Tool Box Buzz

Hilti 22V Nuron Cordless Brushless Hammer Drill/Drivers (Models SF 4H-22 & SF 6H-22)

Hilti 22v 4H & 6H Hammer Drill/Drivers

4.5/5

Manufacturer: Hilti
Model number: SF 4H-22 & SF 6H-22
Power source: Cordless (Li-Ion)
Motor size: 22V
Weight: 2.9 & 3.7 lbs

Features and Specifications | Hilti 22V Cordless Drills

Features (SF 4H-22):

• LED light molded into tool base
• Long-life brushless motor
• All-Metal Chuck
• Hammer Drill Mode
• Integrated Active Torque Control (ATC)
• Product warranty against parts and manufacturing irregularities for 20 years
• Service is free of charge up to 2 years, including wear & tear, pick-up and delivery

Specifications (SF 4H-22):

• Power Input: 22V
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 7.1 x 2.7 x 8.6 in
• RPMs(Gear): 610 (1) or 2100 (2)
• Max Torque (soft or hard joint): 314 or 549 in-lb
• Max. Chuck Opening (in.): 0.5
• Total Gears: 2
• Torque Increments: 15
• Tool body weight (lbs): 2.9

Features (SF 6H-22):

• Ambidextrous side handle
• LED light molded into tool base
• Long-life brushless motor
• All-Metal Chuck
• Hammer Drill Mode
• Integrated Active Torque Control (ATC)
• Product warranty against parts and manufacturing irregularities for 20 years
• Service is free of charge up to 2 years, including wear & tear, pick-up and delivery

Specifications (SF 6H-22):

• Power Input: 22V
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 8.2 x 2.7 x 8.5 in
• RPMs(Gear): 490 (1) or 2000 (2)
• Max Torque (soft or hard joint): 575 or 752 in-lb
• Max. Chuck Opening (in.): 0.5
• Total Gears: 2
• Torque Increments: 15
• Tool body weight (lbs): 3.7

Overall Performance

Let’s start off by pointing out what is different about these hammer drills. At first glance they appear to be extremely similar. From the number of torque increments and gears, to most of the features they include. But most of differences are under the surface. The Hilti SF 6H-22 boasts slightly larger internal gears. This means a couple things; it’s a bit heavier (0.8 lbs), boasts more overall torque (200-250 in-lbs), and has lower RPMs. Importantly, the Hilti SF 6H-22 is also designed with a removable ambidextrous side handle. The Hilti SF 4H-22 does not offer a side handle feature since it’s meant for lighter duty use. But is no means incapable tool. It still features a smooth functioning hammer drill option. Both drill/drivers operate off Hilti’s Nuron 22V battery platform and offer a full-range of settings up to and including a hammer drill mode. They are both powerful and smooth to operate.

Hilti SF 4H-22 Impressions

For normal jobsite tasks, such as using a paddle bit to drill stud through holes or a hole bit for recessed lighting cut outs, either drill/driver works great. The 4H-22 triggered the ATC more frequently than the 6H-22 for tougher material tasks although infrequently. These included using HSS bits on steel angle & beams (up to 3/8 in. material) and drilling 9/16 in. diameter anchor bolt holes in concrete (in hammer drill mode). The clutch Torque increments offer you a range from roughly 13 to 84 in-lbs, giving you a precise ability to not over-torque fasteners. Combine the clutch settings with a variable speed trigger and the range of settings are infinite.

Hilti SF 6H-22 Impressions

The SF 6h-22 handled many of these tasks flawlessly. While the ATC function (more on that in a bit) did kick on (really only when drilling through steel) we finished our jobs without real delay. And the optional side handle made applying downward pressure while in hammer drill mode much easier and ergonomically friendly. Unlike other drill/drivers on the market, the handle only has two options; left or right. It clamps directly onto the top of the drill body and was easy to reverse and/or remove. The only real difference between this drill and its predecessor (the SF 6H-A22) is a slight increase in hard joint max torque (708 in-lbs vs. 752 in-lbs) and an upgrade to the Nuron battery system (more on that in a bit). It was rugged and well balanced as we’ve come to expect from Hilti tools.

