Here’s a quick look at the specs, features, pros, and cons of the Hilti SFH18-A hammer drill/driver. This information was excerpted from a tool test in the Spring 2015 issue of Tools of the Trade. The main story contains an overview plus runtime and power test data for all tools tested.
Hilti SFH18-A
Battery: 21.6 volts; 3.3 Ah (equivalent to 4.0 Ah at 18 volts)
Battery gauge: 4 bars; on battery
Weight (pounds): 5.75; with handle 6.36
Rpm: 0-370; 0-1,250; 0-2,140
Hammer Bpm: 0-39,000
Other Features: 10 3/8-inch side handle
Price: Kit $419; bare tool $159
Includes: Tool; 2 batteries; charger; fabric duffel bag
Country of origin: Tool and battery, China
Notes: A stronger tool in the product line exists—a four-speed drill/driver without a hammer drill function rated at 44% greater torque—model SF10W-A18.
Performance: Rated good to very good under heavy duty uses and a second-tier performer overall. Tied for sixth in runtime. (See comparison tables in Main Story)
Comments: A big, capable tool with a design and feature set that seem a bit outdated.
Pro: Three-speed transmission with the lowest first gear in the test for lots of torque but slow results. Second gear also gets the job done where many other tools can’t.
Con: Low gearing means slow application speeds. Overly bulky—largest and heaviest tool in test. No belt hook, and no mounts for one. Only tool in test without a headlight. Difficult to shift into second gear. Sharp plastic edge under trigger uncomfortable
