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SFE 2-A12

Original operating instructions

Information about the documentation

About this documentation

  • Read this documentation before initial operation or use. This is a prerequisite for safe, trouble-free handling and use of the product.
  • Observe the safety instructions and warnings in this documentation and on the product.
  • Always keep the operating instructions with the product and make sure that the operating instructions are with the product when it is given to other persons.

Explanation of symbols used

Warnings

Warnings alert persons to hazards that occur when handling or using the product. The following signal words are used:
DANGER
DANGER !
  • Draws attention to imminent danger that will lead to serious personal injury or fatality.
WARNING
WARNING !
  • Draws attention to a potential threat of danger that can lead to serious injury or fatality.
CAUTION
CAUTION !
  • Draws attention to a potentially dangerous situation that could lead to personal injury or damage to the equipment or other property.

Symbols in the documentation

The following symbols are used in this document:
Image alternative Read the operating instructions before use.
Image alternative Instructions for use and other useful information
Image alternative Dealing with recyclable materials
Image alternative Do not dispose of electric equipment and batteries as household waste

Symbols in the illustrations

The following symbols are used in illustrations:
Image alternative These numbers refer to the corresponding illustrations found at the beginning of these operating instructions
Image alternative The numbering reflects the sequence of operations shown in the illustrations and may deviate from the steps described in the text
Image alternative Item reference numbers are used in the overview illustrations and refer to the numbers used in the product overview section
Image alternative This symbol is intended to draw special attention to certain points when handling the product.

Product-dependent symbols

Symbols on the product

The following symbols are used on the product:
Image alternative Hilti Li-ion battery type series used. Observe the information given in the section headed Intended use .
Image alternative Lithium‑ion battery
Image alternative Never use the battery as a striking tool.
Image alternative Do not drop the battery. Never use a battery that has suffered an impact or is damaged in any other way.
Image alternative Rated speed under no load
Image alternative Direct current (DC)
Image alternative Revolutions per minute
Image alternative Drilling without hammer action
Image alternative The product supports wireless data transmission compatible with iOS and Android platforms.

Product information

Image alternative products are designed for professional users and only trained, authorized personnel are permitted to operate, service and maintain the products. This personnel must be specifically informed about the possible hazards. The product and its ancillary equipment can present hazards if used incorrectly by untrained personnel or if used not in accordance with the intended use.
The type designation and serial number are printed on the rating plate.
  • Write down the serial number in the table below. You will be required to state the product details when contacting Hilti Service or your local Hilti organization to inquire about the product.
    Product information
    Drill/driver
    SFE 2-A12
    Generation:
    01
    Serial no.:

Declaration of conformity

Image alternative
We declare, on our sole responsibility, that the product described here complies with the applicable directives and standards. A copy of the declaration issued by the certification department can be found at the end of this documentation.
The technical documentation is filed here:
Hilti Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH | Tool Certification | Hiltistrasse 6 | 86916 Kaufering, Germany

