Lithium Ion Power Is Here

I did my research on these new Lithium-Ion power screwdrivers for their power to weight ratio. After comparing Bosch, Makita and Metabo, I chose the Metabo Powergrip II. It’s small lithium powered battery can be stored for months without loosing a charge. It’s small 1.6 lb size makes is fits that kitchen drawer even though it is built for tough professional use. The aluminum housing, and rubber grip, gives it s solid feel.

At 7.2 volts, the battery is not as powerful as other brands, but Metabo made the drill just as powerful by using an efficient and strong motor with high quality copper wiring. The pureness of the copper have less resistance, meaning more torque from less voltage. The battery charges in 1/2 hour, and it comes with two batteries. So you will never have to worry about running out of power. It comes with an angle driver adapter to get into those hard to reach screws and a 1/4 chuck to attach those wire drill bits. With two speed gear box, this does a decent job of drilling with the high speed of 700rpm. Low speed gives you 400 rpm, delivers 80 lbs of torque. I find this is enough to wear out your wrist with one handed use. If you need more torque, let go of the trigger and the spindle automatically locks, lets you use the gun as a lever screwdriver with 140 lbs torque before something breaks. Speed selection was one of the reasons I chose Metabo.

Onto the test; I took a piece of redwood, a bunch of 1-1/4” screws and went to work. On a fully charged battery, with no pilot holes, I sunk 275 screws AND removed 175 screws before I got bored and felt like I gotta get a life and gave up. Simply put, it outlasted me. GOOD ENOUGH! At $200 for the kit, it’s expensive for a drill, but it’s the most used tools in the shop and the house. The accessories are high quality and makes the Drill even more useful. It is worth it when you have to adjust a bunch of doors on 42” tall upper cabinets on an entire kitchen or install glides in a 12” base cabinets.

Five Star.

-- Thuan