Hilti’s new TE 8-22 is a 22V Nuron cordless SDS Plus rotary hammer with 2.4 ft-lbs of single impact energy, and the US site lists the bare tool at $549.00 discounted net. Pro Tool Reviews, in a piece written in partnership with Hilti, describes it as a new middle class between compact and heavy duty hammers, not a replacement for the TE 6-22.
What is new compared with the TE 4-22 and TE 6-22?
The TE 8-22 steps up in impact energy and speed. Pro Tool Reviews published this comparison of the Nuron rotary hammers, using Hilti’s figures:
| TE 4-22 | TE 6-22 | TE 8-22 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Impact energy | 1.7 ft-lbs | 1.9 ft-lbs | 2.4 ft-lbs |
| Max speed | 1050 RPM | 1050 RPM | 1230 RPM |
| Max impact rate | 5100 IPM | 5100 IPM | 4700 IPM |
| Bare weight | 5.4 lbs | 6.3 lbs | 6.4 lbs |
Hilti’s product page lists the optimum hammer drilling range as 1/4 to 23/32 inch and the weight without battery as 6.4 lb. The impact rate is actually lower than the smaller models, so the extra drilling speed comes from a higher impact energy and rotation speed rather than from more blows per minute. Hilti calls it the fastest cordless SDS plus rotary hammer in its weight class, which is the maker’s claim.
What protects the user from vibration and bit binding?
Hilti fits 3D Active Vibration Reduction, which isolates the motor from the tool body with a floating sub chassis. The product page gives triaxial vibration for chiseling into concrete as 6.4 m/s². Sound power is 98 dB(A) and sound pressure is 90 dB(A), so hearing protection still matters.
Active Torque Control can stop rotation within about a quarter turn when a bit binds on rebar, according to Hilti. An Electronic Slip Clutch handles milder binding by stopping rotation and hammering and then nudging the bit left and right to free it.
Does it control dust?
Hilti pairs the tool with the TE DRS-22 onboard dust removal system, which has a transparent dust box, a work light and a vacuum port so the box can be emptied without opening it. The product page also lists the TE DRS-C and TE DRS-D for connecting a dust extractor. Hilti says the TE DRS-22 also fits the TE 4-22 and TE 6-22.
Which battery and what does it cost?
The tool runs on the 22V Nuron platform. Pro Tool Reviews says Hilti recommends the B 22-195 battery for repetitive drilling, and that other 22V Nuron batteries work too. The $549.00 price on Hilti’s US page is for the tool body in a cardboard box with grease, with battery and charger optional. The sources reviewed give no Canadian price or Canadian availability date, and company prices on Hilti’s site need a login.
Who should buy it?
Concrete crews, anchor installers and electricians who drill many holes in the 5/8-inch range will get the most from it, especially overhead. Anyone already on Nuron batteries saves the most, because the tool is sold without one. If you drill an occasional hole, the lighter TE 4-22 may be enough. Heavy breaking work still belongs to the larger TE 30-22 class.
Both Hilti and Pro Tool Reviews have a commercial relationship here, so read the spec sheet before you buy. Next step: check the product page for item 2431252 on Hilti’s site for your region’s price, and ask your Hilti rep about Canadian availability.
