Hilti Introduces a Compact Cordless Hammer Drill to the Nuron Platform
We’ve seen some really cool stuff coming from the Hilti team ever since the launch of its Nuron battery platform. Many of the solid workhorse tools debuted on this system along with some newcomers. Among them is the compact Hilti Nuron cordless hammer drill and we got our hands on it for some testing.
Pros
- Lighter and more compact than the SF 6H-22
- Active Torque Control Enabled
- Brushless motor
- Fast 2100 RPM top speed
- Integrated Nuron technology
- All-metal 1/2-inch chuck
Cons
- Not as light and compact as some professional brands’ compact models
Editor’s Note: Think you know everything? Our How to Use a Drill article might still manage to show you a thing or two.
Hilti Nuron Cordless Compact Hammer Drill Performance
Hilti uses a brushless motor to drive this model and it produces up to 2100 RPM in high gear, which is fast for a compact drill. In low gear, the top speed is 610 RPM and that’s where you can get the maximum 549 in-lbs of hard torque. When you’re using the clutch, the torque ranges from roughly 13 to 84 in-lbs.
To see what kind of drilling speeds you can expect, we ran a 1/4-inch concrete bit 3-1/2 inches deep into our 4000 PSI concrete test block. After five tests, Hilti’s average was 6.72 seconds. Compared to other compact models we’ve tested in the past, that’s one of the fastest averages we’ve recorded. Most compact hammer drills are 7.5 seconds or slower in the same test.
In terms of power, 549 in-lbs is nothing to shake a stick at for a compact hammer drill. Here’s what you can expect to do with Hilti’s combination of speed and torque:
Drill Bit Capacity
- Softwood: 1-inch
- Hardwood: 9/16-inch
- Metal: 13/32-inch
- Concrete: 5/16-inch
Hilti Nuron Cordless Compact Hammer Drill Design Notes
What’s New?
The Nuron upgrade brings with it the addition of a hammer mode for drilling in masonry and still maintains its impressive speed and power for a compact drill. It adds a negligible amount of weight and length, but overall, they look very similar.
| 22V SF 4-A22 | Nuron SF 4H-22 | |
| Max Speed | 610/2100 RPM | 610/2100 RPM |
| Max Torque (soft/hard) | 314/549 in-lbs. | 314/549 in-lbs. |
| Length | 7 in. | 7.5 in. |
| Bare Weight | 2.8 lbs. | 3.06 |
| Active Torque Control | Yes | Yes |
| Brushless Motor | Yes | Yes |
| Hammer Mode | No | Yes |
The big deal for us is that this is the smallest, most compact, hammer drill in the Hilti Nuron lineup so far.
Ergonomics
This hammer drill is compact for Hilti’s lineup, but it’s larger and heavier than some of the other premium compact models on the market. Bare, it weighs 3.06 pounds and with a 2.5Ah battery, it’s 4.31 pounds. As for the size, it measures 7.5 inches from tip to tail.
For those times when the SF 6H-22 is too large, this model gives you a better shot at getting into tighter spaces.
As we’ve come to expect from Hilti, the textured rubber overmold grip has a nice contour and fits well in my medium size hand. Plus, the addition of larger rubber grooves helps channel away sweat.
Active Torque Control
Hilti equipped hammer drill with their Active Torque Control (ATC) technology. This helps to prevent the tool body from uncontrolled spinning if the drill bit binds up. The drill will automatically shut off if it senses a bind-up.
The Benefits Of Nuron Technology
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 to 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.
Additional Features
- Tether ready
- LED worklight
- Improved motor cooling vents
Hilti Nuron Cordless Compact Hammer Drill Price
This compact hammer drill retails for $129 as a bare tool. Hilti allows you to customize your kit by selecting your batteries and chargers based on your needs; sort of an a la carte situation. If you’re on Hilti’s Fleet Management service, the tool is $11 per month.
The tool carries a 20-year warranty and a 2-year free service agreement. While this hammer drill is compatible with all Nuron batteries, some options are better than others.
Compatible Batteries
- 2.5Ah (B 22-55): $84 each (best for the lightest weight)
- 4.0 Ah (B 22-85): $114 each (best for balancing size and weight with performance and runtime)
- 8.0 Ah (B 22-170): $174 each (compatible but not recommended due to size and weight)
- 12.0 Ah (B 22-255): $204 each (compatible but not recommended due to size and weight)
The Bottom Line
The Hilti Nuron cordless compact hammer drill strikes an excellent balance by dropping down in size and weight while offering legitimate performance and keeping you on Hilti’s primary battery system.
Prior to the SF 4H-22, you needed to drop down to Hilti’s 12V line to get a compact hammer drill. While the 12V model is lighter and more compact, it’s a far cry from the performance of the flagship Nuron SH 6H-22. Now Hilti has a solution that bridges the gap.
Hilti Nuron Cordless Compact Hammer Drill Specifications
- Model: Hilti Nuron SF 4H-22
- Power Source: Hilti Nuron B 22 battery
- Motor Type: Brushless
- Full metal 1/2-inch chuck
- Tool Dimensions (LxWxH): 7.5 x 2.25 x 8.5 in.
- No-load Speed: 610 RPM (low), 2100 RPM (high)
- Max Torque (soft/hard joint): 314 in-lbs, 549 in-lbs
- Impact Rate: 33,600 IPM
- Weight: 3.06 lbs. (bare), 4.31 lbs. (with B 22-55 battery)
- Warranty: 20-year
- Price: $129.00 (bare tool)
To check out the entire Hilti Nuron lineup, click here.
