First Look-
Hilti 12V Reciprocating Saw Review
When you think of Hilti, you think of heavy-duty Professional power tools. I also think of their advancements in laser technology and revolutionary job site layout tools, something used heavily in industrial construction. Their 12V lineup is expanding with new tools to reduce weight and make working in tight quarters easier than ever before. 12V tools as a whole have gained a lot of popularity in the last few years and I think it is something we will keep seeing in the years to come. Today we take a look at Hilti’s newest addition in the Hilti 12V Reciprocating Saw Review and see how it continues Hilti’s legacy of providing job site solutions.
A Little about the Brand-
Hilti 12V Reciprocating Saw Review
Hilti is a worldwide company, spanning the globe with nearly 30 thousand employees. Their goal is to solve virtually every job site obstacle you can imagine, giving true innovation to the construction field, unlike any other manufacturer. If there is one thing that translates succinctly in Hilti’s global message, it is the commitment to their product development and the passion their staff has for what they do.
Where Hilti stands out to me from a consumer level is their service and warranty. Well-loved for their warranty, the 2/20/1 is something you don’t often see in other manufacturers. The 20 symbolizes a 20-year warranty on defects, a 2-year wear and tear coverage, and a 1-day repair guarantee. For full details, check out the information from Hilti. In my mind, when choosing a manufacturer to rely on, a good warranty is insurance that protects your investment, and no doubt that Hilti is among the best in the business.
Detailed Look-
Hilti 12V Reciprocating Saw Review
The Hilti SR 2-A12 runs on Hilti’s 12V battery platform and provides up to 2900 strokes per minute using a brushless motor.
This Lightweight tool is designed for one hand operation, Hilti designed this tool to fit in compact spaces as well as in less than ideal conditions like on ladders, in air vents, and the like.
Low- Vibration Technology is a Hilti signature, one that is easy to appreciate. AVT makes this tool more comfortable and provides smoother cutting for better performance. Rubber molding provides ideal gripping surface on the tool as well.
A 5/8 inch stroke length provides easy cutting on wood, metal, drywall and more.
The LED Light is bright and provides increased visibility on the workspace.
The keyless blade clamp makes quick work of blade changes.
Hilti offers a wide range of blades as well to complement this compact reciprocating saw. Designed to cut Wood, Metal, Plastic, Drywall and Sandwich panel.
Who Can Use This-
Hilti 12V Reciprocating Saw Review
I would always say Hilti skews to the professional user, particularly those in construction. This tool though does have some additional benefits that even an average homeowner will appreciate. The small footprint and lightweight design make it a strong contender for a wide range of users, as well as allow professionals to utilize this tool fully in virtually any situation. Homeowners will find this tool to have less of a learning curve in operation than a traditional reciprocating saw, and professionals will love having an alternative to traditionally heavy tools.
Value-
Hilti 12V Reciprocating Saw Review
Hilti prices the bare tool for $119.00 on their website, and with two batteries and a charger, it will run $210.00. Hilti is generally towards the top of the price range, and they are well worth their investment when you consider their build quality and warranty. I think this model though, is actually a very fair price for what you are getting in this tool. You aren’t going to run the risk of having to replace this tool shortly after purchase which I think adds a lot to their value. For me, I would pick this Hilti over other brands any day even if it meant paying the few extra dollars.
Wrap Up-
Hilti 12V Reciprocating Saw Review
I can’t say enough good things about this Hilti 12V Reciprocating Saw. The SR 2-A12 has a small footprint and excellent ergonomics overall that allows you to have the ability to perform otherwise difficult or awkward tasks with ease. For trades like plumbers, electricians, and general contractors, this tool will be a lifesaver. It shines in working overhead or in tight spaces, as well as simply being lighter and more comfortable for extended use. It isn’t a full powered Reciprocating Saw, but often times you don’t need 100% of the power when cutting some materials. It is truly optimized for cutting materials like metal or PVC piping.
One thing that really stood out in this saw was how clean the cuts are. Here you can see a couple partial cuts in 4X4 wood. In my experience, likely the most inaccurate saws on the market are Reciprocating Saws. They are traditionally heavy, packed with vibrations and awkward overall to use. Now, this isn’t to say I haven’t seen people do amazing work with them, but they certainly take more effort to master than say a Circular Saw.
I tested this reciprocating saw using Hilti’s metal blades as well as their wood blades and found it provided consistently good cuts. Because vibrations are so minimal during use thanks to Hilti’s AVT technology, you can easily get very straight and accurate cuts with this saw. Materials like dimensional lumber, plywood, OSB and the like are all materials you will encounter frequently in most environments, and this little recip makes it easy to achieve high-quality cuts. I believe this is credited largely to the design for one-handed operation, giving the ability to support the workpiece with your other hand.
Hilti included other features that provide exceptional performance too. The brushless motor gives extended run time and increased overall performance. The LED light provides superior visibility of the cut line and eliminates shadows that can cause inaccuracy. As I mentioned previously the 12V platform is a true win, both for professionals and homeowners alike. While users may trade a small amount of power to their smaller battery size, the benefits of lighter weight and the compact size usually win out for consistent users. For those who want the convenience and ease of a 12V tool, that still manages to pack a punch of power this option from Hilti will be a perfect addition to their tool chest.