Hitachi/Metabo Underrated?

[DIY_Guy79]

Am I the only one that loves Hitachi/Metabo tools? Hardly ever see anyone mention them here. Their tools are priced significantly better than the competition, their warranties are significantly better than the competition, and they make genuinely great tools. Been rocking a Hitachi Miter saw for a few years now still looks & functions like new, got a 18g Hitachi brad nailer same time as the miter saw, I've put hundreds of nails through at this point and it shows no signs of failing me either. And if either did, they're still under that 5 year warranty lol.

I bought a new Circular Saw this evening from Lowe's. I originally grabbed an open box/returned Skilsaw SPT67, it's the sidewinder with the all metal body. With "Sidewinder" cast into the air grate. Got it for 10% off $79 due to the open box. Opened it in the car to make sure everything was there. Everything was there, however the saw felt like a PoS even the power cord was that stiff PVC type rubber they use on **** tools. And it had the chinchy Stamped steel foot... I took it right back in and exchanged it for a Metabo priced at $80. Massive improvement in every way. Feels great, diecast aluminum foot, dust blower on front to clear dust off cut marks, flexible silicone power cord, and on and on. Oh, not to mention a 5 year warranty vs the 180 days on the Skil.

Just now reading through the warranty info on the saw, it mentioned that their cordless tools have a lifetime warranty on the tool and 2 years on the battery. I gotta say, I like my current Hitachi/Metabo purchases enough, if my Makitas ever quit me, I'll be extremely tempted to try out the Metabo 18V line.

 

[BD1]

My first Metabo 4 1/2'' grinder is almost 30 years old and still going. Since then I added 3 more 5'' grinders and the Metabo Compact Die Grinder which is variable speed.
Amazon had a super deal on a Hitachi grinder kit . I bought it for a friend of mine 3 years ago and it's great for the $25.99 sale price.
The next grinder from Metabo will be a variable speed. Those are great for wire wheel use. Reduced speeds extends wheel life and helps keep wires on wheel.

 

[IMCA38]

I’m a fan!

I have the 18V cordless system, including the drill, hammer drill, impact driver, recip saw, circular saw, angle grinder, and 3 different work lights.
Also have a 7” corded angle grinder- what a beast!
Last year, I got a 12” compound miter saw at an auction. Very handy!

Overall, very satisfied with all of them.

 

[Notgrownup]

My 12” Hitachi sliding compound saw works great. It’s very precise.

 

[Robinson1]

I have zero clue why Hitachi doesn't have a bigger following.

They make great tools!

 

[dr_clyde]

Hitachi is fine, but let's not confuse the HPT stuff at the box store for REAL Metabo tools.

You cannot buy Metabo tools at a box store. They are sold only online and through industrial distributors.

I was VERY disappointed when Hitachi bought Metabo and started splashing their name on cheap tools at the box store. This thread shows exactly why.

Metabo makes some of the highest quality metalworking power tools available. Hitachi took that brand recognition and reputation and slapped it on carpenters tools at the box store without earning that rep.

Hitachi made some really nice tools in the past, especially their miter saws. But ever since they stopped making tools in Japan, they're nowhere near as nice. They lost their reputation and image as high quality and decided it was easier to buy Metabo's name than earn a good one themselves.

 

[Stooge]

...I was VERY disappointed when Hitachi bought Metabo and started splashing their name on cheap tools at the box store. This thread shows exactly why....

I was suspicious as soon as i read Their tools are priced significantly better than the competition

I have a few of their German coo grinders and they're the best i have used, but i was able to purchase through MSC to get a bit of a discount.

 

[Robinson1]

I have a real Metabo SDS Max rotary hammer. That thing is a beast and I'd put it up against Hilti any day.

Hitachi from the box store made a very serviceable line of carpentry tools. Their nail guns were legendary. Miter saws on par with Dewalt.

Metabo HPT is nothing but rebranded Hitachi. I haven't personally seen any noticeable drop in quality since the buyout and rebrand. Ive bought two of their finish nailers in the last 3 months and they are every bit as good as they were 10 years ago.

