HILTI VS DeWalt
- Thread starter Tool Guy
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rsanter
Well-known member
hilti has a great name in the buisness. on the other hand the dewalts are the old B&D industrial units which are pretty darn good
bob
bob
back2class
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- Joined
- Jan 7, 2009
- Messages
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Like compairimg Snap-on to Stanley. I think Hilti is a much better tool than B&D.
BooUrns!
Well-known member
I can't even believe you'd try to compare the two.
DeWalt is essentially a mid-low end light construction tool. Hilti costs 2-3 times more on average and is generally a mid-high end commercial constructon tool.
I generally won't buy Dewalt just because I don't think they make a particularly good product. They like others, market low and mid range qualities of tools but I find they cater too much to the enthusiast rather than the professional.
DeWalt's success lies predominantly in their advertising strategy, not in the product. THey were quick to sponser high visibility contruction and DIY television shows to increase their profile. They left the Black and Decker name behind in the dirt.
I buy predominantly Makita and Milwaukee and occasionally Bosch.
DeWalt is essentially a mid-low end light construction tool. Hilti costs 2-3 times more on average and is generally a mid-high end commercial constructon tool.
I generally won't buy Dewalt just because I don't think they make a particularly good product. They like others, market low and mid range qualities of tools but I find they cater too much to the enthusiast rather than the professional.
DeWalt's success lies predominantly in their advertising strategy, not in the product. THey were quick to sponser high visibility contruction and DIY television shows to increase their profile. They left the Black and Decker name behind in the dirt.
I buy predominantly Makita and Milwaukee and occasionally Bosch.
ddawg16
Well-known member
I have a crew doing a good size control system retrofit....we forgot to bring a hammer drill so we borrowed one....it was a Hilti....had to be at least 25 years old.....worked like a charm......
I would put DeWalt at about the same class as Ryobi....I personally have a lot of Ryobi cordless tools....no issues....
But I have also been pleased with the performance of Porter Gable and Riggid power tools....
I would put DeWalt at about the same class as Ryobi....I personally have a lot of Ryobi cordless tools....no issues....
But I have also been pleased with the performance of Porter Gable and Riggid power tools....
Tech Guy
Well-known member
My guys wont use Dewalt anymore.We switched over a year ago to Panasonic. Excellent tools-we have the combo kits-hammer drill and circular saw. They hold up excellent on the job and lots of torgue. We were going thru dewalts every 1.5 years. And I can say my guys arent soft on them either. I would reccommend to anyone.
Hey DDawg-what type of control system are you working on?
Hey DDawg-what type of control system are you working on?
Fast Orange
Well-known member
For the construction professional,Hilti is the ultimate in terms of function,quality and durability.Having said that,for the hobbiest/DIY gang,DeWalt isn't a bad choice.For a pro,where time is money and the job has to happen NOW,the cost of the Hilti line is more than justified.Considering that the cost to an electrical contractor for a union journeyman wireman is now approaching $85 an hour,the tool has to work and take a ton of abuse.
My personal rankings for hammerdrills-
1) Hilti
2)Bosche
3)Milwaukee
4)DeWalt
The rankings stay the same pretty much throughout all sizes of concrete drilling and demolition tools-when you start talking saws and regular drills,hiti drops off the list ,but everything else stays the same.
My personal rankings for hammerdrills-
1) Hilti
2)Bosche
3)Milwaukee
4)DeWalt
The rankings stay the same pretty much throughout all sizes of concrete drilling and demolition tools-when you start talking saws and regular drills,hiti drops off the list ,but everything else stays the same.
DHS
Well-known member
I have several old heavy duty/industrial Black and Decker. Snap-on use to re badge their drills, they are very tough. I doubt that I will ever have to buy another drill again. As far as new the Hiltis are very tough also. The Milwaukee that I use at work seems to always have problems with the switch.
ripsnortMN
Well-known member
I have the Makita lithium drill and impact and they have been through hell and back. I abuse these tools so badly and they still work great.
-B-
Well-known member
Hilti better warranty and better power if you have to use the warranty they have service centers all over the country . Big tip if you do use the warranty ( rare) take the tool to the service center 9out of 10 times they will give you a new tool on the spot.
Also for cordless tools just look at the amperage of the batteries amp out put = torque/ power voltage only means how long that power will be avalable.
Also for cordless tools just look at the amperage of the batteries amp out put = torque/ power voltage only means how long that power will be avalable.
kesselect
Member
My cousin sells industrial grade tools. He refers to DeWalt as Yellow Decker. Not bad but not great.
