The MetMo Blog


We love all things engineering. From deep dives into our products to historical explorations, there’s a wealth of information just waiting for you on the MetMo blog!

Pro tip! Search ‘Driver History’ to really get your teeth in.



Tariffs, Tools & Transparency: Why You’ll Never Get a Surprise Bill From Us

Tariffs, Tools & Transparency: Why You’ll Never Get a Surprise Bill From Us

If you’ve been following the news lately, you might have heard about new import tariffs between the UK and the USA. Sounds complicated, right? (Honestly, even we had to read it twice… and then grab a strong cup of tea.)...

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Latest Blog Posts

MetMo Gear Train

Taking the 5 best metal fidget toys for a spin

Precision in Your Pocket: The Best Metal Fidget Toys

Forget the cheap plastic toys of 2016. At MetMo, we’re obsessed with overengineered, "hypnotic" interaction. A true metal fidget shouldn't just spin; it should talk to your fingers through precision-machined feedback and satisfying mass.

The MetMo Lineup:

MetMo Cube: Wire EDM-machined steel that "disappears" into itself.

MetMo Pen: A writing tool with a dual-threaded diamond screw mechanism.

MetMo Helico: Magnetic gears with a tactile snap

MetMo Gear Train: Mesmerizing handheld gear reduction.

The Verdict: The best fidget toy is the one that clears your mind when no one is watching.

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A man working at his tool bench

Why the best-designed hand tools break rules (with examples)

At MetMo, we’re obsessed with tools that "disappear" into the work. We believe the best design isn't just about following rules—it’s about knowing when to break them to create something truly exceptional.

Great tools should be mechanically honest and intuitive, requiring no manual to understand. We prioritise purposeful ergonomics that handle real-world grit, like sweaty hands and long hours at the bench. Whether it’s the shape-shifting Fractal Vise or the multi-functional MetMo Grip, we build for makers who value tools that are as fun to use as they are over-engineered.

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MetMo Edge in the palm of a hand

Pocket science explained: The best 5 types of EDC tools in 2026

Everyday carry is about quiet capability. It’s the art of resisting the urge to carry everything and instead choosing a few beautifully designed tools that earn their place by doing more than one job — reliably, comfortably, and with mechanical grace. Good EDC keeps small problems small, disappears into your pocket or sock until needed, and reflects how you think and work. Carry less, carry better, and let thoughtful design do the heavy lifting.

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Titanium Pocket Driver

The Ti-tan material that never Ti-res

Discover why titanium is one of the most impressive engineering metals in use today. This in-depth guide explores titanium’s properties, history, and real-world applications, explaining its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, heat tolerance, and biocompatibility. Learn how titanium compares to steel, stainless steel, and aluminium, why it’s challenging to machine, and why it’s chosen for aerospace, medical, marine, and precision tools. A must-read overview of what makes titanium worth the cost—and the effort.

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Quick release clamp in use

Release The Fractal

Meet the add-on that turns your Fractal Vise into a teleporting workbench wizard. Snap it off one setup, drop it onto another, or run it free-standing in seconds—no faff, no fuss. It adds height and locks down solid. Bonus: it even moonlights as a tiny vise when you’re in a pinch. Portable, bombproof, and dangerously convenient—proper maker magic.

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Planetary gear for Helico MK2

Planetary gears explained: A design written in the stars

Planetary gears are the David Beckham of the mechanical world—effortlessly smooth, unfairly capable, and adored by just about everyone. This star-struck guide takes you through how these cosmic little gear sets work: a sun in the centre, planets orbiting in perfect harmony, all wrapped inside a ring and carried along for the ride. Swap which part spins, stops or outputs and you unlock everything from torque-boosting reductions to high-speed overdrive. They’re compact, efficient, low-backlash and happy to share the load—no divas here—but they do demand tight tolerances, smart materials and proper care. From drills to drones to Mars rovers, planetary gears have earned their stellar reputation. And if you fancy making your own, just keep your planets aligned… and please show us when you do.

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Cube vice metal prototype

A Gripping Story

This blog takes you behind the scenes of the MetMo Fractal Vise — from its early experimental clamp concepts to the final precision-engineered design. It explores the evolution of fractal mechanisms, the challenges of achieving perfect clamping geometry, and the rigorous FE analysis and load testing used to push the vise to its limits. Along the way, the team shares design insights, testing results, and a few laughs from the development journey that turned an idea into an indestructible engineering masterpiece.

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The inner workings of a gearbox

Time to torque about gearboxes

Torque. Gears. Gearboxes.
They turn fast spin into real muscle. Every machine — from drills to EVs — relies on this trio to trade speed for strength.

Gearboxes are all about balance: power in, purpose out. Spur, helical, bevel, worm, planetary — each with its own strengths, sounds and quirks.

Chase infinite torque and physics pushes back. The real magic is in the trade-offs.

And if you want to feel that torque yourself? Meet the MetMo Driver, Pocket Driver and Helico.

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Adaptor plate bolted to bench

How to Grow Your Fractal

This blog explores new Fractal Vise add-ons, including the Dual Vise Adaptor Plate for expanded clamping and mounting options, and the 32mm to 82mm Conversion Kit for easy size upgrades.

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