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.



Latest Blog Posts

Twist drill bit patent

The hole history of manual drills

From spinning sticks to space-age drills, we take a whistle-stop tour through 35,000 years of drilling history.

Awls, bow drills, Roman augers, breast drills, and the twist bit that changed everything—each invention built on the last in humanity’s never-ending quest to make holes faster, cleaner, and with more satisfying torque.

Power tools may have taken over, but manual drills still hold a special place in our hands (and hearts). Quiet, precise, and endlessly tactile—just the way we like them at MetMo.

If you love putting holes in wood the old-school way, you’ll want to give this one a spin.

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The medium fractal

Take A Look At Our Little Bits

The Fractal Vise is made up of 17 unique parts and 46 components, each designed with precision and purpose. From the Medium Fractal at the core to the hardened Small Fractals and symmetrical Upper Fixed Jaws, every element plays a role in delivering smooth, reliable clamping. The Stub Shaft controls movement, aided by a brass ring for silky turns, while the Posts of Power and guiding dowels keep everything aligned and running true. Even the silicone base and cross bar are carefully considered for grip and adjustability.

Behind the scenes, a mix of hardened steels, over-engineered fasteners, and thoughtful upgrades ensure strength, durability, and a satisfyingly refined experience. It’s compact, clever, and overbuilt in all the right ways—because why settle for less?

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Close up of worm gear

The one-way wriggle around worm gears

Today’s article looks at worm gears. These clever little screw-and-wheel partnerships have been quietly moving the world for over two thouuussaaand years. Yep, with three zeroes. Worm gears, or worm drives as they’re also known, are the unsung heroes of...

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Vise screwed to a permanent surface

Getting To Grips With Your Adjust-a-balls

In this update, we deep-dive into the precision-built ball clamp and workstation, the foundation for turning your Fractal Vise into a rock-solid, ultra-adjustable workshop centerpiece. The new design allows full rotational control, firm locking, and seamless integration with your workspace. Whether you’re fine-tuning tiny parts or securing hefty components, this is the upgrade your bench didn’t know it needed.

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An original fractal vise patent

History Repeating Itself

We dove deep into the origins of the fractal vice, tracing it back to 1913 and Austrian inventor Paulin Karl Kunze. Patented worldwide, his clamping creation evolved into the Mantle Vise in 1920s New York—complete with intricate dovetail joints and jaw configurations that could grip just about anything.

Despite its genius, the vice vanished by the 1930s, a casualty of the rise in mass production. But its legacy lives on—in our hands. We're reimagining this brilliant design, testing new jaws, and pushing the limits of what a vice can do.

The past has never been this gripping.

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MetMo Fractal Vise holding a 3D Print

Da Vinci did what? 6 of his concepts you’ve (maybe) never heard of

Leonardo da Vinci wasn’t just the guy behind the Mona Lisa—he was the OG mechanical mastermind. In this post, we dig into six of his most surprising and underrated inventions, including a 15th-century CVT, a hand-cranked blender, a scuba suit, and even an early corkscrew (priorities, right?).

These wild concepts show just how far ahead of his time he was—and why we at MetMo love over-engineering the everyday. If you’re into mechanical creativity, historical oddities, or just enjoy breaking things to see how they work, you’ll feel right at home.

Because even 500 years later, a great idea never rusts.

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MetMo Brass Piston stood tall

Innovation, Born From Danger!

At MetMo, we're always chasing the next big idea—and after Multi Drive, we went into overdrive. With too many concepts to fit into Kickstarter alone, we’re evolving how we launch: bringing smaller, limited-edition projects like the MetMo Piston straight to our store. No springs, no magnets—just pure pneumatic precision you can feel. Inspired by the infamous “Danger Knife,” Piston is a palm-sized engineering marvel that’s silent, satisfying, and seriously fun. This shift lets us move faster, stay ahead of copycats, and keep delivering the clever, quality designs you love—without compromising on current campaigns.

Ready to play with air-powered perfection?

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MetMo Brass Piston on its side

The hands-on history of fidget toys

Fidgeting isn’t just a modern-day habit—it’s a centuries-old craft. In this deep dive into the hands-on history of fidget toys, we explore how these tactile tools evolved from ancient curiosities into precision-engineered marvels. From Baoding balls to ball bearings, we uncover the ingenious designs that keep fingers busy and minds focused. At MetMo, we celebrate the fusion of engineering and play—because sometimes, the best ideas come when your hands are in motion.

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MetMo Multi Drives laid side by side

Getting Down And Knurley

Discover the art of knurling in MetMo's latest blog post, Getting Down and Knurley. Learn how this precision engineering technique enhances tool grip, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. Explore different knurl patterns, suitable materials, and the machinery behind the process. At MetMo, we blend craftsmanship with innovation to create tools that stand out in both design and performance.

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