Safety

General power tool safety warnings

Image alternative WARNING Read all safety warnings, instructions, illustrations and specifications provided with this power tool. Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.
Save all warnings and instructions for future reference.
The term "power tool" in the warnings refers to your mains-operated (corded) power tool or battery-operated (cordless) power tool.
Work area safety
  • Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
  • Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases or dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.
  • Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.
Electrical safety
  • Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modify the plug in any way. Do not use any adapter plugs with earthed (grounded) power tools. Unmodified plugs and matching outlets will reduce risk of electric shock.
  • Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces, such as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is earthed or grounded.
  • Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.
  • Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for carrying, pulling or unplugging the power tool. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Damaged or entangled cords increase the risk of electric shock.
  • When operating a power tool outdoors, use an extension cord suitable for outdoor use. Use of a cord suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk of electric shock.
  • If operating a power tool in a damp location is unavoidable, use a residual current device (RCD) protected supply. Use of an RCD reduces the risk of electric shock.
Personal safety
  • Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a power tool. Do not use a power tool while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment of inattention while operating power tools may result in serious personal injury.
  • Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye protection. Protective equipment such as a dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat or hearing protection used for appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.
  • Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the off-position before connecting to power source and/or battery pack, picking up or carrying the tool. Carrying power tools with your finger on the switch or energising power tools that have the switch on invites accidents.
  • Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the power tool on. A wrench or a key left attached to a rotating part of the power tool may result in personal injury.
  • Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.
  • Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery. Keep your hair and clothing away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewellery or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
  • If devices are provided for the connection of dust extraction and collection facilities, ensure these are connected and properly used. Use of dust collection can reduce dust-related hazards.
  • Do not let familiarity gained from frequent use of tools allow you to become complacent and ignore tool safety principles. A careless action can cause severe injury within a fraction of a second.
Power tool use and care
  • Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power tool for your application. The correct power tool will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was designed.
  • Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn it on and off. Any power tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
  • Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or remove the battery pack, if detachable, from the power tool before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing power tools. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the power tool accidentally.
  • Store idle power tools out of the reach of children and do not allow persons unfamiliar with the power tool or these instructions to operate the power tool. Power tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
  • Maintain power tools and accessories. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and any other condition that may affect the power tool’s operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained power tools.
  • Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
  • Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits etc. in accordance with these instructions, taking into account the working conditions and the work to be performed. Use of the power tool for operations different from those intended could result in a hazardous situation.
  • Keep handles and grasping surfaces dry, clean and free from oil and grease. Slippery handles and grasping surfaces do not allow for safe handling and control of the tool in unexpected situations.
Battery tool use and care
  • Recharge only with the charger specified by the manufacturer. A charger that is suitable for one type of battery pack may create a risk of fire when used with another battery pack.
  • Use power tools only with specifically designated battery packs. Use of any other battery packs may create a risk of injury and fire.
  • When battery pack is not in use, keep it away from other metal objects, like paper clips, coins, keys, nails, screws or other small metal objects, that can make a connection from one terminal to another. Shorting the battery terminals together may cause burns or a fire.
  • Under abusive conditions, liquid may be ejected from the battery; avoid contact. If contact accidentally occurs, flush with water. If liquid contacts eyes, additionally seek medical help. Liquid ejected from the battery may cause irritation or burns.
  • Do not use a battery pack or tool that is damaged or modified. Damaged or modified batteries may exhibit unpredictable behaviour resulting in fire, explosion or risk of injury.
  • Do not expose a battery pack or tool to fire or excessive temperature. Exposure to fire or temperature above 130° C (265 °F) may cause explosion.
  • Follow all charging instructions and do not charge the battery pack or tool outside the temperature range specified in the instructions. Charging improperly or at temperatures outside the specified range may damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.
Service
  • Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the power tool is maintained.
  • Never service damaged battery packs. Service of battery packs should only be performed by the manufacturer or authorized service providers.

Drill safety warnings

Safety instructions for all operations
  • Hold the power tool by insulated gripping surfaces, when performing an operation where the cutting accessory or fasteners may contact hidden wiring. Cutting accessory or fasteners contacting a "live" wire may make exposed metal parts of the power tool "live" and could give the operator an electric shock.
Safety instructions when using long drill bits
  • Never operate at higher speed than the maximum speed rating of the drill bit. At higher speeds, the bit is likely to bend if allowed to rotate freely without contacting the workpiece, resulting in personal injury.
  • Always start drilling at low speed and with the bit tip in contact with the workpiece. At higher speeds, the bit is likely to bend if allowed to rotate freely without contacting the workpiece, resulting in personal injury.
  • Apply pressure only in direct line with the bit and do not apply excessive pressure. Bits can bend causing breakage or loss of control, resulting in personal injury.

Careful handling and use of batteries

  • Observe the special guidelines applicable to the transport, storage and use of lithium-ion batteries.
  • Do not expose batteries to high temperatures, direct sunlight or fire.
  • Do not disassemble, crush or incinerate batteries and do not subject them to temperatures over 80 °C (176 °F).
  • Do not use or charge batteries that have suffered mechanical impact, have been dropped from a height or show signs of damage. In this case, always contact your Hilti  Service .
  • If the battery is too hot to touch it may be defective. Put the battery in a place where it is clearly visible and where there is no risk of fire, at an adequate distance from flammable materials. Allow the battery to cool down. If it is still too hot to touch after an hour, the battery is faulty. Contact Hilti Service .

