We get a lot of emails asking about certain tools, so I thought this might be a great time to revisit a tool we did over 1.5 years ago, the Hilti SID 18-A. A lot of people want to know how it’s holding up, did my original opinion change and so on.
Right off the bat I can tell you my opinion hasn’t changed one bit about this impact driver. I still think this is one of the best impacts on the market. I love the feel, the balance, the power and the features of this tool. One thing that has been huge is the 3 LED lights on the front. Not sure why all manufacturers don’t use this style. In regards to the battery life, while I haven’t timed it, it sure doesn’t seem like it has lost any juice. The tool still seems to be running just as strong today as when we first tried it out. So is it worth the money? I am pretty sure you already know that I am going to say yes. While Hilti can be more expensive than other tools on the market, I have to say it is one of my favorites. Along with Bosch, the Hilti is one of the manufacturers you really don’t hear a lot of people complain about. Pretty much everyone is happy with Hilti tools.
If you like this impact driver, you should see what two tools we have coming up from Hilti.
That looks like a nice impact, even though it’s not yellow. Battery pack looks a lot like the dewalt pack.
So what are the torque ratings for the three modes? How does it stack up to Milwaukee and Bosch Brushless Impact Drivers?
Been looking forward to the SD-M1 and SD 4500-A18 review since it was announced on Facebook. Is it going to be another TIA Pro vid?
I have it’s 14.4 V. grandfather , bought in late 2010 . Not skipped a beat , no detectable power dropoff . I bought in on the advice of an industrial racking installer , those Dudes really beat on their impact guns . His company had tried DeWalt – not great , then Milwaukee – somewhat better . With Hilti they were getting about a year out of their guns . Their hammerdrills were also all Hilti .
I figure that a year of the abuse racking installers give their tools , aproximates to 10 years normal use .
Chris
Hilti is top notch, if its not the best then they always close to it.. The only thing is that they are expensive, but for the pro its worth it… I stick to my m18 fuel but this is right up there, this impact is kinda bulky tho imo. The balance is great.. My unlce has only hilti and we have fuel vs hilti tool fights…lol the hilti impact driver is a bit stronger .
Never heard of it before , thanks for the review.
I have to agree, I have red, yellow, and blue and this one is in another league of its own.
I had a chance to use a Hilti Recip Saw over the weekend, and It was definitely awesome. I’m sure the impact is the same way. This is just a company that does not make bad tools. If you can live with the fact that it costs almost twice the cost of other tools, definitely worth it!
Love the Hiltis. Borrowed a couple of them, I gotta get myself one. I was hoping HD would drop me some savings for Father’s Day, but no such luck.
I’ve tried these when working with a buddy that’s a hilti fanatic
I’ve always wanted a Hilti drill, but not sure why? There is a maintenance guy here at our building that has one, but a 14v I think. He swears that it’s the best tool he has ever owned. I did try it & it did what any name brand tool does, drills & fastens bolts, screws well. Is it better than a Milwaukee, Bosch, DeWalt, or a Makita to an extent? I couldn’t tell a difference, sorry. Hilti has a great reputation among the trades & I guess well worth it. I own many great power tools & none are Hilti’s. Do I still wish I had one? Heck yes, but the pain is less, because I have others that replace my need for this brand. Laters TIA
the red Hilti almost looks like Milwaukeee