Metabo HPT 36V Triple Hammer Impact Driver Enters Second Generation
Of the dozens of best impact drivers we've tested, the Metabo HPT MultiVolt 36V Triple Hammer Impact Driver is one of the most unique, with its 3-hammer design. There is now a second-generation version, the WH36DCM, and we're seeing how it compares to its predecessor. It's actually a bit more powerful than the Metabo HPT 18V Triple Hammer Impact Driver – we've tested both.
Editor's Note: Check out our Best Impact Drivers Reviews page for the latest results.
advantage
- better fastening speed
- More torque than previous models
- There are 5 modes in total, including a bolt-only mode and a self-tapping screw mode
- compact design
- Triple Beam LED
- IP56 rating
- Compatible with MultiVolt AC Adapters
- lifetime warranty
- value for money
shortcoming
- You can't get a battery as light as an 18V/20V Max system
A traditional impact driver has a pair of rotary hammers on the inside of the mechanism, striking a pair of anvils on the outside to rotate the bit. The Metabo HPT Triple Hammer Impact Driver adds a hammer and an anvil. This means you get more impact at the same rpm as other impact drivers.
The Metabo HPT has 1903 in-lbs of torque, 3700 RPM and 4100 IPM and is powered by a brushless motor. The previous version (WH36DB) had 1859 in-lbs of torque, 2900 RPM and 4100 IPM. In effect, we gain more power and more speed. What's interesting about these numbers is that the impact rate doesn't seem to change with velocity.
five driving modes
You can use five modes: soft, bolt, single bolt, power and self-drilling screw. Here's how these modes perform in terms of speed:
| model | speed |
|---|---|
| soft | 900 rpm |
| Bolt/Bolt Sheet | 2900 rpm |
| strength | 3400 rpm |
| self-propelled screw | 3700 rpm |
Soft and Power modes are typically low and high. Self-driving screw mode starts slow for control, then ramps up to full speed, then slows down as the screw tightens to avoid snapping off the head. Bolt mode runs at more impact wrench speed, while bolt single mode tightens and closes in about a second of impact.
Metabo HPT does not provide any guidance on torque and shock rate for each mode, but please note that the fastest speed is the self-driven screw mode. For maximum performance, Power mode is your best bet, although it's a bit slower.
Metabo HPT 36V Triple Hammer Impact Driver Speed Test
We tested this strength with a few GRK 8" strong construction screws screwed into the stacked OSB. It managed to fully tighten the screw in 7.2 seconds, a full second faster than the previous model. While it still doesn't challenge the best era we've seen, it's a big improvement.
Overall, the Metabo HPT MultiVolt Triple Hammer Impact Driver is in the performance class, and you don't need to feel bad about it when you're driving larger or longer screws.
Metabo HPT 36V Triple Hammer Impact Design Notes
We don't see many impact drivers that showcase a lot of water and dust protection, but the Metabo HPT MultiVolt Triple Hammer Impact Driver has an IP56 rating. Nobody would drop their cordless tool into a bucket of water on purpose, but that's one of the capabilities that the Metabo HPT demonstrates.
led lights
Notably, the Metabo HPT switches from a single LED light on the foot to a triple-beam LED configuration around the chuck. This design does a better job of eliminating shadows. When you don't need it, just press the headlight button next to the mode change to keep it from coming on when you pull the trigger.
size and weight
The Metabo HPT keeps the Triple Hammer reasonably compact and light compared to broad impact drivers. It spans 4.5 inches across your head and gets into some impressively tight spaces.
As a bare tool, it weighs 2.0 lbs. However, the heavier 36V battery does add some weight compared to some competitors. With a 2.5Ah compact battery, your working weight is 3.5 lbs.
other highlights
- metal strap hook
After using 18V and 36V triple hammer impact drivers, we wanted to compare them directly. We researched size, weight, features and performance.
| 18V WH18DBDL2 | 36V WH36DC | |
|---|---|---|
| speed | 0-2,900 rpm | 0-3,700 rpm |
| impact per minute | 0-4,000 | 0-4,100 |
| Maximum torque | 1,832 in-lbs |
1,903 in-lbs |
| speed mode | 4 | 5 |
| Weight (bare metal) | 2.0 lbs. | 2.0 lbs. |
| Weight (with battery) | 2.9 lbs. (3.0 Ah 18V) | 3.5 lbs. (2.5 Ah 36V) |
| Price (bare metal) | $129 | $189 |
| price (kit) | $149 | $299 |
Start with performance – the Metabo HPT WH36DCM runs on 36V. It is similar in design to the 18V Triple Hammer but connects to a 36V MultiVolt battery. It also includes some minor tweaks to the latest version. The nice thing is the battery is capable of running any Metabo HPT 36V tool or any of its 18V tools.
Break it down: the 36V WH36DCM can only use 36V MultiVolt batteries, while the 18V WH18DBDL2 can use 18V or 36V batteries.
Like all Metabo HPT 36V MultiVolt tools, the 36V tools can also be run with a MultiVolt AC adapter and corded for those times you don't want to worry about run time.
One area where the Metabo HPT 18V Triple Hammer has an advantage over the 36V MultiVolt is weight. As bare tools, both weigh only 2.0 lbs. However, the operating weight of the 36V battery is 1/2 pound heavier than using a compact 3.0Ah battery on the 18V model.
The Metabo HPT MultiVolt Triple Hammer Impact Driver retails for $299 and comes with a pair of 2.5Ah MultiVolt batteries, a single-port fast charger, and a hard-shell carrying case. The tool is also covered by a lifetime tool body warranty and a 2-year battery warranty. Considering what you get for the price, this is one of the better value offerings from the premium brands.
the bottom line
Significant changes from the first generation to the second generation of the Metabo HPT 36V MultiVolt Triple Hammer Impact Driver include higher tip speeds and several bolt-specific modes that really make it a better all-around fastening tool. If you use the Bolt a lot, or you feel the speed of the first generation puts you off, this is a worthwhile upgrade and you'll notice the difference.
Metabo HPT MultiVolt Triple Hammer Impact Driver Specifications
- Model: Metabo HPT WH36DC
- Power: Metabo HPT 36V MultiVolt battery
- No-load speed: 0-3,700 RPM
-
Maximum Torque: 1,903 in-lbs
- Impact rate: 0-4,100 BPM
- Weight: 2.0 lbs (bare), 3.5 lbs (with 2.5Ah battery)
- Length: 4.5 inches
- Height: 7.5 inches
Click here to see the full Metabo HPT lineup!