TRTOOLSUPPLY
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 8, 2009
- Messages
- 506
Hilti wins tools down!IMHO
Richard
Richard
chevelle67
Well-known member
absolutely Hilti
ddawg16
Well-known member
Autoclave control system....at an aerospace company in Ft Worth, Texas....
The cheap ******* that built the autoclave used Automation Direct....and ran both ac and dc in the same conduit.....
The system has been in operation less than 4 years....and down about half that time.....a classic example of what NOT to do....
I'm putting in a new control panel with Allen Bradley redundant ControlLogix.
Tech Guy
Well-known member
So much for following class 1 & 2 wiring in same conduit. What a bonehead. AB has some nice stuff. We use it for the threat/evacuation system in the corporate offices of a large Canadian bank
Tech Guy
Well-known member
I still swear by the Panasonic. Didnt even know they made these tools until one day we were going through a construction show and they had a booth set up. Turns out they make the batteries for dewalt as well. We put these panasonic through hell and Id put these up against Hilti any day. We finished doing the criminally insane ward in a mental institution and these frames were reinforced steel. Tools took a beating but are still going strong.
Mezzanine
Well-known member
Like comparing a mercedes to a daewoo.
Hilti, hands down. They will both get you there though.
Hilti, hands down. They will both get you there though.
Tech Guy
Well-known member
Like comparing a mercedes to a daewoo.
Hilti, hands down. They will both get you there though.
Ah but have you tried a Panasonic yet ? You might like it.
nadogail
Well-known member
In my experience, "You get what you pay for". Hilti tools and supplies are the best I have seen, Dewalts meet minimum specifications.
Shocker
Well-known member
Makita and Hitachi for me.
JerseyJim
Well-known member
All of the above... Great tools for the people who make a living with their tools. For the average home owner who uses a drill perhaps once every couple weeks, Black & Decker or Craftsman often are the better choice. There are so many amateurs out there who think that buying a high-end tool makes them a better craftsman. The expensive tool doesn't make up for a lack of knowledge or skill. My own son is a great example of this. His Beamer doesn't make him a better driver either.
The homeowner type tools often represent a much better value for the occasional user. I have a B&D 18 Volt cordless drill that came in a really inexpensive set sold by Lowes about six or seven years ago. Besides the drill, the set included a light, hand vac, and small circular saw. The saw is good for nothing but really thin panels. But everything else is pretty good and all have held up extremely well.
The drill in particular is really an excellent tool. I use the heck out of it. Once or twice a year, we do fit outs of our company's trade show displays. We bring two DeWalts and I bring the old B&D so that three of us can work. The B&D battery generally outlasts the DeWalts and a chuck that snaps off to reveal a socketed phillips bit makes it faster to use.
When it comes to air tools however. It's a different story. Cheap generally means junk that can't get the job done even on an occasional basis. I do make the investment here.
The homeowner type tools often represent a much better value for the occasional user. I have a B&D 18 Volt cordless drill that came in a really inexpensive set sold by Lowes about six or seven years ago. Besides the drill, the set included a light, hand vac, and small circular saw. The saw is good for nothing but really thin panels. But everything else is pretty good and all have held up extremely well.
The drill in particular is really an excellent tool. I use the heck out of it. Once or twice a year, we do fit outs of our company's trade show displays. We bring two DeWalts and I bring the old B&D so that three of us can work. The B&D battery generally outlasts the DeWalts and a chuck that snaps off to reveal a socketed phillips bit makes it faster to use.
When it comes to air tools however. It's a different story. Cheap generally means junk that can't get the job done even on an occasional basis. I do make the investment here.
Bustawrench
Well-known member
DeWalt are good tools for the money, but Hilti blows them out of the water. Of course the Hilti drills are signifigantly more expensive.
