Hilti Screwdriver: How To Choose Brushes And Bits? Characteristics Of Cordless And Tape Screwdrivers

2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-18 12:09

Hilti screwdrivers are high quality tools in the mid-range price range. They are suitable both for professionals in their field and for buyers planning to use a screwdriver, for example, a cassette screwdriver or with an attachment for self-tapping screws, for household needs. All the advantages and disadvantages of the tools of this brand are discussed below.

A brief history and purpose of the brand

Hilti began marketing campaigns in 1950. This brand appeared in Liechtenstein almost ten years earlier, but for a whole decade the company's engineers were engaged exclusively in developments, not yet releasing products for sale. Shortly after the official launch of sales, the brand distinguished itself by inventing the world's first construction pistol. He introduced many more innovations into the market for professional construction tools, and then began to produce devices in the budget price category.

Hilti products are suitable for the following applications:

• professional construction, including round-the-clock repair work;
• construction and repair in areas remote from power grids (thanks to the presence of battery models);
• household construction.

Screwdrivers of various modifications are suitable not only for tightening and unscrewing screws, but also for drilling various materials. Impact modifications successfully cope with medium-hard concrete, plastic and even metal.

Brand advantages

The real benefits of the Hilti brand can be seen in customer reviews. The average rating of screwdrivers is 4, 5-4, 6. Several positive aspects are noted.

• Many models are equipped with protective mechanisms. In addition to overheating shutdown, which is common with all brands of tools, automatic power cut-off is also triggered in case of overloads. This protects the battery and the device itself, increasing its lifespan.
• Long period of operation. Hilti devices significantly exceed domestic products in terms of their service life, even with high wear and tear, they work for more than one year. This is an ideal tool for those who are not very well versed in all the nuances of caring about screwdrivers. Even with constant critical loads, the device will continue to operate.

• The ability to change the carbon brush of the motor for the screwdriver. This significantly increases the service life of the product, which is important, because most of the high-quality models cost more than 20 thousand rubles.
• Lifetime warranty. During the entire service life, the owner can change the spare parts of the tool free of charge. The nuance is that the services of the service center are free only for the first 2 years, and then you will have to pay for the work of specialists, although spare parts will remain free of charge.

However, one should not rush to purchase a product of this brand. First, you should study the negative aspects of screwdrivers.

Flaws

Hilti is in many ways inferior to more eminent manufacturers such as Bosh, Makita, AEG. The main drawback is the overpriced. For comparison: the Makita 6281DWPE screwdriver at the price of 11 thousand rubles is equipped with a cooling system, a user-friendly interface, the ability to switch modes with one hand. Hilti SFC14-F costs one and a half times more, 18,300 rubles, but it can only boast of low weight and high torque (which also differs from the specified Makita model). Professionals recommend purchasing two products from a Japanese manufacturer at a price equivalent to the cost of one Hilti product.

Buyers note some more points in their reviews

• Despite the long service life of the product itself, the rubber pads deteriorate quickly and must be replaced.
• Rechargeable models can shrink quickly in low temperature or high humidity conditions.

• Another drawback of the battery model is its heavy weight. Even the use of aluminum and plastic does not help, since the batteries of this brand are distinguished by their high mass. In this regard, it is not always convenient to use the instrument for a long time without good physical preparation.
• Although the manufacturer promises a “lifetime” warranty on the tool itself, the buyer still has to pay for repair services. And although the cost of spare parts is compensated by the service company, apparently, to compensate for the monetary losses, the manufacturer greatly overestimates the prices of the service itself. Two years after the purchase of the goods, the owner continues not to pay for spare parts, but already pays for the service, which hits the pocket.

Therefore, before purchasing a Hilti device, you need to weigh the pros and cons of a particular model. If the buyer needs a budget tool, this brand is definitely not suitable. But it can outperform similar brands in the specialty screwdriver segment. So, expensive models with a price of 25 thousand or more are distinguished by a long service life and high torque.

Views

The range of Hilti tools is quite diverse, the brand produces various types of equipment.

