon fibre to create a unique "Formula 1" appearance.

The main and relevant design feature is the handle and trigger mechanism that is located on top of the drill.

The rationale for this unorthodox design is to make the drill easier to use at lower levels. Whilst my test team concurred that this was indeed so there were negative implications too. To use the drill at shoulder height the drill has to be inverted which means that the trigger is activated by your little fingers.

To test the new drill properly I gave my test team a similar conventional Metabo hammer drill for comparison.

This is the standard Metabo UHE 705 W drill which has the same internal mechanisms as the Porsche resigned drill but it is much cheaper and actually lighter.

The Metabo UHE 22- 705w is an ideal drill for builders and serious DIYers. It has 705Watts of power and a rotary hammer action that can be stopped to enable light chiselling.

The chuck is a quick release.

 check out normal Metabo 705w Hammer Drill

The Porsche drill comes in a fancy black plastic box which I found seriously annoying as it is extremely hard to open and the drill cannot be stored with the side handle attached.

Using the Porsche designed drill is great until you need to invert it to drill at high levels. The problem with this is that the trigger can only be controlled with your little fingers which takes some getting used to..

WHICH DRILL IS BEST?

I love the look of the Porsche designed drill but the fancy box really annoyed me and I don't believe that using your little fingers to operate the trigger is a good idea. I hope Porsche don't use this idea on a 911 turbo!

Given the price difference I would have to say buy the standard drill unless you are really loaded or want to buy someone a special gift. The Porsche drill is about £200 more than the standard version and is so impressive that few of my testers wanted to get it dirty.

This is me at the Homebuilding and renovation show handling the new Porsche designed Metabo drill.

Trade and Tool shows are great places to buy tools as the manufacturers are often there and sell direct - or via carefully selected retailers.

Also you can talk to people who really know about tools and see all the latest innovations. You can often find Metabo tools on sale at the Interbuild show as well as the Homebuilding and Renovation show.

Built To Last

The picture right shows a 30 year old metal cased Metabo hammer drill still being used of for plaster mixing by a builder working at my house.

The drill had been used heavily for many years and is an excellent example of how tools can and should be made.

How many of the tools made today will be around in 30 years? From what I can see Metabo tools are still built to the highest standards and are well supported with spares and service.

A 30 year old Metabo drill still going strong

Cordless Screwdriver - with angled head attachment

The new Metabo PowerMaxx Pro drill/driver is a professional quality cordless tool from Germany and comes with an accessory that enables you to drill/drive screws at right angles. Ideal for kitchen fitters and people working in tight spaces.

Metabo have a superb and well founded reputation for no-nonsense top quality tools. The new PowerMaxx is just this. It comes with Lithium Ion batteries and a separate drill bit chuck. Right from the start this tool oozes quality, even the box  it comes in is built to last.

The PowerMaxx has more features than the Bosch IXO such as torque settings, angled head and drill bit chuck, so it is more suitable for lightweight drilling jobs.

The new Powermax Li with Lithium Ion Batteries and soft case. Available with or without angled head attachment.

The original Metabo Powermaxx came with  a hard plastic case and Nicad batteries. The new version has lithium Ion batteries and a soft case which I much prefer.

Metabo 12v Drill Driver with Impulse action

An alternative to a separate impact driver?

This is the Metabo 12v drill driver with Lithium Ion batteries that has the unique impulse action option for driving screws in and out.

This drill driver is ideal for woodworkers and chippies but is not suitable for drilling into masonry.

 

click on the shed to return to the homepage

 

© Fred Walden 2008

       deals        Powered equipment       garden products       siteplan