Hitachi may go the way of Porter Cable but currently its still a good tool.

 

[tarbellb]

Pre HPT merger-

Hitachi tools were a mid/lower tier tool, but great bang for the buck with a few winners (miter saws, specialty tools)


Metabo was very high quality German made stuff, but has been slowly, even before HPT, going to overseas production. They still have some quality German made stuff, but its getting confusing and hard to decipher.


The merger of Hitachi Metabo is a mess and disappointing.

 

[dutchgray]

Its still separately named here in Europe, Metabo is still Metabo but the tools, especially the non core range has significantly cheapened over the years, Hitachi became HiKoki (as a requirement due to the buyout from Hitachi I believe) and is the same tools with a new name, a decent range of tools that are relatively good and relatively cheap, they were always considered to be just below Makita in quality.
The new cordless nailers are supposed to be very good, the corded circular saws are well regarded and a common sight on construction sites here, corded grinders cheap but will take a lot of abuse, they have a brush less corded grinder that is supposed to be good, mitre saws good.

My electrician has used Hitachi cordless for years, recently he bought a full set up of Milwaukee, except the drill and impact driver stays on the van and he still uses the Hitachi.

 

[Pistolero]

Friend of mine owns a furniture factory for more than 40 years now, I have asked him what he uses, he said chinese brand tools now, before he uses metabo and said that metabo is the best in tools compare to makita and others, they are exceptionally well made, but the problem now is that the parts is so expensive and the tool itself is the same, buying 1 metabo is comparing to buy 3 or 4 of the chinese brand, and the the technology is an old technology, nothing really is special, and the chinese tool quality has caught up and also decent now.

 

[mobiledynamics]

All my corded grinders are Metabo but I'm all cordless these days


Question. Where is Metabo made these days >

 

[csp]

I have several Hitachi nail guns as well as a 4.5" angle grinder. So far they've performed well.

Big Sky Tool is the place to get them with refurbished deals that carry the same warranty as new.

 

[DIY_Guy79]

Think some of you guys are assuming I'm equating box store Metabo with German Metabo. I'm not. I have experience with both & familiar with the difference. But this thread is specifically referring to the big box store Hitachi, now rebranded as Metabo HPT. Most of its probably made in China or Taiwan. I know the Hitachi/Metabo stuff I personally own is all made in China.

As far as where its made goes.. Hell, my Makita impact/drill set is made in China too. Its the black compact 18v set. Been using them for years and love them. Getting to where country of origin isnt exactly the best indicator of quality anymore. At least not like it used to be.

Anyways, the thread is specifically referring to rebranded Hitachi. Its all about Dewalt, Makita, & Milwaukee around here. Dont see many talking about Hitachi/Metabo despite, in my experience, having been some of the best tool purchases I've made.

 

[The Cobbler]

the newer Hitachi line of air nailers are **** compared to the old versions, and they are now just equivalent to low end Chinese IMO .
Up till a few years ago, the older Hitachi staplers & finish nailers in good condition often brought more $$$ than new ones did . that tells you something .

 

[Badgerstate]

Id say theyre underrated. Especially their circular saws. How can you beat a 15 amp, 7 1/4" circular saw with magnesium guards and a magnesium shoe for $99?
When I bought my Ryobi 10" miter saw, I almost pulled the trigger on the Metabo HPT instead but the Metabo was a bit more expensive and at the time I didnt know anything about Metabo, so I bought the Ryobi. I love my Ryobi but the Metabo would have been a great miter saw for the money.

 

[IndyGarage]

Metabo HPT = Metabo owned Hitachi Power Tool = mid priced tools.

Metabo tool = German premium power tools.

They screwed the old brand over with that naming scheme. Like when they started slapping the Porter Cable brand name on cheap chinese made tools and selling them in the box stores - you can only sell on an old line brand name at lower quality for a short time until the brand value is gone.

That said I have a couple of Hitachi grinders and they work well. I have a couple Metabo grinders and they work awesome.

