FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Hilti Question

notrix | Posted in Tools for Home Building on July 11, 2004 07:34am

Hi All,
I read a bunch of posts regarding hammer drills and decided on a Hilti. I got a “hammer drill” that takes round shank plain ol’ drill bits as opposed to a “rotary hammer” that takes SDS or other spline type bits (my definitions).

At any rate I got a TM7SIII VSR at HD no less and am pleased with it. I got it as I feel for most of the work I do a Jacobs type chuck is ample. But I’m having second thoughts especially since I was told I can get a TE-2 that has the SDS chuck as well as a Jacobs. But I find no mention of this on the Hilti site or elsewhere. Is this so?

Any other advice before I put the tool to use and can no longer return it? I’m a carpenter and usually don’t drill more than 1/2″ holes in concrete for the most part and usually the typical 1/4″ for inserts and light duty.

But who knows what tomorrow may bring.

Thanks,

Warren

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. User avater
    jonblakemore | Jul 11, 2004 08:00pm | #1

    How much did you pay for it? How often will you use your hammer drill?

    One of the HD's near me has a Hilti pro center and I have looked at their stuff. The quality, for what I have been told, is impeccable. The price matches. I think you would be better off getting a Bosch Bulldog roto hammer instead of the Hilti. I would rather have the benefits of a roto hammer over the benefits of a Hilte, but that's just me.

     

    Jon Blakemore

    1. notrix | Jul 11, 2004 08:21pm | #2

      Hi,

      The Hilti was $239. They have a Hilti TE-2 which is like the Bulldog for the same price as the Bulldog... .if memory serves.

      But the bits ranged from $15 to $40. I also like having another drill just for wood say running a door boring jig so the Jacobs chuck is pretty much a must for my uses. That's why I asked if they make one that has interchangable chucks so I can get the best of both worlds.

      BTW I had to drill about twenty 1/4"x 1 1/2" holes in 50-75 year old concrete. I was usining my Milwaulee 1/2 Magnum and it didn't dent it with a new bit. 5 minutes of bearing down and maybe 1/16" ! The Hilti did each hole in about 10 seconds! 50,000 bpm (no load) has an impact!

      Warren

      1. FastEddie1 | Jul 11, 2004 09:59pm | #3

        I have the Bosch Bulldog and it does very well as a rotary hammer drill.  In the hammer-only mode (for chipping) it seems a little weak, but it doid a nice job of chippling ceramic tile and thinset off a concrete slab.  My plumber had a Hilti and we tried both when chippng a slab for a water line, and it was no comparison ... the Hilti was far superior.

        Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em "Certainly, I can!"  Then get busy and find out how to do it.  T. Roosevelt

      2. User avater
        jonblakemore | Jul 11, 2004 11:12pm | #4

        I would have thought the Hilti cost more.

        If it performs as well or better than a Bosch roto, then go for it. More than likely you will never wear it out, and if you do they will take care of you.

        Someone on this site once said "hammerdrills are for playing tricks on apprentices... roto hammers are for drilling concrete." In my experience this is accurate, but I've never used a Hilti. 

        Jon Blakemore

        1. notrix | Jul 12, 2004 01:07am | #5

          "hammerdrills are for playing tricks on apprentices... roto hammers are for drilling concrete."

          How do they and the SDS TE-C bits work in wood? I did more research and it appears Hilti touts the say TE-2's ability to drill wood but doesn't offer a wood bit per se.

          I'm really sold on the versatility of the TM 7SIII, which by the way I had to return as the speed selector was VERY tight. Don't ever buy demo tools!!! I get stung evertime.

          I'll get a new one Monday though as it really worked for my applications. BTW further research revealed that Hilti offers a TE 2-M which does have a quick release chuck that switches from SDS to Jacobs. This is the tool commonly compared to the Bulldog and is at a similar price point.

          thanks,

          Warren

          1. Paulgern | Jul 12, 2004 06:35am | #6

            yours is the first hilti i have ever heard of having to go back. wish you better luck with the replacement. mine is the te 5. it comes with the sds chuck and a jacobs style chuck is available. the te 5 drills 3/4 in concrete and 2 5/8 in wood.

            good luck. paul.

  2. encarsia2 | Jul 30, 2004 05:21am | #7

    I would go for the bulldog as it is a more versatile tool the te2 is designed for small holes under 1/2 inch and it does not have the duty cycle for repeated drilling have larger inserts.  If you need to drill a large amount of holes move up to a te 10.  Most companies I have worked for use the te 2 for only 3/16 to pin 2x4 down to concrete.  If drilling larger holes Always grab a bigger drill.  So when comparing prices you find that the hilti ends up being more the comparable model to the bulldog is the te 6 .  I hope this helps.  If you want bomb proof go hilti value is in a bosch.  You van always buy an adapter to a regular drill bits.  That is what i do when I have to drill an odd size hole that I do not want to buy sds bits.

    1. User avater
      dieselpig | Jul 30, 2004 06:21am | #8

      The TE-2 is good for up to 3/4" holes.  Haven't tried it, but I don't doubt it either.  Hilti don't lie.

      Drilled 60 1/2" holes with mine in about 40 - 45 minutes for a big azz deck ledger. Butter baby.  Not a single complaint out of the TE-2, this was in a 60 year old foundation.

      1. calvin | Jul 30, 2004 01:02pm | #9

        Got the TE-6-C, has the dust collector.  When the salesman came out and demo'd the drill motor I was sold.  I've dealt w/this guy for many years.  Still, I was wary of the ability of the added feature.  Very surprised and satisfied on how well it worked.  If you do any drilling overhead or where dust is an issue, I'd certainly check it out.Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

        Quittin' Time

      2. encarsia2 | Jul 30, 2004 04:40pm | #10

        I mainly build concrete structure.  And on one job we had to but in 10 000 1/2 anchors and hilti recommended going up in size of drill from te 5 to te 10 because of the continuous use and number of holes.  This was done when the super complained that the 3 new te5 bought for the job burned out quick.  Hilti answer was duty cycle.  Do not get me wrong I love hilti but you need to get the right drill for the job.  That is why every Forman carries about 3 sizes of drills in the job box.  

  3. cameraman | Jul 30, 2004 10:55pm | #11
    I purchased a Hilti TE-5 on E-bay, $125.00/used.  Best purchased ever made, goes threw concrete like butter. Hilti brand bits were very plentiful and great price on E-bay also. I am always leary of stuff on E-bay but this one was great. Hands down, Hilti!!!

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Mortar for Old Masonry

Old masonry may look tough, but the wrong mortar can destroy it—here's how to choose the right mix for lasting repairs.

Featured Video

How to Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post Corners

Use these tips to keep cables tight and straight for a professional-looking deck-railing job.

Related Stories

  • Guest Suite With a Garden House
  • Podcast Episode 688: Obstructed Ridge Vent, Buying Fixer-Uppers, and Flashing Ledgers
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Finding the Right Fixer-Upper
  • Keeping It Cottage-Sized

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data