Dallas is the 5th largest construction market in the U.S., as wa…
Dallas is the 5th largest construction market in the U.S., as was evident out of just about every window aligning the company's offices. The office space occupies three floors of a large office building in Plano, Texas.
Chris Ermides
Several tools anc accessories were used thorughout the company's…
Several tools anc accessories were used thorughout the company's offices as art installations and interior design elements. This is a sort of sun-screen wall that diverts light throughout a large meeting area and in the stairwell beyond it. It's made of Hilti coring bits.
Chris Ermides
This is a wall within Hilti's U.S. corporate headquarters that s…
This is a wall within Hilti's U.S. corporate headquarters that shows the evolution of some of Hilti's tool offernings. The white section has a cool story around it. It's actually a visiul respresentation of the sound waves from one of Hilti's tools.
Chris Ermides
Hilti handed an electricical contractor dozens of its fire-stop …
Hilti handed an electricical contractor dozens of its fire-stop sleeves used for floor penetrations and said "make us lights using these". This is what the contractor came up with. There are several of these "fire-stop chandeliers" throughout the company's office space.
Hilti Firestop Track Seal – CFS-TTS. This is a new firestop prod…
Hilti Firestop Track Seal – CFS-TTS. This is a new firestop product that integrates with the wall framing track. The Top Track Seal installs directly on the track and the track is fastened to the ceiling in the normal, traditional fashion. The seal is pre-formed and comins in a roll. It helps with sound transfer over the track, so it helps with acoustics dampening and smoke as well.
Chris Ermides
This is a custom-made 15' long, 2" diameter SDS bit that Hilti c…
This is a custom-made 15' long, 2" diameter SDS bit that Hilti created for one of its customers.
Chris Ermides
Hilti brought the first battery-powered concrete nailer to the m…
Hilti brought the first battery-powered concrete nailer to the market back in 2015. Here's a look at the newest version, that's coming in early 2018 – the BX3. Hilti wouldn't share many specs on this second generation – they're waiting until the launch. We do know tha the max length fastener 30mm or about 1-3/16".
Chris Ermides
This little stainless steel anchor is rated to 600 pounds but te…
This little stainless steel anchor is rated to 600 pounds but tested to over 3200 pound load when attached to steel. So basically once that 1/4-in. shaft is set into a steel plate, you could theoretically hang a Mini-Cooper from it.
Chris Ermides
The C 4/36-MC4 is a 4-port charging station that charges batteri…
The C 4/36-MC4 is a 4-port charging station that charges batteries sequentially in first-in, first-charge order. It sells for $153.
Chris Ermides
Soon you'll be able to attach this mini computer / scanner to yo…
Soon you'll be able to attach this mini computer / scanner to your Hilti impact wrench and battery. The unit will set the wrench's torque to match whatever fastener you're using. It connects to the Hilti Connect app as well.
Chris Ermides
The DX-5 digital powder-actuated tool connects w Hilti Connect A…
The DX-5 digital powder-actuated tool connects w Hilti Connect App. It has a service module that helps keep track of cleaning schedule. The tool will tell you when it needs to be cleaned (after 2500 fasteners have been fired), and also when it needs to be sent in for service (after 30000).
Chris Ermides
PM40MG – multi green line laser level. Has 360 degree horizontal…
PM40MG – multi green line laser level. Has 360 degree horizontal and two verticals that intersect the horizontal at 90 degrees to create 4 vertical lines in all. The unit has a plumb dot down and cross at the top where lines intersect. It has a reported 10 hours of runtime on 12V 2.6Ah battery. The unit will sell for $799 kitted – one battery, charger, and a case. Batteries charge fully in 15-20 min.
Chris Ermides
A step up from the VC 125, this VC 150-6X is a universal wet and…
A step up from the VC 125, this VC 150-6X is a universal wet and dry vacuum cleaner with automatic filter cleaning (noted by the "x" in the model number) and 150 cfm. The 6-gal. vac alone sells for $749, and is available with a number of dust-attament configurations that sell for up to $949. A 10 gal option is available as well.