It's like anything else, you either buy cheap and buy cheap again later, or you spend the big bucks once and call it a day....forever. I like Dewalts corded tools for saws, we've got 2 contractor table saws that have been in use for over 13yrs and still are as accurate as ever with almost daily abuse from the guys, same with their basic 12" miter saw other than the switch going bad on the one, but she had more cuts than a typical homeowner will ever put on it. As for their cordless junk, they can keep it all. I've never had a set of battery's last a 1 year cycle, and the drills are very weak in design and cant handle the almost scarey regular ladder/wall/roof drops-they all snap right in half at the motor to handle point like a twig.
i've had good luck with some tools guys call dismal (Ryobi's cordless tools) but i have to tell ya, for the past 8 years i've vowed to the guys once the tools die i'll replace them with the more masculine tool brands, but these fricken things will not die no matter what they've been through...and as a business owner i'm esspecially liking the fact they're one of the only vendors i know of nice enough to reuse the same battery design so i can still keep the tools we've got and just replace/add to/upgrade batteries as i see fit...we usually get 2 seasons out of a set of batteries, but i still have some nickel cads that are over 5yrs old and still getting used and putting out. I've since bought a bunch of the lit-ion upgrade batteries and chargers for the same tools and now there's now comparison to the old battery's, max output right until the end. Like i said, Ryobi takes alot of grief from guys int he trades and it turns into a ribbing fest when we're all on site, but we cant kill these dam things
Either way back to OT, Hilit is nowhere near the same class as Dewalt ****, it's an apples to mud comparison as to how far the spectrum spreads these two brands. IF your looking for the best hammer drill, dont think hammer DRILL, think Demolition hammer-period. These will make your masonary bits last 4-5x's longer, no vibration at all in the wrist/hand/arm, and they drill so fast when compared to a typical hammer drill, that once again you cant compare them...plus they have a multitude of other uses. Once i bought my first demo hammer i kicked myself for not buying it the day i officially started this gig.
i've had good luck with some tools guys call dismal (Ryobi's cordless tools) but i have to tell ya, for the past 8 years i've vowed to the guys once the tools die i'll replace them with the more masculine tool brands, but these fricken things will not die no matter what they've been through...and as a business owner i'm esspecially liking the fact they're one of the only vendors i know of nice enough to reuse the same battery design so i can still keep the tools we've got and just replace/add to/upgrade batteries as i see fit...we usually get 2 seasons out of a set of batteries, but i still have some nickel cads that are over 5yrs old and still getting used and putting out. I've since bought a bunch of the lit-ion upgrade batteries and chargers for the same tools and now there's now comparison to the old battery's, max output right until the end. Like i said, Ryobi takes alot of grief from guys int he trades and it turns into a ribbing fest when we're all on site, but we cant kill these dam things
Either way back to OT, Hilit is nowhere near the same class as Dewalt ****, it's an apples to mud comparison as to how far the spectrum spreads these two brands. IF your looking for the best hammer drill, dont think hammer DRILL, think Demolition hammer-period. These will make your masonary bits last 4-5x's longer, no vibration at all in the wrist/hand/arm, and they drill so fast when compared to a typical hammer drill, that once again you cant compare them...plus they have a multitude of other uses. Once i bought my first demo hammer i kicked myself for not buying it the day i officially started this gig.
This is my opinion. I prefer Hilti because they really can take a beating. Trust me on this one folks plumbers beat the hell out of tools. I don't really like DeWalt cordless anything and will almost exclusively use Milwaukee. (although this is not in the pole) In fact if a contractor buys DeWalt it usually throws up a red flag that they are a tightwad. The choice of power tools is not up to me it's up to the contractor and my hourly wage is is the same no matter who I work for. Our union rules require us (the employee) to bring one pair of 420 Channel locks , Torpedo level and a tape measure that's it. When I was an apprentice the contractor was soooooooooooo cheap that I couldn't even get a replacement drill chuck key for a hole hawg. " can't you use a couple of pipe wrenches?" No sh!t. I don't think I had my journeymans card for 5 minutes when I left those bungalow busters. Went to go High Rise work downtown. Man.... What a change in a work lifestyle. So if your wondering why I'm replying at 8:30 in the morning and not at work. My union hall has about 50% of it's guys sitting. I'm part of that 50%.
You might want to look into Bosch also. For around the price of a Dewalt you can get a Bosch thats (in my opinion) a hell of a lot better. I have a Bulldog small rotary hammer by them that I beat the **** out of and it still works like new.
I personally can't stand anything that Dewalt makes that has a cord, although their accessories are pretty good.
I personally can't stand anything that Dewalt makes that has a cord, although their accessories are pretty good.
///Mflossin
Active member
- Joined
- Feb 12, 2008
- Messages
- 29
HILTI....no question. Just get one in your hands and it is immediately clear. 
lost39
New member
Hi guys.
I´m very new on this garagejournal page. Sinc today!!! Not introduced myself for now. Read some threads and saw this one. I have to jump in.
