World of Concrete 2020 – Hilti Tools
Hilti Tools is one of the largest exhibitors at World of Concrete each year and we spent some time in their exhibit checking out new tools for 2020. They introduced 40 new products this year at the show from new tools to new fastening products. This overview will include some of the exciting new tools we found at the show this year.
Cordless Breaker
Clearly the biggest announcement from Hilti this year was there all new Cordless Breaker, the TE 500-A36. While they are claiming it’s the World’s first cordless breaker, it seems both Milwaukee with their MX Breaker and Hilti are making claims to that title, although the two tools are drastically different. The good news for all of us in the trenches is we’ve got many more cordless breaking options coming soon with the announcement of these two new tools.
Powered by a 36-volt 9.0 ah lithium-ion battery and a high efficiency brushless motor. The tool includes Hilti’s exclusive Active Vibration Reduction (AVR) technology, which reduces the tool’s triaxial vibration over 30% compared to the competition and helps keep contractors productive. Couple it with the VC 75-A22 cordless backpack vacuum system for an OSHA compliant virtually dustless solution that allows users to fully cut the cord.
The new TE 500-A36 is available now and starts at $829 for the bare tool.
Updated 22V Lineup - New Cordless Jigsaw
Last year Hilti introduced a new 22V top handle jigsaw and it’s been a big hit. This year they introduced an all-new 22V barrel grip jigsaw. The SJT 6-A22 is a powerful and well-balanced jigsaw. This is a very fast cutting jigsaw with three levels of orbital action.
This is an impressive jigsaw to say the least. Being designed to cut both wood and metal results in a very powerful saw. In the photo above you can see some 2x material that we basically scroll cut very quickly and the saw just chewed through the material and held the blade vertical easily. Definitely a saw worth looking into! It’s available now and runs $227 for the bare tool.
Updated Cordless 1/2″ Hammer Drill
Another update shown this year was the SF 6H-A22 1/2″ Hammer Drill. This drill is extremely powerful yet not overly large and bulky. We tested it out using a 3/4″ spade bit in Douglas Fir drilling holes in both speeds 1 and 2! This thing is a beast for sure and runs on their 22V battery line. The drill also includes Active Torque Control and electronic clutch which is a great safety feature to help prevent wrist injuries due to the binding of the drill.
Starts at $139 for the bare tool
Cordless Metal Cutting Solutions
Hilti also introduced two new metal cutting solutions with a cordless shear and metal nibbler. The double-cut cordless shear SSH 6-A22 and the cordless metal nibbler SPN 6-A22. Both are available now and start at $499 for the bare tool.
Hilti Smart Fasteners
Our job sites are getting more technical every day and the inclusion of smart devices continues to grow every day. One of the most fascinating new products this year at World of Concrete undoubtedly was the new Hilti Smart Fasteners!
On larger more complex projects that utilize BIM and require significant coordination and inspection, this is a HUGE deal!
Documenting every anchor, screw and bolt installed by hand can be time consuming and inefficient. Hilti’s exclusive Tracefast technology provides specifiers and contractors with an easy-to-use, more productive solution. A data matrix code (DMC) makes every fastener uniquely identifiable and traceable. Simply use the Hilti Connect App, scan the code with your smartphone and view installed fastener details. Tracefast leverages IoT and provides a new level of control and digital access to relevant setting instructions, training and inspection documents and certifications.
“As IoT transforms the construction industry, our product portfolio will continue to expand and shape possibilities for broader applications and services,” said Muthu Manohar, Senior Director of Fastening & Protection at Hilti North America. “Connected anchors is another expansion of that value that only Hilti is positioned to provide. The anchor identification that we bring to the market now paves the way for increasing jobsite productivity across the application chain, helps provide traceability from design and ordering to installation, and eventually ‘smarter’ products. Such technology is useful with the increasing trend of inspections on safety critical applications.”
In recent years, Hilti has made major investments to digitize the construction industry and simplify workflow for contractors with its innovations including smart tools, asset management systems ON!Track and advanced layout tools. Visit the Hilti traceable fasteners page to learn more.
