Hilti is a premium brand in the world of power tools. The Liechtenstein-based company has been around since 1941, manufacturing various types of products for the mining and construction industries. Their power tools are often considered as the gold standard thanks to their impressive performance within a lightweight package. The Hilti TE6 -A36 AVR Cordless Rotary Hammer Drill 36V is no exception.
.
Pros | Cons |
|
|
Top Hilti Hammer Drill Questions and Answers:
Q: Does this come with the battery charger?
A: Always check the inclusions for the listed item. For the full package of the Hilti TE6, buyers can expect to receive a charger along with the tool. Two batteries will also be included for easy swaps and nonstop work.
Q: How many holes can be drill with one fully charged battery?
A: It is difficult to get an exact figure since multiple factors will affect the amount of energy expended such as the density of the material that will be drilled. Users can expect to make a lot of holes of about 1/4-inch or 3/8-inch in diameter.
Q: What types of batteries are compatible with the tool?
A: Owners can use either the standard or the industrial battery, both of which have fast-charging capability.
Our Take on This Cordless Hammer Drill Product:
.
The Basics
The TE 6-A36 is one of Hilti’s newest additions to its long line of iconic products. It is a rotary hammer drill that can run on 36V batteries for portability. With a weight of only 8.2 pounds, users should be able to handle it with ease throughout the day. The tool is 14.4 inches in length, 7.9 inches in width, and 3.6 inches in depth. These are pretty compact dimensions for the amount of power that it holds under the shell. It is most often used to drill holes through tough concrete — a difficult task that many other tools fail at.
The Features
This versatile cordless rotary hammer features active vibration reduction technology to make it easier to handle. There is a forward and reverse switch that has a middle-locked position. It is capable of delivering 1.8 foot-pounds of single impact energy with a maximum rotation speed at no load being 1,050 rpm. Its hammer drilling speed is the same. As for the full hammering frequency, this tool can make as much as 5,100 impact per minute. The optimum drilling diameter for concrete is between 1/4 inch and 5/8 inch. All these make it an extremely powerful tool of its kind. Few can come close to its capabilities on paper and in practice.
Maintenance
Proper maintenance can lengthen the service life of your power tools. Given the large investments on Hilti products, owners should definitely go the extra mile. Make sure to keep the drill clean — free of any dust and grime from the work site. Store it correctly in its box or a suitable alternative in stable environmental conditions. Inspect for signs of wear or damage and take care of the problem right away. Lubricate the moving parts according to user guides and do not overcharge the batteries.
Accessories
This tool may be equipped with a dust removal accessory that can capture as much as 97.8% of the minute particles created while drilling. There will be much less dirt to clean up after the work is finished. Those who have allergies can now drill in greater comfort.
Who can use this cordless rotary hammer drill?
Hilti products are meant to be used by seasoned professionals. They have high expectations when it comes to equipment and Hilti never fails to deliver. Jobs that would take a while for consumer-grade devices can be completed within minutes with this rotary hammer drill. This allows the pros to stick to strict schedules and keep their clients happy. That said, even DIY enthusiasts can use this product for their renovations and other projects. It is light enough to be carried around without difficulties. Operation is quite easy thanks to the intuitive controls and the vibration reduction delays the onset of fatigue.
What didn’t you like about this hammer drill?
The biggest issue with this product is the high cost. You would have to pay more than twice the price of the average hammer drill just for the pleasure of owning a Hilti. The fact that the company is still here despite its notorious pricing says a lot, however. People are seeing the value in their products and are willing to pay a fortune for them. It may cost quite a bit more than what the other brands offer but the increase in productivity and the ease of use can justify the cost. Second-hand tools are also available for lower prices.
The company’s products are backed up by a lengthy 20-year limited warranty that should take care of any workmanship issues and design flaws. This alone would seem to make the price a bit more bearable. However, the coverage of wear and tear only lasts for two years. This means that problems encountered from the third year and beyond will have to be resolved out of pocket. The cost of repair will vary per issue with most being just under $100. While their products are generally reliable, there are units that may require frequent repairs and these will cost a significant sum.
How does this rotary hammer drill compare to other comparable hammer drills?
1. Hilti vs Milwaukee
Milwaukee has an excellent reputation among DIY enthusiasts for coming up with reliable tools that push the envelope in performance. For those who don’t necessarily need professional-grade equipment, their product lines are certainly worth a look. An example would be the Milwaukee M18 rotary hammer drills. They have different models with each optimized to a certain drilling range. Two modes are available: rotary hammer and rotation only. The motor of the 5/8″ variant can reach up to 1,300 RPM and 7,000 BPM. There is also an available dust extraction attachment with a HEPA filter and its own battery pack. It is a perfectly fine non-pro alternative for the Hilti drill.
2. Hilti vs DeWalt
DeWalt is another name that deserves to be mentioned on this list. Perhaps their closest competing product is the DCH293X2. This is an L-shaped rotary hammer with a brushless motor and a 20V max rating. It is capable of drilling through concrete up to 7/8″ in diameter. It weighs just as light as the Hilti drill at 8.2 pounds, while the length is a bit shorter at 13.78 inches. The no load speed is a bit lower at just 1,000 rpm max. This also has vibration control like the Hilti to reduce fatigue while working,
3. Hilti vs Makita
Makita is a respected Japanese brand with tools that can reliably provide excellent performance. The closest product in their range to the Hilti TE6 A36 is the Makita XRH05PT. This is a cordless hammer drill in the LXT line with two 18V lithium-ion batteries. It is capable of 1-inch drilling through concrete with 2.2 foot-pounds of impact energy. The motor can spin at a maximum of 1,250 RPM which is comparable to the Hilti. Vibration absorption and dust extraction features are also present. Note that the latter is not included in the kit and has to be bought separately.
What do users say about this Hilti cordless hammer drill?
Most users of Hilti products praise the brand’s trademark quality. Their tools are exceptional in terms of handling and performance. They feel well-balanced in the hands and smooth throughout. Using this drill to bore holes through concrete is like placing a hot knife through butter. It just slices through without any resistance. Whereas other branded tools struggle, this one gets the job done in record time. It may not necessarily have the highest numbers on paper but its real-world performance will not let anyone down. Read more Hilti cordless rotary hammer drill review posts for additional information.
Final Thoughts
Certain types of masonry can be a challenge to work with. The dense material can make lesser tools sweat and fail. To avoid embarrassing situations, professionals only work with the best tools in the business such as those provided by the European brand Hilti. The TE6 A36 is an impressive cordless rotary hammer drill in a relatively small package that should please both pros and amateurs alike.
.