How Hilti's Cordless Core Drill Captured the 2026 NECA Showstopper Award

PLANO, Texas – October 15, 2026 — The modern commercial construction site is undergoing a quiet but profound transformation. The deafening roar of gas generators and the hazardous web of high-voltage extension cords are slowly being engineered out of existence. This shift was front and center at the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) Convention and Trade Show in Las Vegas, where the industry’s most critical innovations were put to the test by panels of expert judges.

Among the standout technologies recognized this year is a tool that tackles one of the most notoriously demanding applications in the commercial trades: diamond core drilling. Hilti North America, a global manufacturer of commercial-grade construction technology, has been awarded a 2026 NECA Showstopper Award for its DD 110-U-22 Cordless core drill. Selected as one of just 25 winners from a competitive pool of nearly 200 entries, the tool represents a significant milestone in advanced battery technology. By successfully migrating heavy-duty concrete and masonry coring to a cordless platform, the manufacturer is fundamentally altering how mechanical, electrical, and plumbing contractors approach jobsite mobility, safety, and operational efficiency.

Cutting the Cord on Heavy-Duty Operations

For decades, diamond core drilling was tethered to heavy electrical infrastructure. Drilling through reinforced concrete, masonry, or asphalt requires immense sustained power, mandating thick extension cords routed to temporary power poles or portable generators. This setup not only consumes valuable labor hours but also restricts mobility in confined or remote areas of a build.

The DD 110-U-22 severs this tether entirely. Built on the company's 22V Nuron battery platform, the drill delivers the sustained torque and rotational speed previously reserved for heavy corded equipment. Advanced electronic gear technology sits at the heart of this capability, automatically optimizing drilling performance across a wide range of hole diameters. This smart power management ensures that the tool draws only the necessary current for the specific material and bit size, maximizing runtime without sacrificing cutting speed.

Industry analysts note that bringing such a high-demand application to a 22-volt architecture demonstrates a massive leap in battery cell chemistry and motor efficiency. When paired with the manufacturer's cordless-optimized diamond core bits, the system reportedly delivers up to 30 percent greater battery life per charge. This pushes the boundaries of what a single battery can accomplish in a single shift, proving that cordless technology is no longer limited to light fastening and cutting tasks.

Prioritizing Safety in High-Torque Applications

The NECA Showstopper Awards do not merely evaluate raw power; the expert judges heavily weigh innovations that protect the workforce. Core drilling is inherently hazardous. When a diamond bit binds or jams on a piece of hidden rebar deep within a concrete slab, the rotational force instantly transfers to the tool's body. In traditional drills, this violent kickback can cause severe wrist, arm, and shoulder injuries to the operator.

To mitigate this pervasive danger, the DD 110-U-22 is equipped with Active Torque Control. This integrated safety feature utilizes internal gyroscopic sensors to detect sudden, uncontrolled tool rotation. If a jam occurs during handheld applications, the system instantly disengages the motor, stopping the drill's body from spinning and protecting the operator from blunt force trauma. Furthermore, the tool includes an integrated oscillation function designed to gently work loose stuck cores, a common frustration that typically leads to extensive downtime and dangerous manual prying.

Beyond the mechanics of the drill itself, the transition to cordless inherently resolves several pervasive jobsite hazards. Occupational Safety and Health Administration reports consistently highlight electrical hazards and trip-and-fall incidents as leading causes of jobsite injuries. By eliminating the need for extension cords trailing across wet concrete floors or scaffolding, battery-powered coring systems directly address these common safety citations, creating a cleaner and highly regulated work environment.

The Economics of a Single-Battery Ecosystem

While the technological and safety advancements are compelling, the rapid adoption of cordless heavy-duty tools is ultimately driven by jobsite economics. For commercial contractors, managing a sprawling inventory of power tools, varying battery chemistries, and incompatible chargers is a logistical nightmare. The DD 110-U-22 serves as a strategic component of a broader ecosystem approach.

By operating on the unified Nuron battery platform, it allows contractors to consolidate their tool fleets. Procurement directors and tool crib managers are increasingly focused on the total cost of ownership rather than just the initial purchase price. A single-battery ecosystem reduces the hidden costs of construction. Workers spend less time searching for the correct charger or waiting for a specific battery to replenish.

The financial viability of this model is further enhanced by integrated data capabilities. Modern battery platforms often include smart technology for asset tracking and predictive maintenance. When a core drill can transmit data regarding its usage, battery health, and location, contractors can optimize tool utilization, prevent theft, and schedule maintenance before a catastrophic failure halts production. In an era marked by skilled labor shortages, maximizing the uptime of both the worker and the tool is paramount to maintaining profit margins.

Redefining Jobsite Mobility and Productivity

The true value of untethered power is realized in the daily workflow of the tradesperson. The DD 110-U-22 is engineered for versatility, supporting both handheld operations for quick penetrations and rig-based drilling for larger or deeper cores. For vacuum-mounted or rig-based applications on slabs, the drill pairs seamlessly with the DD-ST 22 110 drill stand. This setup provides the stability and precision required for exact pipe and cable tray installations without sacrificing the flexibility of a cordless system.

Whether a plumber is drilling penetrations on a newly poured floor or an electrician is installing anchors in a retrofitted ceiling, the ability to simply pick up the tool and drill—without first spending thirty minutes running power lines—translates directly to massive labor savings. The recognition by NECA judges underscores a broader industry consensus: the future of commercial construction is cordless, connected, and driven by unified ecosystems. As battery technology continues its relentless advance, the line between corded and cordless performance has not just blurred; in many critical applications, it has been entirely erased.