Hilti Provides More Productivity, Safety, and Speed in this Compact Drill Driver
The Hilti SF 4-A22 Compact Drill Driver is now available, offering Hilti users a small, powerful drill. Hilti claims that it not only drills up to 30% faster than other drills in its compact class but that it also runs up to 30% longer.
What’s the Big Deal?
The Hilti Compact Drill Driver features a brushless motor to drill through metal, wood, drywall, plastic, and just about any other material you could put it up against. It maxes out at 549 in-lbs. of torque and 2,100 rpm, which seem like pretty solid specs for a compact drill. Hilti also tends not to exaggerate their specs.
Speaking of specs, these seem confident enough for Hilti to include Active Torque Control. ATC is unusual on a compact drill and stops the tool body from spinning if the bit binds up. It effectively prevents you from overextending or wrenching your wrist.
Like the rest of the Hilti lineup, the SF 4-A22 looks like it features a rock-solid build quality. It has an impact-resistant housing and features all-metal gears. We’ve always liked the ergonomic grip Hilti provides on their tools.
Side By Side
Hilti tools don’t generally lack in the performance department. However, keeping things compact has sometimes felt like a relative concept for the brand. So, we took a look at the specs compared to some of the other industry leaders.
| Model | Hilti SF 4-A22 | Makita XFD12Z | Milwaukee 2801-20 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor | 22V Brushless | 18V Brushless | M18 Brushless |
| Chuck | 1/2″ | 1/2 in. | 1/2″ |
| Max RPM | 0-610/0-2,100 RPM | 0-500/0-2,000 RPM | 0-500/0-1,800 RPM |
| Max Torque | 314 in-lbs. soft joint; 549 in-lbs. hard joint | 530 in-lbs. | 500 in-lbs. |
| Torque Control | Yes | No | No |
| Length | 7 in. | 6.75 in. | 6.5 in. |
| Weight | 2.8 lbs. | 3.1 lbs. | 2.5 lbs. |
| Kit Price (2 batteries) | $382.50 | $289 | $169 |
It looks like the Hilti SF 4-A22 Compact Drill Driver might offer more power than either Makita’s and Milwaukee’s 18V Compact brushless drills. However, both the Makita and Milwaukee drills are a bit more compact. Milwaukee clearly wins on weight and, as a kit, dominates on price coming in at less than half the cost of the Hilti.
Pricing
You can pick up the Hilti SF 4-A22 Compact Drill Driver from a physical Hilti store or through the Hilti website. Hilti likes to sell things a la carte so that you can buy only what you need. With that in mind, the bare tool costs $99. With two B22v 4.0Ah compact batteries and a charger, you can expect to pay $382.50, though you can build your own kit configuration through the website.
Hilti tools also come with one of the best warranty programs available. The tool carries a 20-year warranty against part and manufacturing irregularities. You also get free servicing for two years, including wear and tear.
Hilti Compact Drill Driver Specs
- Model: Hilti SF 4-A22
- Motor: 22V Brushless
- Maximum torque (Soft / Hard Joint): 314 in-lb (soft joint), 549 in-lb (hard joint)
- No-load RPM: gear 1: 610 rpm; gear 2: 2100 rpm
- Chuck clamping range: 1/16–1/2 in.
- Number of gears: 2
- Torque increments: 15
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 7 x 2.5 x 9.8 in.
- Tool body weight: 2.8 lb.
- Rated voltage: 21.6 V
- Warranty: 20 years
- Price: $99 (bare tool)
