Metabo HPT Expands Drywall Offerings with MultiVolt Cutout Tool
While Metabo HPT has a few drywall-specific tools in both its corded and 18V MultiVolt lineups, it might be surprising to learn that the brand has yet to offer a cutout tool. That is, until now. The Metabo HPT Drywall Cut Out Tool is the first of its kind from the brand, and I set out to discover what it offers compared to similar tools on the market.
Metabo HPT Drywall Cut Out Tool Overview
- Model: Metabo HPT M18DYAQ4
- Max speed: 28,000 RPM
- Collet size: 1/8-inch and 1/4-inch (interchangeable)
- Soft start
- Tool-free adjustment
- Runtime: up to 100 ft (or 120 outlet boxes) with 2.0Ah battery
- Integrated belt hook
- Blade brake
- Onboard LED light
- Weight: 1.6 lbs (bare tool)
- Length: 8.75 inches
The Metabo HPT M18DYAQ4 is the brand’s first dedicated drywall cutting tool. Its brushless motor drives bit speeds of up to 28,000 RPM, and a soft-start function reduces start-up recoil. This tool is compatible with both 1/8-inch and 1/4-inch collets, and offers a tool-free base change design to easily switch between applications.
For runtimes, Metabo HPT estimates up to 100 feet of cutting in 1/2-inch drywall with a 2.0Ah battery. That equals out to around 120 outlet boxes worth of runtime, which is helpful information for construction drywallers or remodelers with a lot of those cuts to perform.
This tool is also relatively compact when compared to similar tools from other brands. As a bare tool, it weighs just 1.6 pounds, which is over a pound and a half lighter than DeWalt’s DCS551. I’ll compare more specs from other tool brands below to showcase the M18DYAQ4 against similar tools on the market.
Other creature comforts include an integrated belt hook and an onboard LED work light.
How Does it Compare?
Here’s a quick look at how the Metabo HPT M18DYAQ4 compares to similar tools from Makita, Hilti, and DeWalt.
| Metabo HPT M18DYAQ4 | Makita XOC02 | Milwaukee 2627 | DeWalt DCS551 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | 28,000 RPM | 32,000 RPM | 28,000 RPM | 26,000 RPM |
| Collet sizes | 1/8, 1/4-inch | 1/8, 1/4-inch | 1/8, 1/4-inch | 1/8, 1/4-inch |
| Weight | 1.6 lbs | 3.7 lb (w/ battery) | 1.8 lbs | 3.1 lbs |
| Price | $119 bare | $229 bare | $149 bare | $129 bare |
Metabo HPT Drywall Cut Out Tool Price
This tool retails for $119 as a bare tool. There are currently no kit options, so be sure to pick up a Metabo HPT 18V or MultiVolt battery and charger if you’re not already on this platform. Metabo HPT backs your purchase with a limited lifetime warranty.
Should You Buy It?
As Metabo HPT’s first entry into the drywall cutout tool market, the M18DYAQ4 solidifies itself as a quality contender among the crowd. It balances the line between speed, price, and weight, aiming to be as comfortable in your hand as it is on your wallet.
Cut-out tools made specifically for drywall help to make quick work of electrical rough-ins and detail cutting, however, they can be one-trick ponies. If you do a lot of dedicated drywall work, it’s wise to add one to your arsenal, and this Metabo HPT model is a strong candidate. However, for homeowners or DIY remodelers who may only need it occasionally, you can achieve similar results with something like an oscillating multi-tool, which may be more versatile for general household remodelling jobs.