Additional safety instructions

Personal safety
  • Use the product only when it is in perfect working order.
  • Never tamper with or modify the tool in any way.
  • Do not look directly into the light source (LEDs) integrated in the drill/driver and do not direct the light at other persons’ faces. This presents a risk of dazzling or eye damage.
  • Avoid touching rotating parts. Switch the power tool on only after bringing it into position at the workpiece. Touching rotating parts, especially rotating accessory tools, may lead to injury.
  • Wear protective gloves also when changing the accessory tool. Touching the accessory tool presents a risk of injury (cuts or burns).
  • Always hold the tool securely by the grip. If the accessory tool (e.g. the drill bit) sticks and stalls, the power tool, due to its high torque, may tend to rotate about its own axis in the direction opposite to that of the accessory tool.
  • Make sure that the workplace is well ventilated and, where necessary, wear a respirator appropriate for the type of dust generated. Contact with or inhalation of the dust may cause allergic reactions and/or respiratory or other diseases to the operator or bystanders. Certain kinds of dust are classified as carcinogenic such as oak and beech dust, especially in conjunction with additives for wood conditioning (chromate, wood preservative). Material containing asbestos may be handled only by specialists.
  • Take breaks and exercise your fingers to improve the blood circulation. Exposure to vibration during long periods of work can lead to disorders of the blood vessels and nervous system in the fingers, hands and wrists.
Electrical safety
  • Before beginning work, check the working area for concealed electric cables or gas and water pipes. External metal parts of the power tool may give you an electric shock if you damage an electric cable accidentally.
Power tool use and care
  • Secure the workpiece. Use clamps or a vice to hold the workpiece in position. The workpiece is thus held more securely than by hand and both hands remain free to operate the power tool.
  • Immediately switch off the power tool if the accessory tool jams. The power tool might twist off-line.
  • Wait until the power tool stops completely before you lay it down.

Description

Product overview

Image alternative
  1. 1/4" hex socket
  2. Torque and drilling mode selector ring
  3. Gear speed selection switch
  4. Forward/reverse selector switch with safety lock
  5. Grip
  6. Fitting slot for accessories
    (fig.: Belt hook)
  7. Lamp
  8. Charge status display
  9. Battery release button
  10. Control switch (with electronic speed control)
  11. Adapter

Intended use

The product described is a hand-held cordless drill / driver for driving and removing screws, drilling in metal, wood and plastic. The product has an interchangeable chuck and can be fitted with various adapters.

  • Use only Hilti Li-ion batteries of the B 12 series with this product.

  • Use only Hilti -approved battery chargers to charge these batteries. More information is available from your Hilti Store or from: www.hilti.group

Items supplied

Drill / driver, operating instructions
Other system products approved for use with this product can be found at your local Hilti Store or online at: www.hilti.group

Charge state display

The charge state of the Li‑ion battery is displayed after pressing one of the release buttons lightly (press only until slight resistance is felt).
Status
Meaning
4 LEDs light.
Charge state: 75 % to 100 %
3 LEDs light.
Charge state: 50 % to 75 %
2 LEDs light.
Charge state: 25 % to 50 %
1 LED lights.
Charge state: 10 % to 25 %
1 LED blinks.
Charge state: < 10 %
Battery charge state cannot be displayed while the control switch is pressed and for up to 5 seconds after releasing the control switch.

Overload and overheating protection

The power tool is equipped with an electronic system to protect against overloading and overheating. The power tool switches itself off automatically in the event of overloading or overheating. After releasing the control switch, the power tool may not restart immediately when the switch is pressed again (while the power tool is cooling down).
Overloading or overheating are not indicated by the charge status display.

Adapter

This product has different adapters for various applications.
The following adapters are available:
Adapter
Description
Image alternative Hex bit holder for bits with mechanical clamping mechanism.
Image alternative Keyless chuck for sizes in the range:
1.5 mm … 13 mm
(0.06 in … 0.5 in)
Image alternative Right-angle adapter for working in cramped conditions, with magnetic hex bit holder.
Combinable with other adapters.
Image alternative Eccentric adapter for working close to the wall, with magnetic hex bit holder.

