REVIEW – DIYers and anyone else who loves tools will want to check out the MetMo Driver which is a modern take on Conrad Baumann’s ratchet driver from the 1950s. It’s both a tool and a toy (kinda). Let’s check it out.
What is it?
The MetMo Driver is a high torque bit driver that doesn’t use batteries.
What’s in the box?
- MetMo Driver
- Double sided bit
- Bit adapter
- Wrenches
Design and features
The MetMo Driver looks and feels impressive. This is an over-engineered hand tool that has a quality feel from the moment that you pick it up. Others must have felt the same way because this was an Indiegogo Campaign that raised over 1.7 million dollars last year!
It could double as a hand weight as it weighs in at almost a pound!
There’s the hardened Martensitic stainless steel magnetic chuck at one end that can accommodate standard 1/4 (6.3mm) bits.
But the magic is in the ratchet and the swing-out stainless steel handle along with the smooth Black anodized aluminum handle that spins freely in either direction.
The spring-loaded brass lever under the chuck can flip to either side or to the center to change or lock the ratchet direction. In the image above, the ratchet direction is set to forward so that you can turn a screw or bolt in the clockwise direction.
When the lever is flipped to the right, you can then use the driver/ratchet to loosen a screw.
With the lever in the center position, the ratchet is locked allowing you to turn a screw or bolt in either direction without help from the ratchet.
The handle of the MetMo Driver has a storage compartment that can hold 4 bits.
But the storage area in the MetMo’s handle doesn’t have room to hold the adapter that was included with my review sample.
See it in action
What I like
- Rugged, built to last
- Doesn’t require batteries
- Fun to use for work or just to fidget
What I’d change
- I’d like a smaller version
- Include a belt case
Final thoughts
I can’t really see the MetMo Driver being used as an everyday tool. It’s not the type of tool that you would probably want to carry around in your pocket or on your belt just due to its weight. But I could see it as a collector’s item or even as a tool in a toolbox that you take out for those times when you want to shun your tried and true battery-operated driver and you just want to kick it old school. Either way, this is a fun tool to look at and use. It makes tightening and loosening screws and bolts fun. Which is weird, but it’s a Gadgeteer thing, right? So what do you think of the MetMo bit driver? Is it a hand tool that you would use all the time or just here and there? Let me know in the comments below. Oh and one more thing… In the What I’d change section, I mentioned wanting a smaller version, and guess what? MetMo is currently running a new crowdfunding campaign for a pocket version of the driver. There are only 4 days left in the campaign so go check it out.
Price: $138.00
Where to buy: Indiegogo Indemand
Source: The sample for this review was provided by MetMo.
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I received my Metmo the other day and it is indeed a wonder to (be)hold, truly the most solid and heavy screwdriver you can own and with that satisfying ratchet action when you use it.
However mine doesn’t have a storage compartment in the handle – only a small grub screw that fastens it to the inner spindle and allows it to rotate. Maybe the press review samples had the removable cap but this appears to have shelved in the finished product since there is no mention of it in the bundled instructions.