Hilti Nuron 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench Drops Size And Weight But Not Performance
When Hilti translated their power class cordless impact wrench over to the Nuron line, they weren’t content to put an old tool in a new housing. We got our hands on the Hilti Nuron 1/2-inch impact wrench to see how it compares to its predecessor.
Pros
- Much smaller and lighter than the previous version
- Durable build
- Shifts to a brushless motor
- Now has 2 modes instead of 1
- Purpose-built for construction applications
- Excellent handle ergonomics
- 20-year warranty, 2-year free service, and 1-day turnaround on repairs
Cons
- Lower torque levels than some premium brands’ mid-torque models
- More expensive than some professional-grade options
Hilti Nuron Cordless 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench Performance
Hilti considers the SIW 6-22 part of their Power Class, reaching into the mid-torque range and taking advantage of a brushless motor. On paper, mode 1 nets you 1500 RPM and 221 ft-lbs of torque. Mode 2 kicks it up to 1750 RPM and 332 ft-lbs.
We turned to our Inertia Torque L-1000 impact tool torque tester to see what kind of working torque you can expect. Most impact wrenches we test hit between 65% and 85% of their listed torque and it gives you a more realistic idea of how much torque gets to the fastener. In Hilti’s case, mode 1 stabilized at 209 ft-lbs and mode 2 settled in at 267 ft-lbs.
So what is this tool a good fit for with those torque values?
You can certainly use it in automotive applications, but that’s not Hilti’s primary target. Looking to the construction industry, we see what they’re targeting.
- Setting HUS anchors in concrete (8 to 14 mm, 5/16 to 9/16-inch)
- Bolting steel (M10 – M20)
- Setting lag bolts in wood (8 to 16 mm, 5/16 to 5/8-inch)
Of course, there are plenty of other applications, but these are some Hilti specifically designed the tool for.
Hilti Nuron Cordless 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench Design Notes
Ergonomics
Picking the tool up, Hilti slimmed down the handle some and it’s a really comfortable design. It’s a bulky design, though. The Nuron battery has a slightly larger footprint than the previous 22V packs and it’s got some weight to it. Bare, the impact wrench weighs 4.0 pounds and the 4.0Ah battery puts the total at 5.7 pounds.
The positive is that it’s not way out of range for a mid-torque design, the balance is excellent with the 4.0Ah battery, and it has a very durable feel to the build. It also happens to be nearly a pound lighter and 2 inches shorter than the previous version (SIW 22T-A).
Additional Highlights
- Variable speed trigger
- Simple push-button mode selector
- LED light
- 7 1/4-inch head length
- Battery level indicator automatically comes on when you pull the trigger
- Nuron technology offers better performance along with smart reporting capabilities
Hilti Cordless 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench Quick Comparison
| Nuron SIW 6-22 | 22V SIWT-A | |
|---|---|---|
| Motor | Brushless | Brushed |
| No Load Speed | 1500/1750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Max Torque | 221/332 ft-lbs | 332 ft-lbs |
| Impact Rate | 3500 IPM | 2500 IPM |
| Bare Weight | 4.0 lbs | 4.8 lbs |
| Head Length | 7.3 in | 9.1 in |
Hilti Nuron Cordless 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench Price
As a bare tool, the Hilti SIW 6-22 runs $355 each, or ~$10 monthly if you’re using the Fleet Service program. The best battery for this model is the B 22-85 (4Ah) at $114 each. All Nuron batteries are compatible, but the smaller B 22-55 pack really limits your runtime and the larger packs make the tool awfully bulky.
The $39 C 4-22 charger is a great way to go, or you can snag the $84 C 6-22 if a fast charger is what you need.
As usual, Hilti’s 20-2-1 warranty applies to the Nuron impact wrench as well.
The Bottom Line
By adding a brushless motor and shifting to the Nuron platform, Hilti’s Power Class 1/2-inch impact wrench dropped some serious size and weight. While there are other options in the same size range with higher overall torque, this model is purpose-built for construction applications with a durable build to survive tough environments.
Discover more Hilti Nuron tools here.
Specifications
- Model: Hilti SIW 6-22
- Power Source: Hilti Nuron 22V battery
- No-Load Speed: 0 – 1500/1750 RPM
- Max Torque: 221 ft-lbs (mode 1), 332 ft-lbs (mode 2)
- Max Breakaway Torque: 478 ft-lbs
- Impact Rate: 3500 IPM
- Warranty: 20 years
