Hilti TE 2-A22 SDS Plus Cordless Rotary Hammer, for Drilling and Hammer Drilling into Concrete, Masonry and Stone, Tool and case only (2034358)

The media could not be loaded. This Hilti cordless drill is primarily a professional hammer drill for masonry, and it uses the SDS Plus chuck for superior performance in this task. These work very differently from standard drills and chucks and are not interchangeable with them. Due to its specialised nature and relatively high price, this drill will be of interest mostly to tradesmen, although it will also appeal to keen DIYers. It does have a non-hammer mode, which allows it to be used for drilling in wood and metal etc, though possibly with less precision due to the SDS shank, but the controls are simpler than those usually found on even the cheapest cordless drills, and it lacks torque control and a two-speed gearbox, for example. The basic instruction book supplied with the drill does state that it can be used for driving in and removing screws. Of course, the drivers will need to be equipped with SDS shanks.The drill is supplied in a very generously-sized plastic case, with room for two batteries, the drill (with battery fitted if required), a charger, plus other accessories. The interior has a moulded plastic interior with fitted spaces. Neither this nor the case itself feel overly tough or rigid; although it does seem well-made. It is fine for storing and transporting the kit, and protecting it from dust and contamination, but I wouldn't like to drop it. This particular kit comprises the drill and detachable side-handle and depth gauge, a cloth, a tube of grease (for the SDS shanks) and the multilingual manual. A battery and charger will need to be owned already, or bought separately. The source of the black marks found on one side of the body is not clear. Hilti GB didn't think it was lubricant from inside the drill.The plastic body is conventional in appearance. The side-handle locates on a collar behind the chuck and is locked into any position by a twist of the rubber-covered grip tightening a strap. The unmarked depth guide is a plain round rod that fits in a hole in the handle and is locked at the same time as the handle. The 22-volt battery slots into the base of the main handle in familiar fashion, and is released by either of two side buttons, that also double as switches for the battery power LED display. The handle has a large rubber palm grip, and the trigger controls the variable motor speed continuously. There is no detent or limiting dial. A sliding bar in the handle reverses direction of rotation, and in its central position, locks the trigger. The other control is a rotary switch on one side of the body that selects between plain rotation, or hammer-rotation. There is no hammer-only mode. A bright light at the base of the handle illuminates the work-piece effectively.Drill bits are pushed into the chuck, and lock with a twist. They are not gripped tightly, which allows the hammer action to act on the bit only, and not the chuck, hence the need for grease. A rubber cap on the front of the chuck closes around the bit, keeping dust out, and grease in. Pulling back the sprung collar releases the bit.The drill is quite noisy in both hammer and non-hammer modes. There is a whine that changes with speed, plus a general mechanical busy-ness. Strangely, it seems less obtrusive when drilling.As might be expected, the drill handled a few test holes, in cement block and concrete slab with ease. You get the impression that it would be happy doing this all day and every day (although I can't confirm that), and that is what justifies the price. Outwardly, there is little to distinguish this from tools selling for a fraction of the price. It's mainly the unseen quality of the internal components and engineering (plus the support system), that make this a professional tool.

Review for Hilti TE 2-A22 SDS Plus Cordless Rotary Hammer, for Drilling and Hammer Drilling into Concrete, Masonry and Stone, Tool and case only (2034358)Owning several branded drills this being my first Hilti power tool, I am impressed with design, refinement, power and balance of the tool, in a league of it's own compared to other brands. This is down to design and build quality matched by very few power tool makers. The tool is a serious investment for a DIYer such as myself, less so for professionals who will rely on these. On closer inspection you realise the price you pay is the backing from the manufacturer servicing and warranty which offers up to 2 years free servicing. The drill is NOT supplied with battery (around £200 for the 4.0Ah) or charger (around £230). I don't own a compatible battery or charger. I contacted Hilti customer service for advice on how to fully test and evaluate their product. Within 24 hours of contact had shipped out both a 4.0Ah battery and fast charger to me so I could test the tool. This is serious above and beyond commitment to customer satisfaction, one of the many reasons professionals choose this brand.The purpose made hard plastic storage case for storing and transporting the tool measures 50cm (L) x 40cm (W) x 15cm (D) and provides excellent all round protection with several slots for batteries and charger and has two carrying handles, one fixed and the other swivel for easily carrying and storage.Being in the telecoms industry, I regularly drill long holes, often through double brick walls. I have a decent SDS work drill for that, however not a patch on this, in terms of power smooth power delivery and weight and speed of penetration and this being SDS+ makes even lighter work. The drill is more compact and lightweight with no compromise in power or performance, which allows more prolonged drilling. A brushless motor gives more efficient and less noisy operation, and virtually maintenance free. This drill is designed to be a serious workhorse from the get go and won't let you down, if it does there is an extensive manufacturer warranty as a backup. A toolless chuck is designed to take masonry drill bits up to 16mm and metal drill bits up to 10mm.The inclusion of a depth gauge (which is supplied detached in the case) and rotatable auxiliary handle are useful for more efficient and consistent drilling. This is a two action drill (rotary hammer and drill), being an SDS plus system the hammer drilling is even quicker and efficient. This does not have chisel impact action for demolition, which is not really something I need. Inserting drill bits is easy, simply requiring pulling back on the chuck to insert or release the bit. An upward facing work light at the base of the handle provides good illumination whilst working. As with any professional drills these are not designed for screw fixing, simply drilling and perfect for that. If you need a need a powerful capable drill for drilling lots of holes which is not overly heavy then this is for you. I would recommend a 4.0Ah battery giving good extended range and power and rapid charger is a good buy for quickly charging up the battery.Overall a build quality with customer support which is the envy of others. A powerful, refined, balanced and capable SDS+ hammer drill allowing quick and efficient drilling all day. The provision of a large hard plastic tool case has more than enough storage for the kit and then some.