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From DM 4 to DX 6: The evolution of Hilti direct fastening systems
Direct fastening has come a long way in 70 years…
Since the 1950s, we’ve been reinventing the wheel to find safer and quicker ways of fastening materials within the interior finishing and building construction trades. Technological advances have seen a shift from traditional methods like drilling and fixing, to what is now a catalogue of efficient direct fasteners – giving you a variety of tools to choose from to suit the job at hand.
But first, let’s get down to the basics...
What is direct fastening?
A direct fastening tool is used to fasten materials such as timber, insulation boards and other elements to concrete or steel. Depending on the tool, it can generate power up to 325 J at the touch of a button – enough to penetrate the nails into the toughest of surfaces. No wonder it helps our customers become up to 5x faster in their day-to-day applications. Goodbye Drill & Fix! The process is virtually dust-free too, eliminating the risk of you or your employees inhaling harmful dust particles.
The tool can be powder, gas or battery-actuated, and consist of 3 main compartments – the tool, the driving energy and the fastener. They cover a wide range of applications from insulation and framing to grating and formwork, and can be either semi-automatic, fully automatic or high-powered cordless.
The evolution of Hilti direct fastening tools
1952
DM 4
First hand-driven nailer patented by Martin Hilti.
1953
Hilti Perfix
High velocity cartridge fastener. First PAT tool developed and sold under the Hilti brand name.
1956
Hilti Automatic
High velocity cartridge tool with tilting front section. Uses trigger activation.
1957
DX 100
First hammer-driven cartridge tool with piston principle.
1965
DX 300
Cartridge-driven trigger-actuated tool with piston.
1969
DX 350
Introduced collated cartridges for the first time.
1977
DX 450
New repeat mechnanism and power regulation.
1986
DX 36 M
First nail magazine for use with collated nails.
1994
DX A40
Fully automatic piston return.
1995
DX A41
GRU gas return unit.
2002
DX 460
Advanced fully automatic tool launched as a “system” for use with various applications.
2017
DX 5
Connected tool with digital service indicator and BT feature.
Introducing the DX 6
The cordless powder-actuated DX 6 gives you the speed and versatility you need to get the job done quicker and safer. With deadlines to meet and a wide range of applications to cover, we understand how important it is to have a multipurpose tool that can adapt to every situation. Complete with one cartridge technology, the DX 6 is not only easy to use, but gives you complete flexibility whilst connecting you to the information you need.
Our simplest direct fastener tool yet
Power selection has never been easier thanks to one step power regulation – an intuitive front-facing regulation wheel that’s perfectly situated for quick adjustments. This is especially handy when you’re working with a wide selection of materials, as you can fine tune the settings by simply twisting the dial – making the process smoother and faster for enhanced productivity. We’ve also focused on easier maintenance, so cleaning your tool will never take longer than it needs to. With the one-push button mechanism, you can quickly disassemble, clean and reassemble it – removing any complexity that may slow you down.
One cartridge for maximum versatility
Gone are the days of loading and unloading cartridges to suit different applications. Thanks to the DX 6’s universal cartridge, there’s now one strip that does it all – allowing you to swiftly move between jobs and jobsites with a single all-purpose tool. Not only does this give you maximum versatility, but it also makes the process as simple as possible for new users, helps inventory management and boosts overall productivity. Whether you’re in building construction or interior finishing, the direct fastener can easily fasten wood to concrete and wood to steel, making it perfect for fastening drywall, insulation, waterproofing and formwork. Or, for particularly robust applications, the second heavy duty cartridge can be applied. With a market-leading energy range between 140-345 J, you’ll be well-equipped for whatever job comes your way.
Stay in the loop with Bluetooth connectivity
Your TVs and phones are smart, so why should your tools be any different? We can all use a helping hand from time to time, which is why the DX 6 uses Bluetooth and NFC connectivity to give you a gentle nudge when it needs some TLC. Just download the Hilti Connect App on your phone and you’ll be alerted whenever it needs a clean or a service. This means you can plan maintenance in advance, saving you time and avoiding any last-minute surprises. It will also track your activity and usage, making it easier than ever to monitor productivity and stay informed.
So, there you have it. 70 years of innovation, concluding with the new DX 6 that combines versatility, connectivity and total simplicity. A virtually dust-free and safer alternative to traditional methods, the DX 6 will not only help you work faster and smarter, but will give you the flexibility you need to adapt to a varying workload.
Interested? Head on over to our DX 6 page to find out more!