Professional Tool Reviews for Pros
If you're thinking about grabbing a new mid-torque impact wrench, make sure you consider Metabo HPT. It delivers excellent power while still maintaining a manageable size and weight. Try it in your hand before you buy, though. As long as it's comfortable for you, it has all the power and control you need for most impact wrench applications.
With the advancement of brushless motor and battery technology, cordless impact wrenches are pushing performance levels further than ever before. We got our hands on the Metabo HPT 36V MultiVolt mid-torque impact wrench to see how its latest model fares against the competition.
On paper, this 1/2-inch mid-torque impact wrench has an impressive amount of power. Its 774 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque and 568 ft-lbs of fastening torque are up there with the best in the game.
Using our Inertia Torque L-1000 impact torque tester, it produced a consistent 484 ft-lbs working torque. Compare that to Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel 2962 which measured 334 ft-lbs in the same test.
Note the working torque measured by the L-1000 is lower than the maximum torque measured by testing methods for manufacturer specifications. This is normal and a better representation of how much force you’re applying to each fastener.
My favorite feature of the Metabo HPT WR36DE is the 4-stage speed selection. Combined with a variable speed trigger, it gives you lots of control over your work and huge variability in speed and power.
It also features an auto-stop mode that stops rotation to prevent over-tightening your fastener. One thing to keep in mind is the assist mode has no effect in reverse. Here’s how it changes in each mode:
The overall looks and feel of this impact wrench are pretty favorable, but not quite as good as Metabo HPT’s other drills and drivers. The handle is beefier without as much contour. That’s not a big deal, but the handle is a little shorter and squeezes your hand between the head and foot a little. On the plus side, rubber overmold on the grip is comfortable and contributes to a secure grip.
This impact wrench clocks in at 5.81 pounds with a 2.5Ah battery, which is average for a mid-torque model. The weight distribution is excellent and it doesn’t feel overly top or bottom-heavy and this balance helps reduce fatigue over long days.
The Metabo HPT design incorporates a vibration damper between the base of the handle and the battery interface. This is really important because excessive vibration can drastically decrease your battery’s useful life. It doesn’t affect how much vibration you feel in the handle, but we’re not losing any sleep over that.
Like all Metabo HPT 36V MultiVolt tools, you can use a battery or AC adapter to power the tool. We certainly prefer to use it cordless, but it’s nice to have the corded option in a pinch.
This 1/2-inch impact wrench will set you back $199 as a bare tool and $399 with two 2.5Ah batteries, a rapid charger, and a hardshell case. This tool is backed by Metabo HPT’s limited lifetime warranty.
If you’re thinking about grabbing a new mid-torque impact wrench, make sure you consider Metabo HPT. It delivers excellent power while still maintaining a manageable size and weight. Try it in your hand before you buy, though. As long as it’s comfortable for you, it has all the power and control you need for most impact wrench applications.
Having worked in the automotive and metalworking trades, Josh has even found himself core drilling commercial properties for purposes of surveying. His knowledge and love of tools are exceeded only by a greater love for his wife and family.
A fan of all things that can stretch him mentally, Josh quickly dives into new products, tools, and product testing with ample amounts of both enthusiasm and precision. We look forward to many years of growth alongside Josh as he settles into his role at Pro Tool Reviews.
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Metabo has me questioning my diehard affection towards those red tools…
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Professional Tool Reviews for Pros