When it comes to tool brands, there are many options out there – which is why narrowing it down to just one can be tricky. Comparing DeWalt vs Metabo HPT is tough as both are highly regarded tool brands, with DeWalt being the better-known among North American consumers.
Let’s take a closer look at how these tool brands compare – and help you decide which would be the better option for you.
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DeWalt vs Metabo HPT: A Brief History
DeWalt
DeWalt was founded back in 1923 by Raymond E. DeWalt, the same man who invented the radial arm saw. The brand quickly expanded over the next several decades to become a major manufacturer of woodworking tools.
The American Machine & Foundry Co purchased the brand in 1949, and then later sold it to Black and Decker in 1960.
Stanley Black and Decker is still the owner of DeWalt today, which positioned DeWalt as their premium tool brand in 1992. At that point, Stanley Black and Decker transitioned the Black & Decker Professional Series brand over to the DeWalt brand name, as the Black & Decker Professional Series brand was not performing well.
The rebranding was incredibly successful and led to DeWalt rapidly expanding since then to being one of the most recognizable tool brands in the world.
Today the company has an impressive lineup with a particular focus on cordless power tools for the premium homeowner/professional user.
Metabo HPT
Metabo HPT (Hitachi Power Tools) is a North American rebranding of the Hitachi Koki brand as of October 2018. The tools are the same as the old Hitachi tools, just with a new brand name.
The brand was founded back in 1918 by Nichihira Shokai as an electrical drill manufacturer. It changed its name to Hitachi Koki in 1948 and began manufacturing coal mining machinery equipment.
In the 1960s, the brand expanded into manufacturing pneumatic tools, gas engine equipment, woodworking machinery, as well as printers. In the 70s, the brand introduced its first power tool, the DRC-6 cordless driver drill.
Over the next several decades, the company introduced several cutting-edge tools as well as rapidly expanded its manufacturing and distribution worldwide.
In 2017, Hitachi Koki Co. was renamed to Koki Holdings Co. The North American tool lineup was renamed ‘Metabo HPT’ after the investment firm KKR purchased and consolidated both brands.
What’s somewhat confusing is that Hitachi Power Tools are called HiKoki tools outside of North America instead of Metabo HPT. In addition, Metabo and Metabo HPT are different tool brands and are not compatible with each other.
DeWalt vs Metabo HPT: Comparison
Let’s take a look at how these two brands compare – so you can pick the right one for your needs.
Price
When it comes to price, Metabo HPT tends to be slightly cheaper than DeWalt. DeWalt tools are priced similarly to other premium brands like Makita and Milwaukee, whereas Metabo HPT’s tools are mostly priced closer to mid-tier tool brands like Ridgid.
Metabo HPT also tends to offer aggressive pricing when they have sales, so if you can wait around for a sale, you can save a significant amount of money.
Quality
When it comes to quality, it’s closer than you might think. While Metabo HPT’s tools tend to be a bit cheaper than DeWalt’s, they perform comparably and, in many cases, even better than DeWalt’s.
DeWalt manufactures most of its tools in Mexico, China, Taiwan, Brazil, and various other countries. They have, in recent years, greatly expanded their manufacturing in the USA – although this still makes up less than the majority of their manufacturing.
Metabo HPT, on the other hand, manufactures most of its tools in China, although some are still made in Japan.
Metabo HPT is well known for its pneumatic tools, corded hammers, and specialty trade tools like rebar cutters and framing nailers. Their table and miter saws are also considered top-of-the-line.
DeWalt tools are well regarded overall, with their Flexvolt tools and battery system being one of their top selling points.
Tool Lineup
This one goes to DeWalt hands down. They are simply a much larger company and offer a wider array of tools.
If we take a look at drills, Dewalt has 95 different options available, whereas Metabo HPT has only 35 or so. This trend continues in all categories, with DeWalt simply offering a greater degree of selection when it comes to power tools.
Like most other modern tool brands, Metabo HPT offers differing tiers within its lineup. That means you can purchase a barebones tool at a cheap price or splurge on their top-tier MultiVolt 36V tools.
Another thing to consider is that DeWalt is the only major power tool brand sold at both Home Depot and Lowe’s. This means availability is not going to be an issue, and you be able to purchase tools/batteries/accessories nearly anywhere.
Warranty
When it comes to warranties, it will depend on the specific product in question.
Most DeWalt tools come with a 3-year limited warranty, although some have 7-year and even lifetime warranties.
Most Metabo HPT tools have a 5-year limited warranty, however, there are some exceptions. Table saws and lithium-ion batteries have 2-year warranties, while air compressors, chargers, chop saws, corded hammer drills, demolition hammers, grinders, masonry cutters, rotary hammers, and sever other tools only have 1-year warranties.
If you’re looking at purchasing a single tool, then comparing the warranties offered makes sense.
DeWalt vs Metabo HPT: Which Brand is Best for Me?
Of course, choosing a particular tool brand is going to be a highly individual decision, but I’ll try to provide an answer nonetheless.
If you’re looking for a high-quality tool brand that costs less than the competition, then I’d lean toward Metabo HPT. On the other hand, if tool selection and availability are top priorities for you, I’d lean toward DeWalt.
