Hilti 22V NURON Compact Impact Driver Review
Hilti 22V Nuron Compact Impact Driver (Model SID 6-22)
Hilti 22V Nuron Compact Impact Driver
Manufacturer: Hilti
Model number: SID 6-22
Price: $180
Power source: Li-Ion
Motor size: 22V
Weight: 2.2 LbsOne of the backbones of any cordless power tool system is the impact driver. Impact drivers have only been around for 20 years or so. Relatively recent when it comes to power tools. But they have been a game changer for the speed and torque with which a user can drive fasteners. Impact drivers have become a near necessity on the job site. -Ethan Bickford, TBB writer
So of course, we jumped at the chance to test out a new essential tool from Hilti. And after putting the SID 6-22 through its paces we walked away impressed.
Features and Specifications | HILTI SID 6-22
Features:
- LED Ring Light
- 3-torque settings
- Easy-grip collet
Specifications:
- Power Input: 22 Volts
- Motor Type: Brushless
- RPMs: 3600/min
- Max torque: 1327 in-lb (1); 2655 in-lb (2); 2655 in-lb (3)
- Chuck size: 1/4 in. Hex click-in
- Tool body weight: 2.2 lbs
- Dimensions: 5.4 x 2.7 x 8.1 in
Overall Design & Key Features
Hilti got it right when coming to market with their new 22v Nuron impact driver. This is a fully featured impact driver, with three speed settings and an integrated LED ring light for superior visibility. The SID 6-22 boasts a very respectable 2655-inch pound of torque and 3600 RPM at max speed. It is a compact-sized impact driver, measuring just under 5 1/2 inches front to back.
The Hilti SID 6-22 uses a 1/4″ hex click-in fitting. The standard 1/4″ hex drive will be compatible with all your existing 1/4″ hex bits and holders. It also includes a standard belt clip that can be mounted on either side of the tool; however, it doesn’t offer any magnetic bit storage.
Hilti SID 6-22 Ergonomics
The handle is comfortable, and the dimpling gives a slip-free grip that still felt great at the end of the day too. I prefer the handle on the Hilti 6-22 over my past 2 impact drivers. The controls are straight forward. The chuck allows bits to be inserted one handed and the length and ridged step collar make it very easy to grip and remove bits with or without gloves.
The speed change button located on the tool base is flush with the base making it easy to press in gloves but somewhat easier to press by accident. Forward/reverse switch is large enough to be easy to press but doesn’t get in the way or get accidentally hit and isn’t too sharp or uncomfortable during use.
The battery gauge is easy to see and has 4 steps. This is great because when I get down to one pip, I know it’s pretty much time to think about throwing the battery on the charger. I included this in ergonomics because ease of seeing the battery status indicator lights has sometimes been an issue on other tools/brands. One plus is that every time the SID 6-22 variable-speed trigger is pulled the battery indicator comes on automatically. There is no button to manually press here. On the downside it is still front mounted so if you are working overhead, it can be a bit hard to see.
Power & Performance
The Hilti SID 6-22 has no problem with delicate jobs like fastening small cabinet hinge screws and other delicate fasteners. It has a very responsive feel. The soft start engages smoothly, with ample power to drive large fasteners home on par with any high-end impact driver I’ve used. When driving larger structural screws or lag bolts the SID 6-22 was slightly less noisy than I expected.
I went full Hilti cordless when building some custom furniture orders as well as using them to replace some studs. This is not the kind of work most people associate with Hilti since they are known for concrete and coring tools. But after using the SID 6-22 for a few weeks non-stop, I’m confident that will change.
The SID 6-22’s LED ring light is the best one I have ever used. It’s exceptional at lighting the area where the screw is being driven regardless of angle. Using a ring light was a fantastic idea because it is extremely effective at nearly eliminating fastener shadows in dark work areas. It also reduces obstructions often found in base-integrated lights.
Overall Takeaway | Hilti 22V Compact Impact Driver SID 6-22
The Hilti SID 6-22 is a fully featured impact driver with the advantage of an excellent tool service support team (and fleet service option), and Hilti quality. If you’re already a Hilti user and need an impact driver, this is an excellent tool. But be aware that you will also need the battery adapter for your old Hilti batteries to work with the new Nuron battery system. Here’s a full article on the new Nuron battery platform! If you’re new to Hilti cordless and want to start your system, this is the perfect entry into Hilti.
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About the author
Ben Fecteau
Benjamin is a former project manager, CNC-designer, and AWS-certified welder with experience running a commercial and industrial steel design and fabrication company. Before making the jump to commercial construction, he spent years renovating houses and building furniture where he became skilled in the art of home wiring, flooring, siding, and custom tool modifications. Benjamin has a Masters Degree in Education and is passionate about sharing his love of design with his sons and through community-based outreach. He resides in Cape Cod, Massachusetts and enjoys spending time with his family, in his workshop, and serving as an Air Force Officer.
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I just don’t understand the reasoning behind overpaying for hilti while Milwaukee will work for just as long (or longer, in my experience), and, with more torque and a self-tapping mode Milwaukee, in my opinion, is a better option any day. Hilti may claim that it has higher quality but do they, really? I tear apart every tool I get my hands on and most of the parts inside their impact drivers are sourced in China, same as every other power tool manufacturer… Hilti even uses a previous generation brushless tech, claiming they prefer ‘mature technologies for better availability’ but, to me anyway, it only says one thing “WE USE OLD STUFF”.
I used to love hilti, back when they WERE a bit more practical, a bit more high-end than Milwaukee, Dewalt, etc. But, nowadays, buying into their new 22v platform is just silly. In my opinion, anyway.
Oleg – They have very different business models. I can see the “fleet” appeal for many large contractors. I will say the Hilti stuff that my crews use is very robust and definitely very durable. We use both and I’d say Hilti and Milwaukee are the top two brands right now.