Hilti, a Switzerland-based leader in fastening and demolition tools, has launched three new innovative tools which it says offer contractors unprecedented efficiency and reliability, speed and safety in installation of ceilings and partitions.

They are the DX 351 fastening tool, the PR 15 rotating laser and the SF4000 drywall screwdriver.

Detailing their features, a company spokesman says: ''The new DX 351 is fully-automatic powder-actuated fastening tool with magazine for strips of 10 nails. With a weight of only 2.4 kg, it is the lightest in its class - and the rebirth of a legend. In developing the DX 351, Hilti has come up with the perfect sequel to a world-wide success story. Incorporating all the advantages of its highly-esteemed forerunner, the DX36M, the tool offers a host of additional new features.

''Developed and designed specially for interior finishing, the DX 351 fastens on concrete and steel at high speed and with an absolute minimum of effort, particularly when working overhead and in repetitive fastening applications. Its secret lies in a unique combination of innovative specially-designed nails and the use of propellant cartridges of a lower power level. These enhancements have made a considerable reduction in recoil and noise possible, resulting in greater fastening comfort and significantly improved efficiency.

''Hilti's research engineers had the objective of reducing the energy required to drive a nail. To achieve this, the nails were optimised to ensure the same high fastening quality with a shank of reduced diameter. These new nails permit the use of special white cartridges that provide the lower driving energy required to attain reliable fastenings of the highest quality. The advantages to the user become immediately obvious: perfect fastenings with significantly less effort. As every user knows from experience, less stress and fatigue when working results in more rapid progress and greater cost-efficiency.

Fast magazine

''Its simple mechanical working principle and innovative nail magazine make the DX 351 a pleasingly, easy-to-operate, fully-automatic fastening tool. Installation work in interior finishing is speeded up considerably by the handy strips of 10 nails in lengths of up to 27 mm. Using the quickly-reloaded magazine, nails can be driven at a rate of up to 720 per hour, with a minimum of effort, as the DX 351 is the lightest tool in its class.

''No matter whether fastening drywall profiles or clips for suspended ceilings, whether working on steel or concrete; infinite power regulation ensures fasteners are driven with the optimum energy to suit the individual requirements of the job. This opens up a wide range of applications for each class of cartridge. The result: less time lost changing cartridges and fewer types of cartridge require to be kept in stock by users. In addition to the new nails, almost the entire range of Hilti DX fasteners can be driven by this tool, with no need to change the piston. Offering great universality in fastening applications, the DX 351 conclusively combines optimum performance with maximum working comfort, convenience and ease of use.''

Quick as a flash

The PR 15 rotating laser levels itself automatically and is ready to supply precise alignment data in only a few seconds, according to the spokesman.

"At present, no other tool is capable of indicating, measuring, transferring and checking horizontal, vertical or inclined planes as well as right angles on the construction site with such simplicity, reliability and with so little effort," comments Armin Spiegel, manager of Hilti's laser positioning systems unit. ''The tool offers accuracy to the millimetre in the horizontal and vertical planes, on a given incline or at right angles. Even in daylight, at a distance of a 100 m, it still clearly indicates the exact position to the construction professional.''

One of the technical highlights of the robust but relatively lightweight PR 15 is said to be its self-adjusting, self-levelling electronic system contained in a sensor module insensitive to temperature changes. Offering unbeaten precision, reliability and long-term stability, the new design incorporates ball bearings to ensure smooth rotation of the laser head without the slightest play, according to the spokesman.

While fulfilling the most stringent safety requirements of laser Class 2 instruments, the PR 15 emits an exceptionally clearly visible laser beam, he says.

''One of the decisive features that makes the laser so straightforward and quick to use is its built-in, automatic beam-catching function. By holding a simple, small plastic plate with a special reflective surface - without electronics or battery - within the plane of the rotating laser beam, the beam can be "caught", making it clearly visible as a line while it oscillates at this point. Utilising this feature, even a single person equipped with a beam-catcher plate can very quickly level and align any desired number of points within a radius of 30 m or, using a special accessory laser detector, at a distance of up to 100 m from the laser.

''The PR 15 levels itself immediately, indicates the horizontal or vertical planes and projects an absolutely perpendicular reference beam with the greatest accuracy of ±1.5 mm at a distance of 10 m. It maintains these levels even when subjected to vibration or when slight alterations are made. Nevertheless, should the beam leave the original plane unintentionally, for example, when the tool is bumped accidentally or the ground or material on which it is set up changes in some way, the laser cuts out automatically, interrupting operations until the situation has been checked. All of these features make it not only the quickest, but also the most versatile, most reliable and most easily operated rotating laser on the market.

''Those who need to align wall forms precisely without the hindrance of strings or set up floor decks at exactly the right height, monitor the pouring of concrete quickly and exactly, keep to a highly accurate plumb line when building masonry block walls or transfer datum marks all round with the greatest precision, will find that the Hilti PR 15 presents a unique solution. The same applies to the installation of suspended ceilings, the alignment of partition walls and channel installations, window and door frames or light fittings - even the alignment of roof timbering by a single person.''

The new lightweight

A new 'lightness of being' comes with the Hilti SF 4000, a drywall screwdriver weighing only 1.3 kg, according to the manufacturer.

The spokesman elaborates: ''Like a feather in one's hand, the screwdriver's unique handling comfort and high performance assure users of high productivity. The perfect balance of this new lightweight tool permits virtually effortless screwdriving with the highest level of comfort and convenience. A completely new, unique cooling system keeps dust and air away from operators, making it easier for them to increase productivity.

''Dust in one's eyes and nose can be very disturbing. That's why the SF 4000 vents its cooling air through the front of its knuckle guard so that it will not impair the user in any way. This carefully-considered detail saves annoyance, time and money, and thus noticeably contributes to raising efficiency during drywall installation.

''With its ergonomical design, the Hilti SF 4000 is the lightest drywall screwdriver in its class. It has a unique balance and rubber-padded grip, a low noise level and allows for quick and simple bit changes.

''Despite maximised performance and convenience, this red screwdriver has minimised dimensions to increase its flexibility and users' access to even tight places and corners. Additional freedom of movement comes from the extra-long supply cord of 5 m, proving yet again that Hilti knows no compromises when putting users' ideas and wishes into practice. Another revolutionary feature, a removable scaffolding hook, keeps the SF 4000 ready at hand virtually anywhere, as so often necessary on jobsites.

''If large numbers of identical fastenings have to be made, the screwdriver can be converted to a high-speed system in a matter of seconds with the Hilti SMI 55 screw magazine. This accessory has proven itself a million times over throughout the world and, of course, magazined screws open the way to even greater productivity. When converted to a magazine tool, the SF 4000 can be operated just as simply with one hand, but then with a performance of up to 2,000 fastenings a day.''

Hilti serves the Gulf through a regional office in Dubai, UAE.