Product · metabo
Metabo PowerMaxx BS BL: 700 g 12 V drill driver, 2 packs
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The PowerMaxx BS BL is one of the lightest drills in our guides, listed at 700 g. It is a 12 V drill driver for furniture assembly, cabinet fitting, electrical work and other jobs where you hold a drill for long periods. Two 2.0 Ah batteries are included. What sets it apart is that low weight paired with 38 Nm hard torque, which is more than some 12 V combi drills.
- Type
- 12 V drill driver
- Max torque
- 38 Nm
- Weight
- 700 g
- In the box
- 2 x 2.0 Ah (charger not stated)
In its favour
- The listing gives 38 Nm hard joint and 20 Nm soft joint torque with two speeds.
- At 700 g it is the lightest drill in this guide.
- A battery charge indicator and a tool free belt hook for either side are listed.
Good to know
- No hammer mode, so it will not drill brick; a combi drill suits masonry better.
- The listing mentions two batteries but does not clearly list a charger; check before buying.
Our take
The useful details in a sparse listing
Metabo gives a maximum soft torque of 20 Nm and hard torque of 38 Nm. Soft joint torque applies when driving into material that compresses, such as a screw pulling a hinge into softwood, while hard joint torque is the peak when a bolt bottoms out on metal. Quoting both is helpful and uncommon.
There are two speeds, a 10 mm chuck, and listed capacities of 32 mm in wood and 10 mm in metal. The belt hook attaches on either side without tools, which helps left handed users. A charge level display on the battery shows remaining capacity.
Missing or doubtful items
The title promises two batteries, but the listing does not clearly confirm a charger. Check with the seller before you buy. The 24,000 rpm speed figure is obviously wrong for a drill, and the power source is entered as hand powered, so the spec table needs caution.
There is no hammer mode. This drill will not make wall plug holes in brick efficiently.
Compared with its neighbours
The Metabo PowerMaxx SB 12 BL is the hammer drill version in the same 12 V family, slightly heavier at 1.01 kg in its bare listing. Choose it if you need to drill masonry. The Milwaukee M12 FDDX is another 12 V drill driver at 34 Nm, heavier in concept but with four swappable heads for awkward installs.
The Bosch GSB 12V-35 kit offers hammer drilling, 3 Ah packs and a charger, so it is the more complete package for home use.
Best suited to
Kitchen fitters, joiners and hobbyists who drive lots of screws into wood and sheet material, and anyone who finds an 18 V drill tiring to hold.
Verdict
Buy the PowerMaxx BS BL if light weight is your priority and your work is screws and holes in wood and metal, once you have confirmed a charger is included. Choose the Metabo PowerMaxx SB 12 BL or Bosch GSB 12V-35 if you need hammer drilling for masonry.
Compared with alternatives in: Best compact and sub-compact combi drills
Amazon listing title: metabo PowerMaxx BS BL 601721500 Cordless Drill Driver 12 V 2 Ah Li-ion + 2 Batteries