Should I go Hilti or Dewalt?

[Fatandre]

I am about to change my tool range and am wondering which route to go. Dewalt ornHilti?

 

[mike93lx]

Different animals.

What do you need it for? Which tools are your most used? Budget?

 

[Corndoggeh]

If you buy Hilti and are not construction expect it to last forever but also expect to pay the equivalent of snapon in terms of power tools. A bare drill with no batteries or charger cost me $140 new about a year or so back. They keep the same battery platform and Ive been using the same batteries for almost 6 years with no apparent loss in charge. Only cordless tools I own are Hilti. If you buy new check out what comes with the warranty, I havent looked in a long time but I believe the cost of repair is capped at 20% cost of a replacement, there should also be warranties on the batteries.

 

[Falcon67]

I bought a good size set of Dewalt 20vMax tools around Christmas last year. My Cman 19.2V stuff was wearing out. The Dewalt is serving me well. I would like to add a 20V Max trim nailer - if the dang thing wasn't $400. I added two larger batteries to the mix. Got the drill, impact driver, medium size circular saw, sawsall and flashlight. Good stuff. Put Diablo blades in the sawsall and it rips through 2x4s quick. Did almost the entire re-work on the shop using the battery tools. Lots of cuts on the larger battery with the circular saw before a battery swap. Safer working up on a ladder too with no cord trailing around. Only used the 7 1/4" electric circular saw to rip OSB because the big saw fence fits that tool.

 

[Fatandre]

I am in construction. Have been using the flex wilt from Dewalt so far

 

[anythingyoucanimagine]

I'm a high-end homeowner/hobbyist/DIY'er. The only difference between me and a general contractor is $1200 for registration and insurance (and clients). I've flipped a couple houses, built stuff, DIY everything, abused tools, etc. I think I'm very capable and at same time most legit builders/GC's would consider me a total hack.

The tools are two different animals. I have yellow tools. I go through 20v impact drivers about once every 8-9 months. If you are considering the investment of Hilti, I suggest you buy one yellow tool that you use most, abuse the **** out of it and see what you think. The Hilti equivalent will be better. If you hate or break the DeWalt then consider Hilti. If you can't break or like the DeWalt stuff then you don't need Hilti.

 

[rburke65]

The way technology is changing so quickly, , I’d buy the Dewalt....still a great tool.

 

[redneckcharlie]

I’m a pro, and have used up just about every quality brand out there. I switched everything to Dewalt and the flex about a year ago. Very well made tools. The 60 volt stuff works very well. We use everything from the worm drive saws to the bigger hammer drills. Its pricey, but for me the power isnt a major step down from corded. I will gladly pay a reasonable premium for a quality US made tool. Hilti being made outside the US is fine, Im just not paying a premium for that. The one tool in the cordless stuff I consider disposable are the impacts. They last about a year. I dont have a problem with it due to myself and my guys being so hard on them. They get put through the paces about like a set of work boots.

 

[lukedwag]

No consideration for Milwaukee M18 ?

 

[58Yeoman]

Years ago, I bought a 1/2" 12v DeWalt drill w/2 batteries and a charger. Batteries didn't last but a couple years with minimal use. Bought 2 generic batteries on ebay, and gave it to my wife to use to drill holes in the ground for planting flowers (with an auger bit). I then bought a 1/2" 20v for myself with 2 batteries and a charger. Doesn't hold a charge for very long.

Bought a Makita drill/circ saw/impact wrench with 2 batts and a charger. DeFault can't hold a candle to Makita. I now use the DeFault as a screw driver. No more for me.

What's the saying that's always being bantered on here? Buy once, cry once.

 

[pineland]

I'm a new Milwaukee M18 convert but this far I am impressed. They make everything, I don't know a corded tool that they don't make in the M18 line. The warranty is good as I understand it.


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[rluckie]

We use Hilti for heavy duty tools such as chipping hammers, hammer drills, core machine etc. For “everyday” tools we use Milwaukee but a couple of years ago we did use Hilti.


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[gnpenning]

Back when Makita first came out with the 7.2 I bought my first Makita and have been using them ever since. They are used daily running screws and lags hanging garage doors. I've only had one fail and that was with a 12v that had a bad button that was covered under warranty. It is still in backup use at the shop. The only reason I buy a new one is because of needing batteries. When on sale I can buy a complete tool/batteries and charger for not much more than a bare tool. Couldn't tell you how many times they have taken high dives from a ladder on to cement. I have 1/4" impact and drills only.

I've tried yellow a couple times only to return them and stayed with blue.

