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Independent Tool Review
by Peter Brett - July 2005
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Metabo Power Maxx
Who Needs Big When Little Is Perfect?
It has been with some trepidation that I have watched cordless drills and drivers become bigger and more powerful. Perhaps because of my own small hands and limited carrying capacity, my favourite drills have never been the powerful 24 volters, but the more compact ones between 14.4 and 18 volts. And since the market seems to be full of relatively cheap 24volt drills and drivers from the Far East I am not at all surprised that the European manufacturers have launched a range of smaller, more versatile and high quality tools in reply. The answer to the competition, as always, seems to be more and better technology.
I defy anyone who enjoys using tools not to covet a Metabo PowerMaxx the minute he or she sets eyes on it. The particular version I was sent for review is even better than the standard model because it comes in a compact, custom fitted case with all the components neatly laid out in their own spaces.
But to cut to the facts:- The Metabo PowerMaxx is essentially a 4.8 volt powered screwdriver. There are many of these around, but the difference with the Metabo is the quality threshold. Just pick it up, switch it on, try the controls and feel how it works. The quality of the design is immediately apparent, you just want to use it on something!
The motor feels smooth and doesn’t have the whine and lag that some of the cheaper powered screwdrivers have. The trigger has variable speed, allowing the user to choose optimum driving speed and a small positively acting flip switch above it allows the choice of forward, reverse or spindle lock. On top of the machine a slider switch selects drill or driver mode. The usual rotatable collar near the chuck/ hex bit holder lets the user select five torque settings and a drill setting. The switchgear seems quite sweet and petite, but it all works very well.
Perhaps my only reservation concerning the body shape initially, was the bulge of the handle towards the base where the battery is pushed into it. Compared to the smooth lines of the rest it was a bit like the hump on a camel. But, after further use, I decided that the designers had not let us down, the bump is necessary to accommodate the cells, but it also provides a balance and comforting grip space. There is no rubberised grippy stuff on the handle, but actually it isn’t really necessary as the contours in the ABS body allow the user a number of different gripping positions.
But now to the features that really set this tool apart from the competition. For conversion to a drill, just set the switch to lock, remove the nose collar and replace it with the dinky, but very professional looking 6.5mm capacity, all metal, keyless chuck. It performs and looks exactly like a small version of a chuck on one of Metabo’s bigger drill drivers. The next surprise is the best. If this driver is made for anything, it is made to be compact enough to fit in small spaces such as kitchen fitters and assemblers would come across. In ordinary driver mode it is just that. But fit the unique angle screwdriver attachment and the possibilities are hugely increased. The attachment slides over the nose of the drill and can be tightened into place with the supplied hex key. The drive angle is at about 80 degrees from the usual and can be rotated all the way round the chuck. I didn’t find an angle that I couldn’t accommodate. Fitting the tops to my Shaker tables is now a problem solved. No more clumsy corner blocks, I can use proper buttons and fit them in spaces where a screwdriver couldn’t get to before.
The specifications of the Metabo PowerMaxx are impressive, bearing in mind that it is only a 4.8volt machine. In screwdriving mode (1st gear) the speed range is 0 to 200 rpm. Not much more needed there. But the torque range is capable too between 5 to 9 Nm depending on whether 1st or 2nd gear are selected.
Generally, drilling requires a faster speed and speeds of 0 to 600 rpm (2nd gear) are available at the trigger. The PowerMaxx has a capacity of up to 3mm diameter in steel and 6.5mm in wood. When I tested these claims they were indeed accurate. Time considerations meant that I wasn’t able to test the battery life because it takes a few recharging cycles to get the NiCad cells up to full power, but I was surprised at how long they lasted. Perhaps Metabo have a newer battery technology they could introduce for the PowerMaxx since NiCads are becoming increasingly old-fashioned and represent “dirty” technology now.
Recharging the batteries takes a fair time 1.45 hours, so tradespeople will definitely make use of the second battery supplied. The charger is a compact affair, but it has some features of so-called “intelligent chargers” nevertheless. A light flashes to indicate that the battery is being charged, and stays on when it is fully charged. The batteries can be put on to a conservation charge when not in use, so will always be ready when needed.
Other Metabo chargers can also be used if the user buys the optional adapter to fit onto the contacts of the PowerMaxx battery, which will bring the charging time down to 15-30 minutes depending on the model of charger.
To me the test of a good and well-designed tool is whether I want to use it a lot for a range of jobs. This PowerMaxx definitely fell into this category.
Perhaps another indicator is the number of end users who I show it to who either want to “borrow” my sample or to rush off and get one themselves. I have decided that I will not let it out of my sight or it will disappear forever. Yes, I know it has “cute” factor, but it is also a tremendously useful addition to a tradespersons toolbox. A veritable “pocketable” treasure&Mac226; in more ways than one!
Independent Review by Peter Brett
Airstream Communications