Nuron Technology Boosts Hilti Hammer Drill Performance and Intelligence
Hilti is making waves with a sweeping change to their cordless platform, shifting from a separate 22V and 36V approach to the Nuron system that uses either one or two 22V batteries for power. What does that mean for core tools, such as the Hilti Nuron 22V cordless hammer drill?
Hilti Nuron 22V Cordless Hammer Drill Performance
Out of the gate, the SF 6H-22 is Hilti’s high-performance Power Class model for the Nuron lineup. That model number may look familiar to you if you’ve been around Hilti very long. The SF 6H-A22 is the model that this one replaces. Here’s a quick comparison of the two drills:
| SF 6H-A22 | Nuron SF 6H-22 | |
|---|---|---|
| Max Speeds | 490/2000 RPM | 490/2000 RPM |
| Max Torque (soft/hard) | 575/708 in-lbs | 575/752 in-lbs |
| Hammer Rate | 36,000 BPM | 36,000 BPM |
| Length | 8.2 in. | 8.2 in. |
| Bare Weight | 3.7 lbs | 3.7 lbs |
| Active Torque Control | Yes | Yes |
| Brushless Motor | Yes | Yes |
The previous model was no slouch and picking up some additional torque without losing any speed only helps matters. It’s even able to drill with a 2 9/16-inch self-feed bit through SPF studs in high gear. Here are the recommended max capacities:
- Masonry Twist Bit: 14mm (9/16 in.)
- Metal Twist Bit: 13mm (1/2 in.)
- Wood Hole Saw: 127mm (5 in.)
- Wood Auger or Spade Bits: 32mm (1 1/4 in.)
- Screws in Metal: 6.3mm (1/4 in.)
Hilti Nuron 22V Cordless Hammer Drill Design
Size and Weight
As part of Hilti’s Power class, the SF 6H-22 has a pretty robust profile. With a B 22-85 battery, it stands just over 10 inches tall and measures 8.25 inches from tip to tail. Hilti did manage to shave off about half an inch from the tool width making it just a little bit slimmer than the SF 6H-A22.
As a bare tool, the weight is exactly the same as the previous model at 3.7 pounds. For light-to-medium duty work, the 4.0Ah battery is the way to go, bringing the total weight up to 5.4 pounds.
Ergonomics
As you’d expect from any professional-grade model, this drill features a textured rubber overmold grip that contours nicely and feels good in your hand. Plus, the addition of larger rubber grooves helps channel away sweat.
Active Torque Control
Hilti equipped the SF 6H-22hammer drill with Active Torque Control (ATC) technology. This helps to prevent the tool from uncontrolled spinning if the drill bit binds up. The drill’s motor automatically shuts off when the sensor picks up a quick twist of the tool body.
Nuron Benefits
From there, we need to take a closer look at Nuron’s specific benefits. With the updated battery design, we expect longer runtime, especially when you need to keep the drill under a heavier load for longer periods of time. Part of it is the 21700 cell selection, part of it is the cooling technology inside, and part is the resistance reduction of the electrical connections. All of that works together to power the drill more efficiently than before.
For those of you managing an entire tool crib, the batteries’ ability to automatically store and transmit data about the tool and battery is a huge help in making your management duties more efficient. Even if You’re using multiple tools with one battery, it stores the data and transmits it via the charger when you put it on.
There’s a lot more to the Nuron story, so check out our deeper dive here.
Editor’s Note: Think you know everything? Our How to Use a Drill article might still manage to show you a thing or two. Also check out our best cordless drill article for our top picks.
Additional Features
- All-metal 1/2-inch chuck
- Rubber tool bumpers
- Efficient airflow to cool the tool during use
- LED light
Hilti Nuron 22V Cordless Hammer Drill Price
The Hilti SF 6H-22 starts at $199 for the bare tool. That’s $10 less than the model it replaces while including the upgraded benefits Nuron offers. This drill is backed by Hilti’s 20-year warranty.
With Hilti’s sales model, you can essentially build your own kit from there. Here’s the breakdown of your battery and charger options:
Compatible Batteries
- 2.5Ah (B22 55-22): $99.75 each (compatible, but with limited runtime)
- 4.0 Ah (B22 85-22): $136.00 each (best for keeping the weight down)
- 8.0 Ah (B22 170-22): $207.00 each (best for long-duration applications)
- 12.0 Ah (B22 255-22): $243.00 each (compatible, but not recommended due to high weight)
Compatible Chargers
- Hilti C 4-22 (91W) Compact Charger: $43.75
- Hilti C 6-22 (241W) Fast Charger: $84 (unavailable at the time of writing)
The Bottom Line
From dilling 1/2-inch holes with a masonry bit to using 5-inch hole saws, the Hilti Nuron Nuron SF 6H-22 cordless hammer drill has a broad resume. Even if Hilti decides to bring a more powerful hammer drill to the Nuron lineup, this model will be the workhorse thanks to its combination of size and performance.
Click here to explore the entire Hilti Nuron lineup.
Specifications
- Model: Hilti SF 6H-22
- Power Source: Hilti Nuron 22V battery
- No-Load Speed: 0 – 490/0 – 2000 RPM
- Max Torque: 575 in-lbs (soft), 752 in-lbs (hard)
- Impact Rate: 36,000 IPM
- Chuck: 1/2-inch
- Clutch: 16+1
- Weight: 3.75 lbs (bare), 5.44 lbs (with B22-85 battery)
- Warranty: 20-year
- Price: $179 (bare), $14.50 (fleet price)