 

[CoogarXR]

I am always singing praises of the Hitachi 10.8v line. They don't have a lot of use in a mechanic shop, but I absolutely love them in my electronics work. Powerful for their size, the batteries last forever and charge super fast, and most importantly, they don't give my carpal tunnel any grief because they are so light and well-balanced.

When I worked in a bigger electronics recycling place, we had 6 of the 10.8 impacts. Running all day, removing thousands of screws a day for years on end. I think one chuck broke on one impact in all that time (and I believe Hitachi sent a new one). And they were not babied. They were used hard, dropped on the concrete, bodies used as hammers, all that.

I can't speak for the other lines, but the "12v" (10.8v) line is great. I have the mini sawsall, impact, drill, flashlight, and right-angle impact. The sawsall is a little hard on batteries, but it's still nice. That's about the only gripe I have.

 

[mr.lemons]

Recently purchase a 18v Hikoki impact driver and was impressed that it has IP56 rating. Mostly used for repairing fences in English weather, so it's good to be able to use it in the rain for extended periods with worrying. So far so good.

 

[tarbellb]

Metabo HPT = Metabo owned Hitachi Power Tool = mid priced tools.

Metabo tool = German premium power tools (NOT THE CASE, they have off shored many of their power tools. Namely the lower tiered grinders and most of the 18v line iirc)

They screwed the old brand over with that naming scheme. Like when they started slapping the Porter Cable brand name on cheap chinese made tools and selling them in the box stores - you can only sell on an old line brand name at lower quality for a short time until the brand value is gone.

That said I have a couple of Hitachi grinders and they work well. I have a couple Metabo grinders and they work awesome.

Corrected. You gotta be careful these days with the Metabo line. Still plenty of great German made tools, but NOT 100%.

 

[brianh]

I have a Hitachi 15" chop saw bought in 1988 has gotten a ton of use still going strong.

 

[Pistolero]

https://www.protoolreviews.com/news/hitachi-power-tools-become-metabo-hpt/36030/

 

[16again]

Ordered a Metabo 5” random orbital sander. Came yesterday. COO is China. This replaces a Bosch unit that was made in Maylasia and failed within 30 minutes of use.
If this doesn’t cut it, I’ll purchase the Germany made one that Metabo offers. 4 times the price of this.

 

[MarvinBerry]

I bought a Hitachi circular saw at Lowes some years ago it's been great. Wish it had a blade brake but for an $89 saw I can't *****. Cuts straight, good shoe & adjustments plenty of power.

Also bought the 10" compound miter. Fits my needs fine... it's worst feature IMO is also one of the things I like. Weight it's super light.

Didn't want a 12 slider because I don't need the capacity and I also move the saw a lot. It's not stationary. But the light weight means I need to bolt it down every time for safety. Don't trust it to not slide around.

 

[Outahere]

Metabo to Merge HPT and Power Tool Brands

Both brands will operate their headquarters, factory service center and distribution functions from Braselton, GA.

www.mdm.com

...Starting in December 2022, both brands will operate their headquarters, factory service center and distribution functions from a single state-of-the-art facility in Braselton, Georgia, just northeast of Atlanta.

“By integrating operations, both brands will continue to support retailers and end users with world-class power tools [Metabo-HPT] for the residential/multifamily construction market and [Metabo for] the metal working/industrial markets,” Koki Holdings said in a press release. “This unification will enhance value across the organization, driving new business opportunities for existing Metabo HPT and Metabo customers.”

Metabo HPT — which rebranded from Hitachi Power Tools when parent company Hitachi Koki became Koki Holdings — manufactures professional-grade power tools and accessories for woodworking, metalworking, drilling and fastening, concrete drilling and cutting. Metabo HPT also makes pneumatic nailers, staplers and compressors.

Metabo Power Tools manufactures corded and cordless power tools, as well as abrasives, accessories and other tools used for metalworking, concrete and other industrial and construction applications. Metabo’s tools are engineered in Germany.

 

[Outahere]

Am I the only one that loves Hitachi/Metabo tools? Hardly ever see anyone mention them here. Their tools are priced significantly better than the competition, their warranties are significantly better than the competition, and they make genuinely great tools...

