Metabo Impact Driver Outshines Its Shootout Performance
We recently tested more than 30 different impact drivers in our Best Impact Driver Shootout, which looked at each tool’s speed, power, footprint, noise, and value. Of the 16 we tested in the 18V category, the Metabo SSD 18 LTX 200 BL delivered results that aren’t representative of the work it’s able to do.
Metabo Impact Driver Shootout Results
- 18V Ranking: 14th place out of 16
- Speed Under Load: 415 RPM (12th place)
- Fastening Torque: 1598 in-lbs (12th place)
- Nut-Busting Torque: 3000 in-lbs (tie, 6th place)
- Decibels: 101 dB(A) (tie, 6th place)
- Weight: 2.1 pounds bare, 3.5 pounds with a compact battery (tie, 9th place)
- Footprint: 5.1″ head length, 7.8″ height without battery (5th place)
- Feature Set: highlighted by Automatic Power Shift and 12-speed dial (tie, 4th place)
- Value: $189 bare, $399 kit with two 4.0 Ah LiHD batteries (15th place)
Takeaway
This is one of those times when the final rankings of our tests don’t do the tool justice. While Metabo’s brushless impact driver finishes in 14th position, it’s really an excellent tool. The top 3 have a little more advantage, but Metabo is only 6 points away from 4th place in an ultra-competitive group.
That said, the whole reason we rank based on what we can test is to take as much subjectivity out as we can. Still, the Metabo SSD 18 LTX 200 BL is a well-built tool and it’s perfectly capable of handling anything you expect a Pro-level impact driver to do.
Performance
Check out our Best Impact Driver main page for our specific testing methods.
On paper, the Metabo SSD 18 LTX 200 BL has a max no-load speed of 2,900 RPM and a maximum impact rate of 4,000 BPM. That’s a little on the slow side compared to the top, but perfectly acceptable. Its torque is listed at a solid 150 ft-lbs (1800 in-lbs).
Speed Under Load
Under the load of a 1/4″ ledger screw, this brushless Metabo impact driver averages 415 RPM at the end of the drive. While the Metabo SSD 18 LTX 200 BL only rises to 12th place, it’s ahead of the 400 RPM we want to see and is capable of driving just about anything from small lags down before turning to a more powerful impact wrench for the bigger stuff.
Fastening Torque
The Metabo SSD 18 LTX 200 BL only averages 1598 in-lbs of torque in our fastening test. While that number is in the lower half of our chart, it’s not a disappointing amount of torque when it comes to real-world fastening.
Nut-Busting Torque
Metabo’s 3,000 in-lbs of breakaway torque is more in line with the top half. With the exception of hydraulic models, most impact drivers have roughly twice the nut-busting torque compared to their fastening torque. It finishes in a 7-way jam for 6th place in the middle of the pack.
Weight and Footprint
Metabo’s impact driver is a comfortable tool to use, both in its relatively compact size and its weight. It has a rubberized, ergonomic grip that’s big enough to accommodate larger hands.
As a bare tool, this Metabo impact driver does a really good job keeping itself light at 2.1 lbs. Throwing the 4.0Ah battery on only brings the total weight up to 3.5 lbs. One of Metabo’s strong suits is its LiHD battery and their 4.0 Ah battery is a slim pack.
It’s also only 5.1″ long and 7.8″ tall without the battery, making it a good size for getting into tight spaces.
Decibels
“Quiet impact drivers” might be something of an oxymoron, but some really are louder than others. The Metabo impact driver is in the middle of the pack. It fires off 101 dB(A), which puts it in the 13th place. Most of the 18V models hit 100 to 102 dB(A).
The important takeaway here is that you’ll want to grab a hold of some ear protection.
Feature Set
12 Speed/Torque Levels
We really like the speed dial, which you can adjust via at the base of the handle. It gives you more control without the need for an app and should last longer than blister buttons.
“P” on the top end is your highest power. On the low end is Automatic Power Shift – an assist mode that starts fast and back off for self-tapping screws.
Other Features
- Brushless motor
- 2 LED lights on either side of the speed dial
- Robust belt hook
- Die-cast aluminum gear housing
- Charge indicator on battery housing
Quirks
Metabo battery lock is unorthodox. They place the button on the back of the handle. It’s not a dealbreaker to have it like this, but it’s awkward and inconveniently located compared to most brands.
Value
As a kit that includes the tool, two 4.0Ah batteries, and a charger, the Metabo SSD 18 LTX 200 BL impact wrench retails for $429.99. Based solely on its performance, it sits in 15th place.
What makes it a real consideration is that it’s a quality build with an intelligent design and has some of the best batteries in the business. Its 3-year warranty doesn’t hurt, either.
The Bottom Line
This is one of those times when the final rankings of our tests don’t do the tool justice. While Metabo’s brushless impact driver finishes in 14th position, it’s really an excellent tool. The top 3 have a little more advantage, but Metabo is only 6 points away from 4th place in an ultra-competitive group.
That said, the whole reason we rank based on what we can test is to take as much subjectivity out as we can. Still, the Metabo SSD 18 LTX 200 BL is a well-built tool and it’s perfectly capable of handling anything you expect a Pro-level impact driver to do.
Metabo SSD 18 LTX 200 BL Impact Driver Specifications
- Model: Metabo SSD 18 LTX 200 BL
- Power source: 18V
- No Load Speed: 2,900 RPM
- Maximum Torque: 200 Nm / 1770 in-lbs
- Impact Rate: 4,000 BPM
- Bare Weight: 2.1 lbs
- Weight with Battery: 3.5 lbs
- Length: 5.1″
- Height: 7.8″
- Warranty: 3-Year Limited Warranty on both the batteries and the tool
