Product · metabo
Metabo PowerMaxx SB 12 BL: 12 V hammer drill, bare
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This listing is the bare version of Metabo's PowerMaxx SB 12 BL hammer drill, with no battery or charger. It is for people who already own Metabo 12 V packs and want to add a compact hammer drill, or replace a worn one. The reason to choose it is that it is one of the few 12 V tools in our compact guide with a hammer mode, so it can bore wall plug holes in brick without a full size drill.
- Type
- 12 V hammer drill
- Max torque
- 45 Nm (max listed)
- Weight
- 1.01 kg
- In the box
- Drill only
In its favour
- The listing states two speeds, up to 1,600 rpm, and a 10 mm chuck.
- Weight of 1.01 kg keeps arm strain low on overhead fixings.
- Hammer function handles small plug holes in brick and block.
Good to know
- Bare tool: battery and charger are not included.
- The listing shows two torque figures, 45 and 20 Nm, so check Metabo's sheet for the real hard joint figure.
Our take
Figures in the listing
Metabo's listing is almost bare of text, but the spec table gives a maximum speed of 1,600 rpm, two speeds, a 10 mm chuck, and drilling capacities of 35 mm in wood and 10 mm in metal. The item weight is 1.01 kg. It is described as a hammer drill.
Torque is confusing. One field lists 45 Nm as maximum torque and another lists 20 Nm. The higher figure is probably hard joint torque and the lower soft joint, but the listing does not say. Check Metabo's data sheet for model 601046850 if the exact torque matters.
What bare tool buying involves
With no pack or charger, this is only sensible if you already run Metabo 12 V tools. Buying batteries separately for a single 12 V drill usually works out more costly than a kit, such as the PowerMaxx SB 12 BL listing with two 2 Ah packs and an SC 30 charger.
The 10 mm chuck limits the bit shanks you can use, and the 35 mm wood capacity likely assumes a spade or Forstner bit with a reduced shank.
Against the other compact drills
The Bosch GSB 12V-35 bit set kit is the most direct rival, another 12 V hammer drill but with two 3 Ah packs, charger, L-BOXX and bits. The Metabo PowerMaxx BS BL is the plain drill driver sibling at 700 g, lighter but with no hammer.
If you are open to 18 V, the Makita DHP483Z is a brushless combi at 726 g, lighter than this Metabo, though it also comes without a battery.
Verdict
Pick the bare PowerMaxx SB 12 BL only if you already own Metabo 12 V batteries and want a small hammer drill. Newcomers should buy a complete kit instead, such as the Bosch GSB 12V-35 bundle, and if you never drill brick the lighter Metabo PowerMaxx BS BL will do.
Compared with alternatives in: Best compact and sub-compact combi drills
Amazon listing title: PowerMaxx TV00 SB 12 BL Cordless Hammer Drill