Hilti or Milwaukee?

[Mr Torque]

I'm looking for a cordless hammer drill driver and a 1/4 impact driver.

Which brand do you like and why?

Dewalt has 20volts, maybe has more power?

Ridgid feels good and has lifetime replacement of batteries.

Milwaukee feels good in the hand and has good batteries.

Hilti is expensive as hell and I can't find spescs on their stuff.

I have a Bosch M12 driver drill and I really like it. Stay with Bosch?

 

[neophyte]

What kind of specs were you looking for in relation to the Hilti tools?

 

[DamnYankee]

It kind of depends on how often you'll be drilling masonry, what size holes, etc. I have the Dewalt 20v hammer drill and also the 20v SDS rotary hammer. I'm drilling masonry pretty much every week . I almost never pick up the hammer drill because the SDS is so much faster.

Bosch makes some great hammer drills and rotary hammers. Can't really go with any of the beans you listed.

And just to mention, have a dewalt 20v impact for sale with batteries and a charger if you decide to go that route.

 

[neophyte]

I'm not certain about this, but a number of the Ridgid tools were/are designed by AEG Tools of Germany, which is owned by TTI, the same company that owns Milwaukee. TTI has Milwaukee placed as their top tier brand, with AEG in the middle, and Ryobi as their more affordable brand. The Milwaukee tools are likely better made. The batteries on the Ridgid tools may have a lifetime warranty, but Ridgid supposedly makes you jump thru hoops for it. Hilti tools are designed for industrial use, mostly for construction. The tools are made for abuse, but the warranties weren't as good last I checked. I believe somebody said the cordless tools, or at least some of them, are made in collaboration with Panasonic or one of the other Japanese tool companies.

 

[Mr Torque]

Anything viable. All the other tools tell you rpm's, torque...etc. Hilti is a mystery. Is it worth the extra bucks?

 

[Mr Torque]

I'm just using the stuff for homeowner stuff, not commercial...but...i don't like buying cheap tools. I over buy everything.

Thats just me...

Why use a 1/4" standard bolt if a 1/2" grade 8 is available and surely is better....? lol

 

[neophyte]

Hilti's website.

https://www.us.hilti.com/cordless-s...s/r4832#/stage1/topnavigation-link-1_foldout/

The hilti cordless tools.

https://www.us.hilti.com/cordless-s...s/r4832#/stage2/cls_cordless_systems_foldout/

Hilti currently manufactures three cordless drill models that come in a variety of configurations.

Model SFC 18-A. The compact model. Click on the "Technical Data" tab, and then "show more at the bottom for the full specs.

https://www.us.hilti.com/cordless-systems/drills,-impact-drivers-&-wrenches/r4832

Model SFH 18-A. Cordless hammer drill driver.

https://www.us.hilti.com/cordless-systems/drills,-impact-drivers-&-wrenches/r4177

Model SF 18-A. Cordless drill driver.

https://www.us.hilti.com/cordless-systems/drills,-impact-drivers-&-wrenches/r4178

Hilti was recently revamping their website if you had checked and didn't find what you were looking for.

The few Hilti items I have work great, but they cost an arm and a leg. I've handled some Hilti cordless tools when they still had them at Home Depot, but haven't used any of the cordless stuff. The ergonomics were good, Hilti has since come out with newer models.

 

[Mike007]

I found a cordless 14V Hilti 1/4" impact driver in a parking lot. It was a little beat up, I picked up a charger for it on Ebay. The quality and function is fantastic! I can see why they cost more.

 

[Mr Torque]

Is there any advantage to spending more for them?

 

[neophyte]

Is there any advantage to spending more for them?

I don't know about the current crop of cordless tools. Hilti does offer some cordless tools you might not be able to get from other manufacturers. The tools are designed to take a beating on a construction site by workers who don't own the tools. If you planned on buying a cordless reciprocating saw, screw gun, or rotary hammer at some point those would be a better reason to purchase the Hilti. The new drills look good, but Hilti seems to have dropped the third speed their flagship drill driver used to have that helped separate it from other models. You might be better off with Milwaukee or maybe Metabo if you haven't considered them.

 

[Mr Torque]

Metabo? Never heard of them. Where are they made?

 

[neophyte]

Metabo? Never heard of them. Where are they made?