Technical data

SFE 2-A12

Rated voltage
10.8 V
Weight
1.1 kg
(2.4 lb)
Maximum speed
1st gear
400 /min
2nd gear
1,600 /min
Maximum torque
Image alternative Screwdriving
0.5 Nm … 5 Nm
(0.4 ftlbf … 4 ftlbf)
Image alternative Drilling
≤ 21 Nm
(≤ 15 ftlbf)
Drill-bit diameter
Softwood
1.5 mm … 13 mm
(0.06 in … 0.5 in)
Hardwood
1.5 mm … 10 mm
(0.06 in … 0.4 in)
Metal
1.5 mm … 6 mm
(0.06 in … 0.2 in)

Battery

Battery operating voltage
10.8 V
Ambient temperature for operation
−17 ℃ … 60 ℃
(1 ℉ … 140 ℉)
Storage temperature
−20 ℃ … 40 ℃
(−4 ℉ … 104 ℉)
Battery charging starting temperature
−10 ℃ … 45 ℃
(14 ℉ … 113 ℉)

Preparations at the workplace

WARNING
Risk of injury by inadvertent starting!
  • Before inserting the battery, make sure that the product is switched off.
  • Remove the battery before making any adjustments to the power tool or before changing accessories.
Observe the safety instructions and warnings in this documentation and on the product.

Charging the battery

  1. Before charging the battery, read the operating instructions for the charger.
  2. Make sure that the contacts on the battery and the contacts on the charger are clean and dry.
  3. Use an approved charger to charge the battery.

Inserting the battery

WARNING
Risk of injury by short circuit or falling battery!
  • Before inserting the battery, make sure that the contacts on the battery and the contacts on the product are free of foreign matter.
  • Make sure that the battery always engages correctly.
  1. Charge the battery fully before using it for the first time.
  2. Push the battery into the product until it engages with an audible click.
  3. Check that the battery is seated securely.

Removing the battery

  1. Press the battery release buttons.
  2. Remove the battery from the tool.

Fitting the adapter

Other adapters can be fitted additionally onto the right-angle adapter.
  1. Insert the adapter into the chuck.
    • The adapter snaps into engagement.
  2. Check correct installation.

Removing the adapter

Image alternative
  1. Pull the locking sleeve and hold it in this position.
  2. Remove the adapter.

Inserting bits (hex bit holders)

The hex bit holders of the eccentric adapter and the right-angle adapter hold the bit magnetically.
  1. Pull the locking sleeve and hold it in this position.
  2. Insert the bit.
  3. Release the locking sleeve.

Inserting drill bit (keyless chuck)

  1. Open the keyless chuck.
  2. Insert the drill bit.
  3. Close the keyless chuck.

Operation

Observe the safety instructions and warnings in this documentation and on the product.

Selecting the gear

Image alternative
  • Operate the gear selector switch.

Setting the torque

The torque is limited only when the power tool is set to screwdriving mode Image alternative.
  • Turn the adjusting ring to the desired torque setting.

Switching between forward (clockwise) and reverse rotation (counter-clockwise)

An interlock prevents switching while the motor is running. The control switch is locked when the forward/reverse switch is in the middle position (switch-on interlock).
Image alternative
  1. Operate the forward/reverse switch.
    • The switch-on interlock is active.
  2. Operate the forward/reverse switch.
    • The direction of rotation is set as desired.

Switching on and off

  1. Press the control switch.
    • The power tool starts.
    Speed can be controlled steplessly right up to maximum by varying how far the control switch is pressed in.
  2. Release the control switch.
    • The power tool switches off.

Drilling

  1. Set the torque setting ring to the Image alternative symbol.
  2. Set the direction of rotation to forward (clockwise).
  3. Press the control switch.