I love the HILTI tools also. I work at the Headquater of the HILTI Company. So this tools are my live. Working on the testfield for new products.
My quote is still for HILTI.
By the way. Hallo to everybody here on garagejournal.
I´m very new on this garagejournal page. Sinc today!!! Not introduced myself for now. Read some threads and saw this one. I have to jump in.
I love the HILTI tools also. I work at the Headquater of the HILTI Company. So this tools are my live. Working on the testfield for new products.
My quote is still for HILTI.
By the way. Hallo to everybody here on garagejournal.
The Muffin Man
Well-known member
I've never tried either company's hammer drill, but every Hilti power tool I've owned or used is far better than DeWalt's offering even when the Hilti's specs were lower.
http://www.hilti.nu/holcom/modules/editorial/edit_singlepage.jsp?contentOID=233257
New Li-Ion tools are sweet. Check out the Hilti SFH 18-A. Hilti has more service reps too.
Vinko
Well-known member
I had two 1/2" corded De Walt drills that were really, really well-built. When the time came to replace them after years of use, I chose to get a couple of the Milwaukee 02346 1/2 magnum hole shooters. Still made in USA and really though. I now have 3 of them and consider them pretty good investments.
Also have a Hilti jig saw (#750 model) that I've used a heck of a lot and I find it superior to the Bosch I bought for my own use. I reviewed them both in another thread.
For grinders, I have a couple of Makitas in 7 and 9" but got a 4-1/2 Metabo over a Hilti because the Metabo was German-made and cheaper than the Hilti 4.5 that was Chinese made. (Hilti makes the German models but they weren't as easy to get for me as the Metabo).
I have an old Skil hammerdrill that still works -- damn heavy though! --- if I didn't have the Skil hammer, I'd probably go Hilti.
Vinko
Well-known member
I've used Hilti warranty once for a Li-Ion battery on a cordless drill I think the SF420 or 240 or something like that. Great little drill on sale at HD for $250. It's been damn useful and worth the money. Maybe more of a luxury if it were for personal use. But I literally got the battery next day after I called. Before Hilti warranty dept. received the defective battery.
Only thing from Hilti I don't like was the driver bits (German). They lasted longer then the Crafty and DeWalt (China), but not much better.
Vinko
Well-known member
One of my Hilti tools is from Austria (where you are located) -- I think one of the drills. The other tools from Lichenstein, Switzerland, and German.
I just go the new Hilti catalog and was looking at the heat guns. I need a good one for industrial use and wonder how the quality of these are?
I should also place a humble vote for the Makita 9.6v cordless with the long, heavy battery. Those things have been work horse for me as well. Maybe my favorite cordless drill!
I've had it since 1988 or 89.Hilti has a great reputation but I'll admit I think they have let their name carry them a tad and I don't think their quality is up to par on what it was 10 or 20 years ago.
DeWalt makes some nice tools as well, and maybe some of their reputation is built on marketing, but frankly I know a lot of contractors who use DeWalt exclusively and have for years with no complaints. I own a lot of DeWalt tools myself and have been very impressed. My first DeWalt purchase was a 12V cordless drill I bought back in 1996 and not only does it still work, but both the original batteries still hold a fair charge. Since that point I have bought probably a dozen different DeWalt tools and thus far never had a failure.
As to those who classify them as simply Black & Decker in yellow paint, I'd just say they are uninformed. Yes we all know DeWalt is owned by the same parent company as Black & Decker, but that does not mean they are the same tools or even in the same class. That is like suggesting a VW is the same thing as a Lamborghini or Bugatti just because they are all owned by the same parent company, or that Saab is the same quality as Saturn just because they are both owned by GM (for the time being at least).
I find opinions on tool brands really boil down to personal preference more than anything, so you might as well be asking Ford or Chevy at this point. However I do think it matters what specific tools you are considering, because if you are looking at cordless models it might be more important to you if you have other cordless tools that can share the same batteries and chargers. If you are looking for corded models only then it really doesn't matter.
Also it might matter what your expected usage might be. If you only need a hammerdrill four or five times a year it might not make sense to spend twice the amount of money to get an industrial model when the regular grade model will be more than enough. On the otherhand if this is a tool which will be used several times a week then it might be worth spending a little more up front.