Rechargeable

Battery powered devices operate without a network connection. A set of one or two batteries is built into their handle, which provide long-term operation without recharging. Different models show different battery life. The most expensive products can remain active for 8 hours, which is enough even for professional builders. However, budget options cannot boast of such indicators; they work continuously for no more than two hours.

The presence of a battery is convenient if work is carried out at a height, in an area without power supply networks, and also if there is a sudden power outage.

But there are also disadvantages:

• high weight due to the severity of the batteries;
• the need for periodic change or recharging if the specialist works for a long time;
• in unfavorable conditions (for example, in cold weather), the performance or battery life on a single charge drops dramatically.

Network

Network models plug directly into a wall outlet. They cannot be used for high-altitude work, as well as in poorly equipped areas. However, networked products are preferred by professionals because they allow you to work without the distraction of changing or recharging batteries. In addition, the lack of a battery also reduces the weight of the devices. It is more comfortable to hold them in the hand, the specialist gets tired more slowly.

Tape

Tape models are equipped with special tapes where bolts or screws are attached. When screwing in a large number of fasteners quickly, this is especially convenient: the worker is not distracted by finding and inserting screws, they are automatically fed to the bit.

This automation is useful when fixing sheet material, such as drywall, on a large scale.

Types of instruments by purpose

It is necessary to select a tool not only for its structural qualities. Products also differ in purpose. The most modern and expensive models allow not only screwing in screws, but also drilling particularly hard materials.

• Wrenches . Wrenches are produced with 1-2 accumulators and are not powered from the mains. They are distinguished by high torque, which allows the nuts to be tightened as quickly as possible. There are many options on the market, ranging from small ones to those suitable for changing tires.
• Drill screwdrivers . Suitable for screwing and unscrewing, as well as drilling in soft and hard materials. There is speed regulation, more expensive models have two of them. Engine parts must be replaced.
• Drums . Impact products can be used to slash concrete, metal, wood, plastic, composite materials. There are variations with battery or mains supply.

How to choose replacement bits?

You can find over 30 bits and related products for various purposes in Hilti branded stores or on the Internet. Consider the parameters for choosing these components.

• Diamond coated . A thin layer of diamond chips significantly increases the strength of the bit. This allows it not to wear out even under long-term high load. Such nozzles can last for several months even with intensive use in construction. The price is slightly higher than products without spraying.
• Magnetic mount . These bits are used exclusively for screwing in various screws. They are quickly installed and changed, but at the same time, they cannot provide a fairly strong adhesion. For this reason, they are not recommended for high shock loads.
• Torsion bars . These products withstand high torsional loads and are suitable for impact drills. If the torque rises sharply, the elastic edge of the bit will twist, thereby compensating for the increased load.

Scopes of these attachments:

1. installation in a harsh environment;
2. tightening screws with abrupt stops.

Top Models

Hilti regularly updates its range. A number of modifications have gained the greatest popularity this year.

• Hilti SD 2500 . Designed for drilling wood sheets and drywall. It makes a lot of noise, but it is equipped with a depth stop and weighs only 1.5 kg. The cost is 12.6 thousand rubles.
• Hilti SD 5000 . The price is 12 thousand rubles. Copes well with gypsum board, guides, wooden products. A tape magazine can be connected to it.

Ventilation protects the owner from dust. Almost no noise, low vibrations.

• Hilti SID 2-A (2x2.6) . It costs 16 thousand rubles. Weight 1, 1 kg, works more than 8 hours. To prevent the battery from draining too quickly outside, there is a cooling sensor function. The product is packed in a case with compartments for bits and a spare battery.
• Hilti SD 5000-A22 . This product is of a narrow profile, works with gypsum board and large fiber panels. Despite the battery system of work, the device is better in power than network counterparts. The disadvantage is the price of about 30 thousand rubles.
• Hilti ST 1800-A22 . Long-lasting, virtually silent device, equipped with a set of two batteries. Designed for professionals, as it costs more than 40 thousand rubles.