Care and maintenance

WARNING
Risk of injury with battery inserted !
  • Always remove the battery before carrying out care and maintenance tasks!
Care of the product
  • Carefully remove stubborn dirt.
  • Carefully clean the air vents, if present, with a dry, soft brush.
  • Use only a slightly damp cloth to clean the housing. Do not use cleaning agents containing silicone as these can attack the plastic parts.
  • Use a dry, clean cloth to clean the contacts of the product.
Care of the Li‑ion batteries
  • Never use a battery with clogged air vents. Clean the air vents carefully using a dry, soft brush.
  • Avoid unnecessary exposure of the battery to dust and dirt. Never expose the battery to high levels of moisture (e.g. by being dipped in water or left in the rain).
    If a battery has been soaked by moisture, treat it as a damaged battery. Isolate it in a non-flammable container and consult Hilti Service.
  • Keep the battery free of extraneous oil and grease. Do not permit dust or dirt to accumulate unnecessarily on the battery. Clean the battery with a dry, soft brush or a clean, dry cloth. Do not use cleaning agents containing silicone as these can attack the plastic parts.
    Do not touch the contacts of the battery and do not remove the factory-applied grease from the contacts.
  • Use only a slightly damp cloth to clean the housing. Do not use cleaning agents containing silicone as these can attack the plastic parts.
Maintenance
  • Check all visible parts and controls for signs of damage at regular intervals and make sure that they all function correctly.
  • Do not use the product if signs of damage are found or if parts malfunction. Immediately have the product repaired by Hilti Service.
  • After cleaning and maintenance, install all guards and protective devices and check that they are in full working order.
To help ensure safe and reliable operation, use only genuine Hilti spare parts and consumables. Spare parts, consumables and accessories approved by Hilti for use with your product can be found at your Hilti Store or online at: www.hilti.group

Transport and storage of cordless tools and batteries

Transport
    CAUTION
    Accidental starting during transport !
  • Always transport your products with the batteries removed!
  • Remove the battery/batteries.
  • Never transport batteries loose and unprotected. During transport, batteries should be protected from excessive shock and vibration and isolated from any conductive materials or other batteries that may come in contact with the terminals and cause a short circuit. Comply with the locally applicable regulations for transporting batteries.
  • Do not send batteries through the mail. Consult your shipper for instructions on how to ship undamaged batteries.
  • Prior to each use and before and after prolonged transport, check the product and the batteries for damage.
Storage
    WARNING
    Accidental damage caused by defective or leaking batteries !
  • Always store your products with the batteries removed!
  • Store the product and the batteries in a cool and dry place. Comply with the temperature limits stated in the technical data.
  • Do not store batteries on the charger. Always remove the battery from the charger when the charging operation has completed.
  • Never leave batteries in direct sunlight, on sources of heat, or behind glass.
  • Store the product and batteries where they cannot be accessed by children or unauthorized persons.
  • Prior to each use and before and after prolonged storage, check the product and the batteries for damage.

Troubleshooting

If the trouble you are experiencing is not listed in this table or you are unable to remedy the problem by yourself, please contact Hilti Service.

Troubleshooting

If the trouble you are experiencing is not listed in this table or you are unable to remedy the problem by yourself, please contact Hilti Service.
Trouble or fault
Possible cause
Action to be taken
The power tool does not work.
The battery is not fully inserted.
  • Push the battery in until it engages with an audible click.
The control switch cannot be pressed, or is stuck.
The forward/reverse switch is in the middle position.
  • Push the forward/reverse switch to the left or right.
Running speed suddenly drops considerably.
Battery is discharged.
  • Change the battery and charge the empty battery.
The battery runs down more quickly than usual.
Very low ambient temperature.
  • Allow the battery to warm up slowly to room temperature.
The battery doesn’t engage with an audible click.
The retaining lugs on the battery are dirty.
  • Clean the retaining lugs and engage the battery in the working position.
The power tool or the battery becomes very warm.
Electrical fault.
  • Switch the power tool off immediately, remove the battery, keep it under observation, allow it to cool down and contact Hilti Service.
The tool is overloaded (application limits exceeded).
  • Select a suitable power tool for the application.

Disposal

Image alternative Most of the materials from which Hilti tools and appliances are manufactured can be recycled. The materials must be correctly separated before they can be recycled. In many countries, your old tools, machines or appliances can be returned to Hilti for recycling. Ask Hilti Service or your Hilti representative for further information.
Image alternative
  • Do not dispose of power tools, electronic equipment or batteries as household waste!

Manufacturer’s warranty

  • Please contact your local Hilti representative if you have questions about the warranty conditions.