LED Light

The Hilti SF 4H-22 and SF 6H-22 both feature a single LED light integrated into the base of the tool. It is adequately bright but has the normal limitations of a bottom mounted light; it casts upwards shadows which can complicate a user’s line of sight. The LED light is sometimes also blocked by the tool body. Lastly, the LED light has no variable brightness setting like those found on other hammer drills. Not a huge deal but worth noting. If able, we’d love to see Hilti find a way to include at least a second top-mounted LED light.

Battery Life

We are big fans of the new Nuron battery line-up. We covered it in a full-feature article when it was first launched. They deliver impressive power and the batteries don’t run out quickly. We used a Hilti B22-85 battery (4.0 Ah) Pack with both drill/drivers. even with the higher power SF 6H-22 we completed a 7-hr on-site day on a single battery. We used the 6H-22 primarily for drilling with standard and paddle bits in soft framing lumber. At the end of the day we were down to our last battery bar.

Key Design & Safety Features

Ergonomics & Adjustability

The ergonomics for both Hilti hammer drills is nearly identical – and great. The both feature an extremely solid and comfortable rubber over-mold grip on the front and back of the handle. The weight was well balanced with a battery, although still slightly top heavy on the SF 6H-22. The thumb forward-reverse switch is easy to reach. We also appreciated that the variable speed trigger had no noticeable slop or looseness and was incredibly responsive.

The adjustable bezel ring for the torque increments is well contoured to the main body of the drill. It has good grip with the molded indents and because it is a little over an inch in depth, it was easy to grip even when wearing gloves on a chilly jobsite. It turns firmly which we like because it made it easier to dial in the right clutch setting. The gear setting switch is also top mounted. This makes it more convenient to see which setting the tool is adjusted to without having to stop a task as often. The raised body design in front of and behind the switch offer protection from striking and breaking the switch which has happened on other hammer drills we’ve used.

Like the torque increment adjustment bezel, the chuck is easy to grip with gloves. It has a nice diamond checked grip and is also a little over an inch deep. The all-metal construction is on par with other manufacturers and is designed to surely hold up well over time. The checked grip pattern is effective and comfortable with bare hands too.

Active Torque Control (ATC)

This is an essential feature for a PRO-caliber tool. We’ve used drills before that didn’t have this feature and tweaked a wrist when the bit flute got hung up on the cutting material. When the bit stops the drill takes the force and keeps on turning, taking your wrist along with it. ATC is an electronic feature that recognized when the torque is transferred to the tool body and quickly stops the motor from turning. It’s a wrist saver for sure!

Hilti Support Services

Sometimes we mention warranties or support services, but rarely does it get it’s own section. However, Hilti excels in this area. This is because of Hilti’s duration and follow-through on backing up their tools. Service, including wear & tear, pick-up and deliver, is free of charge up to 2 years. Yes, including wear and tear! And the support for defects extends to 20 years. And our experience with Hilti in the past has proved them to be a no-hassles company to deal with. This makes the sometimes more expensive investment usually less risky.

Final Thoughts | Hilti 22V Cordless Drills

The Hilti 22V Cordless Drills, Models SF 4H-22 & SF 6H-22, are well-balanced, high-performance, and built to withstand all job site conditions. They are 100% pro-level! They check all the boxes we look for in a job site cordless drill by offering ample power, effective ATC protection, good battery life, and a limitless range of torque options through two gears, 15- clutch increments, and a variable speed trigger. Plus, both drills have safety strap mounting slots for essential overhead work safety. If you are looking for a new cordless tool line up or have already bought in to Hilti’s new Nuron line of tools, then don’t wait. At $149 (4H-22) and $199 (6H-22) they are on par with prices for other PRO-level tools. If you frequently drill metal, stone, or concrete with a hand drill then we recommend you spring for the SF 6H-22.

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