Metabo is one of the major German tool companies. They're considered one of the worlds best manufacturers of angle grinders and hammer drills. Their tools are mentioned frequently in the "Tools from the Old World" thread. I think they've started offering 5Ah batteries for their cordless tools.

 

[neophyte]

Metabo's website.

http://www.metabo.us/

The brochure for their newer cordless tools.

http://www.metabo.us/fileadmin/metabo/_countries/us__com_/pdf/neuheiten/NEW__Cordless_01.pdf

And the section with their regular cordless tools.

http://www.metabo.us/Product-catalog-handheld-powertools.23980+M5a7b603bd60.0.html

http://www.metabo.us/Product-catalog-handheld-powertools.23980+M5a6d12fcd5b.0.html

 

[Ign]

I'm just using the stuff for homeowner stuff, not commercial...but...i don't like buying cheap tools. I over buy everything.

Thats just me...

Why use a 1/4" standard bolt if a 1/2" grade 8 is available and surely is better....? lol

So then the question is if you needed to haul yourself, wife and a couple kids while towing something would you buy a crew cab domestic truck or a Sprinter van? If the former you want something readily available with more reasonable prices, so Milwaukee. If the latter you like unicorns (mythical, hard to find and expensive) so you want Hilti.

 

[The Muffin Man]

First, never trust a company's tool specs, there are too many variables to measuring performance regarding torque and other aspects, and I've noticed many companies flat out lie about their torque specs. The best way (which is also the hardiest) is to try out each tool in person, or perhaps watch comparison videos on YouTube or review sites.

I was just in the market for both a 1/4in hex impact driver as well as a hammer drill. After looking at all the brands out there and trying many that friends and coworkers had I decided that Hilti made the best tool for the two categorizes I was buying. Like you I'm not using these tools everyday, 8 hours a day. However I do use my tools in a professional (industrial) setting several times a week at my second job. What I could have bought was a green line Makita tool, or Milwalkee's fuel line and been perfectly fine, though I too put a preference on tools of the highest quality. This is not to say that the brands mentioned before are not good tools, cause they are... its just that Hilti's hammer drill and driver were better by a tangible amount. Whether or not you can justify spending the extra money on Hilti's power tools is up to you. I did and I do not regret spending the extra money one bit. In fact, I glad I did since Hilti's bare tools are very reasonably priced, which means when I decide I need more 18v tools the cost of the bare tools will be roughly the same as any other brand, yet I'll be getting a better product.

I paid $400 for Hilti's SFH-18A, which included the case, two 3.3AH batteries and a charger. I also paid $400 for the SID-18a kit which included the same stuff as the hammer drill I bought.

 

[Mr Torque]

I noticed you are from Jersey too. Where did you buy your stuff?

 

[The Muffin Man]

I noticed you are from Jersey too. Where did you buy your stuff?

I bought them from Hilti's US website. There is also a Hilti store in Edison, on RT. 1. I haven't been there yet, but next time I'm up north visiting family I'll have to check it out.

There is also a Hilti store in Philly as well.

 

[Mr Torque]

I'm out by Pburg, Edison is closer. It's probably not too far off 287 on Rt 1.

 

[Mr Torque]

Just found this:


http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-list...0?ie=UTF8&condition=all&sr=1-1&qid=1385468274

Pretty good savings over $400 each

 

[Thedroid]

I've been using the Milwaukee fuel line, and I just don't see how a drill could get much better. Tons of power, and no complaints about chuck, battery, run time, or anything else. They're com g out with all types of great tools for the platform also. I recently picked up the Sawzall, and high torque 1/2 impact. All work great.

 

[bry@n]

I have a few cordless drills but my most favorite is my hilti. I use my tools for work and depending on the job, they can sit for a while or they can get used daily.

It balances better then the dewalts, ridgids and milwaukee drills I have. I do have a milwaukee m12 driver that I like a lot. It see's a lot of use.

 

[Monte]

 

[balrog]

If I'm going to be drilling into masonry, I would rather use a SDS rather than hammer drill/driver with a 1/2" chuck as it is a lot more efficient. I have a TE2, TE4 and TE6 from Hilti and the original style SDS 18v LXT from Makita. And I have impact drivers from Hilti and Makita. I've held the Milwaukee FUEL cordless drills in the store and they felt a bit clunky in my hands. I only have couple Milwaukee M12 tools and I am happy with their performance.

