Hilti DD 110-U-22 Cordless Core Drill: What You Need To Know

Core drilling can be a demanding job, especially when you’re working through reinforced concrete and need to balance drilling speed, control, and safety. Hilti’s DD 110-U-22 cordless coring drill brings several features designed to make that process more manageable. Here’s a closer look at the technology behind this tool and how it can help Pros tackle core drilling tasks more efficiently.

Buy from Hilti

Hilti DD 110-U-22 Cordless Core Drill Key Features and Highlights

Wet and Dry Operation

As you would expect, this drill is set up for both wet and dry coring applications. The side grip features a quick-connect fitting that allows you to inject water directly into the core barrel. There’s also a small viewing window on the grip so you can ensure water is still flowing. You can use whatever water delivery system works for your job, but for the best results, Hilti recommends their DD-WMS Water Management System.

For dry applications, you can directly connect a dust extractor to the same side handle to keep dust down.

Intelligent Coring Guide

One of the coolest aspects of this core drill is Hilti’s Intelligent Coring Guide. This system actively tracks coring progress and the amount of pressure being applied to the core barrel so as to maintain optimal speed and not accidentally damage the bit. This gives Pros a huge leg up and improves your overall efficiency and safety.

Electronic Starting Aid

Along with the Intelligent Coring Guide, Hilti equipped this drill with an Electronic Starting Aid. It’s essentially a soft-start mode that drops the power level down to 10% and then accelerates for full power, giving you a bit more control as you begin the coring process. For best results, I’d recommend purchasing Hilti’s Starting Aid to make the process a little easier.

Once you’ve got your core started, you can switch this mode off and resume drilling.

Rebar Boost Mode

Hilti’s Rebar Boost mode gives the DD 110-U-22 a little extra torque when the core bit encounters reinforcing steel inside concrete. If your progress slows noticeably, you can activate this mode during stand-guided operation to help the bit cut through the rebar more efficiently.

Once you’ve passed through the steel, switch Rebar Boost off again to help extend the service life of your bit and save a little battery power.

Tool-Free Collet

Swapping out core barrels on a traditional drill can be a little difficult and tedious because they typically have a threaded connection, which can get pretty tight after extended use. Hilti made this process quite a bit easier with the DD 110-U-22’s tool-free collet. It allows you to swap out compatible core barrels without reaching for a separate wrench or special tool. All you need to do is insert your bit and then twist the collet to the left to lock it down. It’s a practical design detail that helps keep setup simple and minimizes the extra tools you need to carry when working.

Core Barrel Selection

To get the most out of the DD 110-U-22, Hilti recommends pairing it with their SPX-A Speed core bits, which are best suited for concrete and brick applications. The SPX-A Speed bits are designed for both handheld and rig-based coring in concrete and masonry, with a primary focus on faster drilling and improved battery efficiency.

The DD 110-U-22 accepts core bits from 5/16 to 5 1/4 inches, giving you plenty of flexibility for different applications.

Assisted Core Extraction

Removing a stuck core can be one of the more frustrating parts of the job, especially when it refuses to break loose from the barrel. Hilti’s Assisted Core Extraction feature addresses that problem by utilizing an oscillating function that helps shake loose stuck concrete cores after drilling.

Rather than relying entirely on manual force to free the core, the tool uses this controlled oscillation to help in removal. That can make core removal easier and reduce the time spent fighting with a stubborn section of concrete, helping you get back to drilling sooner.

Active Torque Control (ATC)

One of the most important safety features on this core drill is Hilti’s Active Torque Control (ATC) technology. This system automatically halts the core barrel rotation if it detects a bind-up, helping reduce the risk of injury. As someone who has done my fair share of core drilling, I can personally testify as to why this is so important.

Should You Buy It?

If you’re a Pro who regularly drills into concrete or masonry, the Hilti DD 110-U-22 offers several practical features worth considering. Its Intelligent Coring Guide helps manage drilling pressure, Rebar Boost provides additional torque when encountering reinforcing steel, and the tool-free collet makes changing core barrels less of a chore. Add in Assisted Core Extraction and Active Torque Control, and Hilti has addressed several of the common frustrations that come with core drilling.

Of course, whether it makes sense for you depends on the work you do and how often you need a dedicated coring tool. For occasional, smaller holes, its specialized features may be more than you need. But for contractors who regularly handle concrete and masonry installations, the DD 110-U-22’s combination of drilling assistance, convenience, and safety features makes it a compelling option to consider.

The Hilti DD 110-U-22 retails for $2,349 as a bare tool, or $71.50 per month if you’re working with Hilti’s Fleet Pricing program.

Buy from Hilti