This corded variable speed Metabo-HPT 1/4" die grinder has a very competitive price of $169. Warranty is only 1 year.

1 Inch 4.7-Amp Variable Speed Die Grinder | Metabo HPT GP3V

Engineering powerful and durable Nailers, Saws, Drills, Cordless Drills, Brushless Hammers, Roofing Nailers & More. Check Us Out!

www.metabo-hpt.com

 

[Kuma601]

Not sure I love them though I do like their overall performance for my DIY'er uses. Fair size though fairly middle road subjectively. Good value and in the kit I bought it was exceptional at $240 for these with 2-36/18V 2.5/5Ah and 2-18V 3Ah batteries. Hoping to add the trim router.

 

[Squankum]

My only experience so far is a "Metabo" (Hitachi) palm nailer I recently used. I'm tickled pink! It's a fantastic little thing.

 

[anndel]

All my corded grinders are Metabo but I'm all cordless these days


Question. Where is Metabo made these days >

Mostly China. I have 2 Pre-Hitachi Metabo corded angle grinders, Made in Germany and not letting of of them, even if friends or relative want to borrow them.

 

[tyyost]

I struggle with any brands Lowes mass markets these days. With the exception of DeWalt and Bosch I am very leery that anything they sell with have any longevity of support given their checkered history of throwing mid-low tier tools out and seeing what sticks. I have a few family members who bought Porter Cable cordless and are now orphaned.

My brother in law bought a cordless finish nailer and it runs well, but we only did a small project. Time will tell how support for it goes, or if batteries will by NLA after time.

Metabo makes great tools, as did Hitachi. Hitachi struggled in the US Market, they had some winners, but the whole catalog never really hit mass the market for DIY or contractors. The new hpt-Metabo line reminds me exactly of Porter Cable offerings at Lowes, diy tools trying for brand recognition. Except now the field is full of Craftsman, Kobalt, and Hpt.

 

[neophyte]

For those complaining about the Hitachi rebrand to “Metabo HPT”,
Hitachi bought Metabo Power Tools of Germany, and after Hitachi and Metabo were joined together into a combined power tool division, the Hitachi/Metabo power tool division was sold to Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. also known as KKR.
KKR is a US based investment firm.
Hitachi, while selling the combined Hitachi/Metabo power tool division, did not sell the “Hitachi” branding or trademark rights, likely since brand Yrademark history is full of Clusterf@cks resulting from Trademarks being split between multiple owners for different regions or product categories.
KKR had to come up with a new branding for the Hitachi power tools, and decided to use “Hikoki” in Europe, and “Metabo HPT” in the USA, maybe because Metabo had a better reputation than Hitachi.

As for Hitachi tools;
The nailers were almost always considered top quality as far as reliability, although the current ones with the “fancier” designs rather than the older industrial look do not seem to be considered as good.
The stationary Hitachi tools are usually loved, but cost got ridiculously high for the professional quality tools like their planers and bandsaws, to the point were I think they were removed from the US market.
The hand held power tools have always had a reputation for being decent particularly for the price, but not as good as some pricier brands, such as Dewalt and Bosch and Makita.

 

[gahrajmahal]

About two years ago I bought a 7” battery metabo circular saw. It had a feature where you could use a cord and drop down transformer instead of the battery. I thought I’d really like that but the transformer was huge, so I sold it on eBay. The saw though is AWESOME. I love the soft start feature, loads of power and the battery lasts and lasts.

 

[Dave455]

For those complaining about the Hitachi rebrand to “Metabo HPT”,
Hitachi bought Metabo Power Tools of Germany, and after Hitachi and Metabo were joined together into a combined power tool division, the Hitachi/Metabo power tool division was sold to Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. also known as KKR.
KKR is a US based investment firm.
Hitachi, while selling the combined Hitachi/Metabo power tool division, did not sell the “Hitachi” branding or trademark rights, likely since brand Yrademark history is full of Clusterf@cks resulting from Trademarks being split between multiple owners for different regions or product categories.
KKR had to come up with a new branding for the Hitachi power tools, and decided to use “Hikoki” in Europe, and “Metabo HPT” in the USA, maybe because Metabo had a better reputation than Hitachi.

