Metabo HPT Compact Cordless Hammer Drill Review DV18DEX

Metabo HPT Compact Hammer Drill

The Metabo HPT 18V Compact Hammer Drill Is Small, But Don’t Let That Fool You

Over the years, we’ve had our hands on a LOT of the Best Cordless Drills on the market and ranked them based on our performance metrics. The Metabo HPT 18V Compact Hammer Drill checks off some pretty important boxes in the area of performance, but we want to know how it compares to other compact models.


Metabo HPT 18V Compact Hammer Drill Performance

  • No-load Speed: 0-550/2000 RPM
  • Max Torque: 620 in-lbs.
  • Impact Rate: 0-8250/30000
  • Chuck Capacity: 1/2 in.
  • Motor Type: Brushless
Metabo HPT Compact Hammer Drill

Metabo HPT’s compact hammer drill boasts some impressive stats for its size. The brushless motor produces up to 620 in-lbs of torque, 2,000 RPMs, and has a max impact rate of 30,000 BPM. This drill also features anti-kickback control and Metabo HPT’s reactive force control that senses when the tool is overloaded and stops rotation.

As compact tools go, this hammer drill is definitely no slouch. During our hands-on testing, large spade bits and even a 2-inch hole saw were no problem and it showed the same confidence with our 3/8-inch concrete bits as well. Large 3 1/2-inch deck screws and other similar fasteners were no struggle either but it did struggle to drive our 3-inch ledger screws.

Metabo HPT Compact Hammer Drill

With this kind of power, the majority of your residential and commercial projects are well within reach. We even stepped up to a 2 9/16-inch self-feed bit for rough-ins during our testing and it still wasn’t enough to stall the brushless motor. However, if these kinds of heavy-duty applications are on your regular menu, we suggest stepping up to Metabo HPT’s 36V Hammer Drill which offers a bit more top-end capability.

Metabo HPT Compact Hammer Drill
Drilling Capacity
Wood2 in.
Metal1/2 in.
Masonry1/2 in.

Metabo HPT 18V Compact Hammer Drill Design

  • Model: Metabo HPT DV18DEX
  • Power Source: Metabo HPT 18V battery
  • Clutch Settings: 22+2
  • Weight: 2.6 lbs (bare), 3.5 lbs (with 2.0Ah battery)
  • Length: 6.25 in.
Metabo HPT Compact Hammer Drill

Overall, we really like the size and weight of this compact drill. It measures 6.25 inches from tip to tail and weighs 3.5 pounds with the kitted battery. This allows you to access tight spaces much easier than you could with the full-sized Metabo HPT Hammer Drill The grip features a smooth rubber overmold and contours nicely to your hand to help you maintain a secure hold on the drill while working.

Additional Features

  • LED Worklight
  • Reversible belt hook
  • 2-speed gearbox

Metabo HPT 18V Compact Hammer Drill Price

This compact hammer drill kit comes in at a pretty sweet value. The kit retails for $179 and comes with a pair of 2.0Ah batteries, a single-port charger, and a soft carrying case. Metabo HPT offers a lifetime tool warranty, a 2-year battery warranty, and a 1-year warranty on the charger.

The Bottom Line

Without a doubt, the Metabo HPT 18V Compact Hammer Drill is one of the best compact drills we’ve tested. It has the performance to give Pros plenty of versatility at a price that’s well within the range of DIYers. While it might not be the most compact or the fastest in the class, it’s certainly one of the most capable.

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