At my local Hilti factory store I get fantastic customer service. They have a demo area where you can try out the tools by drilling into wood or big blocks of concrete. Try calling your Hilti shop to see if they have a demo area too. One minor downside to Hilti is their cordless tool selection is much smaller compared to the major brands.

Another point to consider in making your selection is can you get repair service locally?

No ownership experience with Rigid cordless tools.

Although Dewalt has a vast selection of cordless tools, I really don't care for them. To me , they have a cheap feel when I am using them. In the early 90s when 14.4v tools was considered top of the line, I had a Dewalt pistol grip drill and it was great. Used the heck out of it daily and it always performed well. Around 2005 I needed a 18v drill and went with the Dewalt because of previous experience with the 14.4v product line. Had to return the 18v drill twice- once for the clutch and the second time for a faulty chuck. Each time I got a brand new drill. And when I did use the 18v drill, it seemed to have a less robust feel than what I was used to with other brands. I finally ended up getting a refund of the 18v drill because of the problems. The buyer at the tool store showed me a new line of tools from Makita and I ended up with the blue Makita 18v LXT hammer drill/impact tool combo.

I'm not knocking on Dewalt, just sharing my experience. The 18v Dewalt product line seems to be more popular with the "rough" construction trades like framers. Might be that the overall tool selection was better with Dewalt in the early offerings of 18v cordless tool technology. And if the company made an investment with Dewalt, it seems more likely to stay with that brand in the future rather than having to make an investment in a new brand.

 

[Mr Torque]

What brand is that?

 

[lametec]

What brand is that?

Fein.

 

[IndyGarage]

This question came up last year, and somebody said the Hilti tools were rebadged Panasonics.

Like anything else, I'm sure there is some badge engineering going on with tools. It looks to me like the Feins above might be rebadged Milwaukees.

If Hilti = Panasonic they are very, very good tools. Panasonic cordless tools used to be much, much better than anything else out there. Their batteries were also better than anybody else's.

The other companies have likely closed the gap. I haven't heard a single bad thing about the Milwaukee Fuel tools. I know the Makita Brushless is also well liked.

 

[Ign]

This question came up last year, and somebody said the Hilti tools were rebadged Panasonics.

Like anything else, I'm sure there is some badge engineering going on with tools. It looks to me like the Feins above might be rebadged Milwaukees.

If Hilti = Panasonic they are very, very good tools. Panasonic cordless tools used to be much, much better than anything else out there. Their batteries were also better than anybody else's.

The other companies have likely closed the gap. I haven't heard a single bad thing about the Milwaukee Fuel tools. I know the Makita Brushless is also well liked.

Thank you! That impact driver looks like Milwaukee. Doesn't mean it is but they can't deny they copied the look

I want the M12 5/8" SDS hammer drill for smaller jobs!

 

[IndyGarage]

Thank you! That impact driver looks like Milwaukee. Doesn't mean it is but they can't deny they copied the look

I want the M12 5/8" SDS hammer drill for smaller jobs!

Yeah, that metal gearcase on the Fein impactor is identical to Milwaukee - down to the little swooshes next to the screws. Interestingly it's not the latest generation Milwaukee (which is the fuel)
http://www.gemplers.com/product/160962/Milwaukee-M18-Impact-Driver-Compact-18-Volt

The drill looks identical to Milwaukee also.

 

[IndyGarage]

I did some checking and it does look like Hilti and Panasonic are the same for small cordless tools.

Actually they say it's a "joint venture" between Hilti and Panasonic. Either way, they seem to be very similar products. Like most rebadges, I bet they make the batteries incompatible.

My guess is either version are probably at the top of the performance scale. I know my 10 year old Panasonic 12V would outwork everybody else's 18volt a few years ago. They have had brushless tools for many years.

I bet you could get by easily with their 14.4 volt tools for drilling/impact. The only reason to buy 18V tools is to be able to run saws with them, and even then 18V is marginal.

BTW - Dewault claims their tools are "20V Max" - that's a bit of a marketing fib. They still are 18V tools - just like the small 12v tools from Bosch, Milwaukee and Makita are actually 10.8 V.