 

[Bigblockyeti]

Much easier to get replacement parts for the dewalt than the hilti.

 

[strutaeng]

Iceland? Do you have a DeWalt or Hilti service center nearby?

I'd choose based on that alone!

Different price point and different level of service. I mean, I'm sure you know that Hilti advertise something like a 20 year warranty? 24 hour service turn around?

https://www.hilti.com/content/hilti/W1/US/en/services/tool-services/tool-warranty.html

 

[clinebarger]

The DeWalt Li 20V line is decent, They don't get love like Milwaukee! The DeWalt NiCd 18v/12v batteries did have a history of early death.

 

[mechanix311]

Hilti warranty is amazing if that is something that interests you. My father in law was changing a hydraulic ram on a john deere 410 rubber tire backhoe. When he was done he accidentally ran over his hilti impact crushing it. The impact was out of warranty, hilti told him to send it in anyway and they would see what they could do. In two days he had a completely rebuilt tool on his doorstep no charge. That is flat out amazing if you ask me. He is a hilti man for life.

 

[coalminer16]

Red guy myself, left the yellow

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[Kaizen]

While I have loved every hilti tool I have ever used, if you are not a regular customer you pay much more. I hate that so I use dewalt.


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[MBfreak]

As a GJer, moot question.
Do not choose.
Buy both

Ola

 

[mikehaugen]

The thing I like about dewalt is that you can get them anywhere. Need a last-minute battery?... if you're in a decently populated area you probably have one within 5-10 mins. Milwaukee is a close second, makita not even close. Hilti... I can't even think of a place that I can walk in and buy Hilti.

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[Fatandre]

The DeWalt tools have been running strong the only sticking to one battery brand and I know hilti is superior

 

[mike93lx]

The thing I like about dewalt is that you can get them anywhere. Need a last-minute battery?... if you're in a decently populated area you probably have one within 5-10 mins. Milwaukee is a close second, makita not even close. Hilti... I can't even think of a place that I can walk in and buy Hilti.

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Probably a little different in iceland

 

[IndyGarage]

Probably all brands are pretty expensive in Iceland.

Hilti cordless used to be made by Panasonic - (I think they still are) they make great tools, but the difference between them and Dewault are probably not huge. I'm sure Dewault has a wider range of tools available if that means anything to you. If Hilti is more convenient and you only need the available tools - go for it.

 

[mikehaugen]

Probably a little different in iceland

Yeah, I didn't catch that

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[James-W]

I have some DeWalt tools and they work VERY well. I don't own any Hilti tools but I have used some in the past and they are wonderful tools. They are pricey, but if you depend on them to make a living I would say they are worth it.

Lately I have purchased a few Ridgid tools, cordless drills, cordless impact, etc. They have a lifetime warranty as well and that includes the batteries. One nice feature about Ridgid tools that I really like is the fact that the batteries charge so quickly.

 

[justme-]

Hilti is a unique company...they sell you in things they don't deliver.
I've had documents showing repair prices in my hand and had they deny I
it was so.
They are not often willing to sell parts rather want you to pay them to repair items...and are challenging to get parts list and repair info out of...plus the Salesforce seems to say anything for a sale.

We have several jack hammers from.them and Bosch...one Hilti has its 3rd broken Chuck in 5 years...never seen a broken bosch Chuck and the part alone for me from Hilti is $800.
They tried to sell me on the gas cutoff saws but when the repair and parts thing came out they had nothing.

I view their cordless stuff like snapon...nice looking, well marketed to a captive audience and mediocre.

Noone I know rates about their Hilti drills but plenty come in our shop looking for parts/repair or to buy something else

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[mikehaugen]

I've only had one experience with hilti and it was awesome. My work replaced a te24 drill because the chuck kept falling off, then threw the old one away. I dug it out of the garbage and inspected it, found the sping broken for the retaining balls for the quick release mechanism. I contacted hilti and they sent me a parts breakdown and I was able to order the part right from their website for a buck or two.

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[dnschmidt]

Hilti is the construction industry's version of Festool's woodworking tools. Good stuff but crazy prices. Is their stuff great (pretty much) is it worth twice as much as Makita, Milwaukee or DeWalt (I don't think so.)

 

[nikerret]

I have been running the DeWalt 20V Max line. Very satisfied. The Milwaukee M18 Fuel line is just as good. Can’t go wrong with either. A local store sells DeWalt much cheaper, so I have yellow.

 

[nastorino]

Dewalt it my go to. The only thing I'd buy red is the copper pipe cutter, that thing is sweet!