As for Hitachi tools;
The nailers were almost always considered top quality as far as reliability, although the current ones with the “fancier” designs rather than the older industrial look do not seem to be considered as good.
The stationary Hitachi tools are usually loved, but cost got ridiculously high for the professional quality tools like their planers and bandsaws, to the point were I think they were removed from the US market.
The hand held power tools have always had a reputation for being decent particularly for the price, but not as good as some pricier brands, such as Dewalt and Bosch and Makita.

That’s pretty much as I understood it!

Just to add a bit of further detail, in the U.K. (and Europe) we have both “Hikoki” (the former Hitachi) and Metabo.

The Hikoki are “mid range” for the most part, but do seem to excel in some areas, such as nailers. The question of how good the Hitachi was historically, depends on how far back you go.

The original Japanese made Hitachi was superb. The components, build quality, and even the plastics they used were all top end. I’ve used specialist tools such as their compact angle drill, and it was probably the best tool of the type, at the time.

The Metabo (not Metabo HPT) comprise everything from top end German made tools down to Chinese made stuff. The German made grinders enjoy a very good reputation, but you need to be aware what you are buying. One builder friend has probably 80% Metabo tools and rates them highly.

 

[kyrbz]

I have Metabo grinders in my shop. I didn’t want to use them in a masonry structure renovation I’m working on so I bought a Metabo HPT grinder from Lowes for around $30. It’s been used and abused and is still performing awesome. Honestly not much difference from the real Metabo grinders. The one thing I could see guys griping about with the HPT is the screw on handle is very small. I sometimes see that as a benefit. After abusing the HPT for over a year in a very rough environment, I was so impressed I bought a couple more. IMO if you’re looking for an inexpensive 4.5” grinder, there’s not a better choice. Way better than HF.

 

[Ton ton]

The Hitachi 1/2" drill corded that I used fell apart on me. Left a bad taste in my mouth. Maybe the other power tools are better.

 

[rmack898]

I have an older Hitachi 10" contractors table saw that gets abused quite regularly and it keeps on going and cutting straight. I think its a great tool.

A bought a Metabo HTP 4.5" grinder and I'm not that impressed with it. For a $99 grinder that I consider a consumable tool, I like the form factor of the 11 amp DeWalt better considering they both have about the same life span.

 

[Bubba Fett]

The name change is confusing to a lot of people. They should have kept "Hitachi" as the mid-tier brand, and Metabo as the premium brand. But Hitachi is all over the place in terms of products. They make....everything.

 

[neophyte]

The name change is confusing to a lot of people. They should have kept "Hitachi" as the mid-tier brand, and Metabo as the premium brand. But Hitachi is all over the place in terms of products. They make....everything.

They contractually were not allowed to continue using “Hitachi” as part of the sale to KKR.
Hence the name change.

 

[Outahere]

Metabo vs. Metabo HPT – What’s the Difference?

Let’s talk a little about Metabo vs. Metabo HPT.

toolguyd.com

Metabo HPT and Metabo cordless power tools are NOT compatible with each other – they both have completely different battery systems.

Is Metabo HPT a “lower grade tool?” Absolutely not.....

Like most professional tools brands, such as Bosch, Dewalt, Makita, and Milwaukee, Metabo HPT has different tiers of tools, ranging from entry-priced to premium.

Metabo specializes in metalworking tools and grinders. Metabo HPT has incredibly popular air nailers.

 

[Outahere]

One interesting thing about Metabo-HPT and HiKOKI is that they offer a brushless AC motor for some of the corded tools. The main benefits seem to be a reduction in size and weight, and simpler construction, and no brush replacement.

AC Brushless Motor - HiKOKI

Introducing HiKOKI AC Brushless Motor

www.hikoki-powertools.com

AC (corded) Brushless Motor Tools - HiKOKI

AC (corded) Brushless Motor Tools List

www.hikoki-powertools.com