Chris Ermides
We got a look at how Hilti's 20-year, 2-year, 1 Day tool warrant…
We got a look at how Hilti's 20-year, 2-year, 1 Day tool warranty plays out in the service center. Here, a technician is repairing a tool that had just come in for servicing that morning. Hilti's repair turnaround is 1-day so, with shipping, the longest a user is typcially out a tool is 3 days. They have a loan-program that fills in the gap during that time for companies that pay for it. The service center was the cleanest, most organized most of us have ever seen.
Chris Ermides
Given the new OSHA standard, Hilti had all of its dust collectio…
Given the new OSHA standard, Hilti had all of its dust collection accessories and options on display. Here is the new TE 6-A36 Cordless Rotary Hammer. Hilti says this 36V rotary hammer is designed for "serial drilling" into concrete up to 5/8" diameter – thanks to its lightweight and speed (it was much faster than previous generation). It's shown here with the optional TE DRS-6-A T1, which runs off of the battery. A full kit, which includes the dust collection, 2 batteries, a charger, 4 bits and a case goes for $1000. Tool only is $450.
Chris Ermides
This dust collection guide was on display. It shows all of the o…
This dust collection guide was on display. It shows all of the options available per tool, including its compliance with the OSHA standard. It can be downloaded here: https://www.hilti.com/content/dam/documents/pdf/w1/dust-solutions/DRS%20Poster_E.PDF
Chris Ermides
The HPSG rotary laser (currently available) Interior 360 degree …
The HPSG rotary laser (currently available) Interior 360 degree rotary is available in red and green. Drop tested at 5' from tripod and 3' free-fall, soft handles that are flexible help absorb energy if drop. Integrated w 12V battery platform, 2-full days of run-time on 2.6Ah w green and red diodes. Runs horizontal, vetical, manual angles. Batteries charge fully in 15-20 min. $1450 one, battery, charger, remote and case remote. Works with a receiver.
Chris Ermides
Here's the new VC 125-6. It's a universal wet-dry vac with manua…
Here's the new VC 125-6. It's a universal wet-dry vac with manual filter cleaning and 6-gallon tank capacity (it's available in 9-gal as well), that delivers 125 cfm. The Vac sells for $399-$699 depending upon the gal size and which dust collection retrofit kit you choose.
Chris Ermides
The VC 150-6XE is a universal wet and dry vacuum cleaner with au…
The VC 150-6XE is a universal wet and dry vacuum cleaner with automatic filter cleaning (noted by the "x" in the model number) and a power outlet (noted by the "E"). It has a 150 cfm rating and is available in 6 or 10 gal. The vac alone sells for $799, and is available with a number of dust-attament configurations that sell for up to $1049.
Chris Ermides
This is Hilti's most powerful wet/dry vac, delivering 300 CFM in…
This is Hilti's most powerful wet/dry vac, delivering 300 CFM in a 17-gal tank capacity. It has auto-filter cleaning and sells for $1499.
It’s hard to imagine given its size, but Hilti is a family-owned business from Lichtenstein that was started in 1941 by two brothers. They began by selling household goods and direct fastening products. In 1952, they opened the first U.S. facility in Stanford, where they remained until 1979. They then moved to Tulsa and, in 2015, the company made a large move to Plano, Texas, in order, in their words, “to be closer to our customers.” Nearby Dallas is the fifth largest construction market in the U.S. Hilti has 300 team members there, and a sales force of 1,400 throughout the U.S. Hilti’s direct-sales approach is unique in the industry; they say it’s central to what they do because it allows for customer interaction. This interaction allows for tool development and feedback, as well as a strong customer service connection that’s directly connected to their warranty. The warranty, which is known as 20-2-1, provides 20-year protection against product defects, 2-year protection on wear and tear, and a 1-day turnaround for repairs. The longest most customers will be without a tool that’s sent in for repair is three days, which includes shipping time. Hilti also offers a loan-service so that its customers don’t ever have to be down a tool while it’s out for service.
In the slideshow above, you’ll see some shots of Hilti’s headquarters, which is dappled with elements to remind its corporate team of the products they’re creating. You’ll also see a sampling of some new tools that have recently been released, and that are scheduled to be released in the near future.
Before joining Tools of the Trade as an editor, Chris Ermides was a project manager for a custom home builder, a carpenter and remodeler. These days when he’s not writing or editing, he’s testing tools as he renovates his 1850 farmhouse in upstate New York.
