Hilka Tools. Whats your opinion?

[conny]

Looking at various power tools, (nothing specific, just man porn, Lol), and seen some Hilka equipment. Seem to recall from other places I have worked that the metal workers, (welders, platers boiler makers etc), often used Hilka gear.

Whats your opinion on their woodworking range? Are they still a good buy?

 

[^woody^]

I don't know about power tools, but in my local tool shop the hilka hand tools are mainly in the 'general and bargain' part of the shop alongside silvercrest and rolson etc.

 

[DaveHerns]

I've still got most of my Hilka socket set I bought in about 1972, only the ratchet broke!

 

[ntb]

Most of what they sell these days is Chinesium tat. I have the vague notion that many years ago they used to sell slightly better stuff. Probably because nobody made anything quite that useless in those days.

 

[DaveHerns]

You're probably right!

 

[conny]

Decided to buy a Hilka Biscuit Jointer, which arrived yesterday, and to be honest I think its great.
Obviously not used it a great deal yet but did about 20 practice cuts and it still seems as good as new. Jointed a couple of boards and they seem to be very solid. Easy to set up and use with the added advantage it has a 135degree angle plate allowing you to joint mitred corners. Some of the more 'famous brand' names don't seem to have this and are costing a lot more.

Maybe give a fuller review in a few months time when I try it out for real.

Thanks guys.

 

[Julian Burton]

Hilka Tools are simply not worth buying. I bought a superb socket set made by them in 1972. Chrome Vanadium steel, incredibly strong and still going like it was new. By contrast I have just bought a Hilka branded impact driver, and it's rubbish. The bits are claimed to be vanadium steel but they're not. Probably old Mig fighters, they are made in China and just branded by Hilka. It's a shame that something that was once so good is now so bad. Quality and durability is clearly compromised.

 

[Stivino]

Hilka Tools are simply not worth buying.

I disagree. They may not be up there with the top names but, they have a massive range of keenly priced tools and are a good compromise between price and quality.