DeWalt makes some nice tools as well, and maybe some of their reputation is built on marketing, but frankly I know a lot of contractors who use DeWalt exclusively and have for years with no complaints. I own a lot of DeWalt tools myself and have been very impressed. My first DeWalt purchase was a 12V cordless drill I bought back in 1996 and not only does it still work, but both the original batteries still hold a fair charge. Since that point I have bought probably a dozen different DeWalt tools and thus far never had a failure.
As to those who classify them as simply Black & Decker in yellow paint, I'd just say they are uninformed. Yes we all know DeWalt is owned by the same parent company as Black & Decker, but that does not mean they are the same tools or even in the same class. That is like suggesting a VW is the same thing as a Lamborghini or Bugatti just because they are all owned by the same parent company, or that Saab is the same quality as Saturn just because they are both owned by GM (for the time being at least).
I find opinions on tool brands really boil down to personal preference more than anything, so you might as well be asking Ford or Chevy at this point. However I do think it matters what specific tools you are considering, because if you are looking at cordless models it might be more important to you if you have other cordless tools that can share the same batteries and chargers. If you are looking for corded models only then it really doesn't matter.
Also it might matter what your expected usage might be. If you only need a hammerdrill four or five times a year it might not make sense to spend twice the amount of money to get an industrial model when the regular grade model will be more than enough. On the otherhand if this is a tool which will be used several times a week then it might be worth spending a little more up front.
06wt
Well-known member
I justify my dewalt tools with my radio, it gives me an exuse to have a radio at work"its my charger" but i have hiltis too. both good tools but hilti is a much stronger tool all day.
hyvolt
Active member
Hilti is the best... no other hammer drill comes close.
nadogail
Well-known member
Hilti is the gold standard, everyone else trys to be "as good as a Hilti".
I have had a Hilti TE 72 rotary hammer for over 15 years and it has drilled thousands of holes without a problem or any service.
I also have a Dewalt hammer drill that I use for drilling into walls because it is so much lighter than the Hilti.
You can feel the difference between them. No way would I put the Dewalt through what I use the Hilti for.
I also have a Dewalt hammer drill that I use for drilling into walls because it is so much lighter than the Hilti.
You can feel the difference between them. No way would I put the Dewalt through what I use the Hilti for.
ps junkslinger
Well-known member
I am done buying Dewalt myself, I just got STUCK because I had so much Dewalt stuff and all the batteries that it only made sense to buy another when they break every year or two because I have a dozen batteries and every 18volt tool they make. I also just made the mistake of buying a 18v lithium Rigid three piece which *****. The drill smelled like the carbon brushes were burnt right out of the box and the battery life is about 1/2 of the reg. 18v Dewalt. I think Hilti and Mikita are the way to go......
tcianci
Well-known member
Hilti is certainly a top shelf tool. I have used some but don't own any. DeWalt, back in the 30's and 40's was a top shelf tool too, then they sort of disappeared. B&D revived the brand some years ago and I think were pretty successful in causing folks to remember the old DeWalt stuff. I have owned DeWalt cordless stuff and switched to Ryobi when I needed to spend some coin on batteries. Like others have mentioned here, The Ryobi stuff is cheap to buy and you can't kill it! My only issue with them was the battery life, the batteries seemed to require replacement every year or so and even the batteries were inexpensive. I decided to "upgrade" to Makita Lithium ion stuff. Well I have had one battery just **** out, a charger **** out, the gearbox high speed quit in the drill and the replacement gearbox doesnt sound too good either right now. The drill chuck is total junk. This was not cheap stuff either. Now I understand that everything has a limited service life but when you spend about 5 times what a Ryobi costs, you expect about 5 times the service. It's just not there and I own a lot of other Makita stuff that is just fine and it has had the stuffings beat out of it too. Their 18V Li stuff has been a real dissapointment. BTW the Makita Li stuff I have is about 18 months old.
lost39
New member
One of my Hilti tools is from Austria (where you are located) -- I think one of the drills. The other tools from Lichenstein, Switzerland, and German.
I just go the new Hilti catalog and was looking at the heat guns. I need a good one for industrial use and wonder how the quality of these are?
I should also place a humble vote for the Makita 9.6v cordless with the long, heavy battery. Those things have been work horse for me as well. Maybe my favorite cordless drill!
Hi Vinko.
Long time to come back to GARAGE-JOURNAL.
I`m working at the HILTI Headquater wich is in Liechtenstein.
I live in Austria. It`s about 10min from the place i`m working. Everyday i switch between Liechtenstein and Austria.
Sorry but no experience about any heatgun of Hilti.
Enjoy your Hilti tools.
lost39