 

[Fatandre]

Many say dewalt over hitli

 

[turnthewrench 2.0]

Dewalt. Great everything, lower price.

 

[WittHay]

You have to go to a Hilti store and actually see the tools in person to appreciate the difference between the brands. They fit better in the hand than brands like Milwaukee or Makita. DeWalt is a toss up. They are easier to clean and dont have all the nooks and crannys for dirt and dust to collect on them. Not much price difference between Hilti and top end tools from Makita or Milwaukee Fuel.

Hilti is not meant to be a full line cordless tool brand for home use but is very job specific. If you need a lighter sawzall than Milwaukee for all day use get a Hilti. If you need a 4 speed better balanced drill than the 3 speed DeWalt or a 2 speed Makita get a Hilti. Their circular saws are nice and light but are blade left only

If you are currently satisfied with the Dewalt I would stick with yellow. Their lines are comparable. Hilti has 12, 22 and 36 volt tools and with Flexvolt DeWalt covers the same ranges

 

[mc4life27]

I say red. Not a huge fan of dewalt but the again have not used their newer products. I only have used their other stuff. I'm a huge Milwaukee fan and then hilti. I'm looking at the hilti worm saw unless I can hold out for Milwaukee. But I'm saying maybe red. Plus I have heard hilti has great customer service.


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[Fatandre]

I am super tempted by the hilti, but have alot of dewalt. Might just mix it up. Shame hilti has no proper saws and so on

 

[Superbec]

why not make a list of tools you need, tools you might need and see what brand checks most boxes .

I have Bosch 18v line , many times I think I should have gone with milwuakee for the greater range of available tools and some money savings .. then again just had a house redone and my 3-4 yo Bosch performed flawlessly.

Don't know the prices in Iceland but where I'm at you can buy a bunch of red or yellow or even blue for only one hilti drill .

I'm not a cheapo but don't see the appeal of hilti/festool and the like, If I buy a stupid expensive tool it must do something really well that is no substitute for , now a drill or impact even the cheapest chinesium ones do work some.

 

[Hytekrednek]

I have the Hilti 22 volt 4 speed high torque drill, and it is very nice. I love the slow speed high torque for larger hole saws and such. Best drill I have used by a good margin. I just got the Hilti 6.5'' circ saw for wood. It is a left side blade saw, which I prefer. It is very well made, powerful, cuts great. I got it because it is a lefty 6.5'', high quality, and I already have the Hilti drill. Zero regrets at this point. If they fail or start acting up I will be disappointed but I dont expect any issues.
When my little Bosch 12 volt 'really 10.6" hex driver dies, I will get the Hilti driver to replace. I hate impact drivers, so I will not be getting one of those, I dont require them and just dont like them for the fine cabinet and furniture work I mostly do.

A cordless belt sander would be superb! I hope Hilti or Milwaukee make one soon.

 

[jd_1138]

I have the Hilti 22 volt 4 speed high torque drill, and it is very nice. I love the slow speed high torque for larger hole saws and such. Best drill I have used by a good margin. I just got the Hilti 6.5'' circ saw for wood. It is a left side blade saw, which I prefer. It is very well made, powerful, cuts great. I got it because it is a lefty 6.5'', high quality, and I already have the Hilti drill. Zero regrets at this point. If they fail or start acting up I will be disappointed but I dont expect any issues.
When my little Bosch 12 volt 'really 10.6" hex driver dies, I will get the Hilti driver to replace. I hate impact drivers, so I will not be getting one of those, I dont require them and just dont like them for the fine cabinet and furniture work I mostly do.

A cordless belt sander would be superb! I hope Hilti or Milwaukee make one soon.

Wow, being a woodworker and you don't like impact drivers?! You must really
stick to fine woodworking. I use the heck out of mine, but then again I am handyman-in-chief for some relatives/friends.

I just built a new set of steps (5 steps) at a friend's house. I was using my Makita 1/4 impact driver, and I handed him my Ryobi impact driver so we could get it done faster. Great tool for decks, building sheds, repairing fences, gates, etc.. I use torx fasteners -- combined with the 1,500 inch-pounds torque of the impact driver, the torx fasteners go in like butter.

 

[Hytekrednek]

for the little amount of large screwing like you mention that I do, my standard drill/driver works fine. If I did it a lot, I would probably get one. What I do not like about them...
obnoxious loud noise
lack of fine control
breaks more screws
they are hell on bits and bit holders

Pros for them, that I see...

Fast, powerful, can break stuck screws loose, annoys the wife, easier on the wrist for prolong use.