Professional Tool Reviews for Pros
The Hilti Nuron release introduces some innovative tools to the professional scene over the last few months. Along with them, we’re seeing some of the tried and true favorites hitting the market with a fresh technology update. Among this group is the Hilti Nuron 6 1/2-inch metal cutting circular saw that promises the same great performance now with the Nuron advantage.
The Hilti SC 5ML-22 is a cold-cut metal saw that cuts nearly spark-free. It’s fully capable of cutting through mild and stainless steel with ease. Being a cold-cut saw, the 6 1/2-inch blade’s 3500 RPM top speed is slower than abrasive options such as grinders and chop saws.
As you cut, there’s an integrated spark catcher on the rear of the blade guard that catches chips and slag to help contain the mess.
You’ll notice Hilti’s blade brake when you take your finger off the trigger. It stops the blade in just seconds and a layer of safety in combination with the blade guard.
This metal-cutting saw is well-suited for making straight cuts on sheet goods as well as pipe and conduit. Hilti includes an adjustable fence that fits directly into the stainless steel shoe to help you make more accurate and consistent cuts. It’s also compatible with an optional guide rail and pipe adapter if you like.
Hilti doesn’t specify a particular thickness limitation, but the max cutting capacity is 2 1/4 inches. A quick look at the rated applications above tells us that the saw does its best work on sheet goods. Just for kicks, we tried cutting on some thicker materials and were able to successfully cut 3/8-inch angle iron. You have to cut slow, but the cold cut speed left a nice, clean finish.
The Hilti SC 5ML-22 tips the scales at 7.31 pounds as a bare tool and right at 9 pounds with the recommended 4.0Ah battery (B 22-85). It measures 14 inches from tip to tail and stands just 9.5 inches tall.
In terms of comfort, this saw checks off some important boxes for us. The main handle is a bit on the thicker side and offers a secure grip thanks to rubber overmold.
Even though compact saws tend to make your hands feel too close together on the handles, Hilti’s spacing doesn’t feel as cramped as some saws we’ve used.
These factors make this saw very easy to control and even make one-hand cutting a possibility when you need to stabilize material with your other one.
Maintaining a clear line of sight as you cut is a must. The saw has a bright LED work light that illuminates your work surface so you can maintain an accurate cut, even with lower light conditions and shadows. Combined with the integrated dust blower, it does a nice job of making sure you can track your cut well.
There’s also a clear plastic shield on the side of the blade guard which amplifies the light and protects you from loose metal shards while making cuts.
Adjusting the cut depth is pretty standard, just flip the lever at the back and set your desired depth. There are no depth indicator markings so you’ll want to double-check your settings with a measuring tape if you need absolute precision.
While we’re happy with the performance and design of this saw, what exactly does Nuron technology add to the mix?
For starters, there’s a tangible benefit to Nuron batteries. Their combination of cell selection, resistance reduction, and cooling allows it to work harder without affecting the life of the pack.
Then there’s the smart side The batteries have the ability to automatically store and transmit data about the tool and battery, giving crib managers a leg up in tool management duties. Even if you’re using multiple tools with one battery, the pack stores the data for all of them and can transmit it via the charger.
Click here to take a deeper dive into the Nuron technology story.
You can get the Hilti SC 5ML-22 from Hilti for $289.00 as a bare tool. Hilti gives you the ability to customize your kit’s configuration by letting you choose the batteries and chargers that best suit your needs.
For the tool crib managers out there, Hilti offers Fleet pricing which includes no-cost tool maintenance, fixed monthly pricing, and loaner tools to keep you up and running. On the fleet pricing program, this saw is $8.50 per month.
The Hilti Nuron 6 1/2-inch metal cutting circular saw is an excellent cutter considering its compact size. For sheet metal, metal pipe, and even the occasional venture into angle iron, it’s a handy saw to have on hand and well worth it for fabricators and commercial construction contractors.
Click here to explore the complete Hilti Nuron lineup.
Having worked in the automotive and metalworking trades, Josh has even found himself core drilling commercial properties for purposes of surveying. His knowledge and love of tools are exceeded only by a greater love for his wife and family.
A fan of all things that can stretch him mentally, Josh quickly dives into new products, tools, and product testing with ample amounts of both enthusiasm and precision. We look forward to many years of growth alongside Josh as he settles into his role at Pro Tool Reviews.
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Professional Tool Reviews for Pros