Metabo HPT DS18DDX, DS18DEX and DV18DEX: choose by weight, capacity and action

Compare all three together

US body dimensions and weights come from current product specifications; capacities come from the relevant manuals. Do not compare a shipping case weight with a bare tool.

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Capacity conditions are 38 mm wood thickness, 1.6 mm steel thickness and 30 mm brick-hole depth. The DEX 52 mm metric figure is retained as printed. It does not approve every bit type, material or thickness at that diameter.

Light assembly favors DDX’s weight, not a shorter-name assumption

DDX is about 318 g lighter without a battery than either DEX. That can matter for repeated lifting, small holes and hardware assembly. Yet its 6.2-in body is slightly longer than the DEX models’ 6.1 in; Sub-Compact is not a ranking within this group.

Release the trigger, wait for a complete stop, remove the battery and keep it removed. Check intended bit and extension, straight approach, hands and withdrawal. Assess pack clearance from its dimensions rather than reinstalling it and powering into a tight space. A 0.1-in difference does not replace this check.

For suitable light work, lower weight is a concrete benefit. DDX has 20 clutch positions plus drilling; DS has 22 plus drilling and DV adds hammer. More positions do not provide calibrated torque accuracy.

For a larger wood hole, check DEX capacity first

A 45 mm softwood hole at the listed thickness exceeds DDX’s 36 mm but not the DEX models’ 52 mm. Check the exact bit, gear, workholding and chip removal on a suitable DEX rather than forcing the DDX harder.

All three list 13 mm mild steel. More maximum torque does not prove faster metal holes, and 620 in-lb or 2,000 RPM is not a guaranteed loaded output or runtime/temperature test.

Both DEX models have RFC assistance. It is not exclusive to DV and does not replace secure holding. Do not deliberately jam a bit to test protection; release the trigger and follow instructions after an abnormal stop.

DV adds an action for suitable brick and block

DV18DEX’s manual identifies soft brick and concrete block hammer work, at 0–8,250 / 0–30,000 impacts per minute. Wood and metal still need ordinary rotation, not permanent hammer selection.

Identify material, fixing diameter and depth, and exclude concealed services. Do not explore an unknown wall by drilling or automatically hammer tile and fragile finishes. Beyond suitable conditions, consider an appropriate SDS rotary hammer or professional help.

DS and DV have the same published length, bare weight and BSL1820M weight. There is no basis to assume DV is necessarily heavier. At similar complete prices and with suitable masonry tasks, DV adds value; otherwise compare the ordinary DS price directly.

Finish with the complete equipment cost

The current DDX page lists two 1.5Ah packs, 333353M, UC18YKSL, hard case and bit. Both DEX pages list two BSL1820M 2Ah packs, 377797M, UC18YKSL, bag, bit and hook. Another manual configuration lists one pack: confirm order quantities and contents.

Existing owners can compare exact tool-only or seller bundles; first buyers should include missing batteries, a locally suitable charger and accessories. DEX lists optional BSL36A18/BSL36B18, but a larger pack changes weight and clearance, not the drill into a 36V tool. Choose a complete setup that can perform and reach your actual work, not the biggest torque number.