I'm looking to get a new drill. I have decided on the c15 or the t15. i would like to get input from user of both on what you like / dislike about each.
it will mainly be used for shop use, i already have a cxs and that is my go to for mainly everything, but its time for something with more power and bigger capacity

thanks for your input

I also have the CXS and love it. Bought the new C15, and all the chucks,  when it came out.  Lots of power but heaver then the CXS. Waiting for the new t15 impact driver later this fall. So my $0.02 is buy the C15 not or wait for the new T15 this fall.

why not go t-18, then you re unstopable

I'm with GhostFist on this one. I bought the C15 and love it but since you already have the CXS (I didn't and just wanted one drill), go for the T18 since you will only need it for the really heavy duty stuff

Sorry, you're not getting a good answer to the difference between the "T" and "C" I would like to hear the answer too.

have more than one drill and it would be helpful to know how the T and C compare.

Cheer,
Steve

As far as T vs C goes. I had a CXS first and LOVED, and still do, the ergonomics. Waited for the C15's to come out but found the feel to be much different. For me the C series seemed to be uncomfortable, keep in mind I have a crush injury on my right hand so that affects how I grip. For people who haven't smashed their fingers off I'm sure its fine. as far as the T series of drills go. I currently own a T-15 and LOVE it. the ergonomics and balance on this drill are very good better than other drills on the market IMO. So I'm all for the T's.

There's a bunch on here who swear by C series but I have to maintain my suggestion for a T-18.

The difference is that the battery that comes with the C 12 is a 10.8 volt / 1.5 Ah LiIon battery and the T 12 comes with the 10.8 volt / 3.0 Ah LiIon battery.  Translates to greater run time with the T 12 at the cost of a larger size and heavier battery.  Both batteries work with both drills, if you were wondering about a dealer swap of some sort.

I don't know of any difference in a current model T 15 or C 15 other than the configuration. The difference in the configuration to me is somewhat significant...

Most people in the 'States are used to T-drills so that's the style they like. The C-drill configuration is a bit unusual here. The only ones that I recall from the past were Panasonics and they were really good drills.

The main difference in my opinion is when you want to push on what the drill is turning. Whether using a drill bit or a driver bit, sometimes you have to push pretty hard on the end of the bit. If you are using a T-drill and you want to push hard on that bit, you'd better use two hands - one on the trigger and one behind the motor so that the one behind the motor is pushing down the axis of the bit. With a C-drill, using only one hand, you can pull the trigger and push down the axis of rotation.

There is another consideration and I never thought about it until it was pointed out by someone on this Forum. When you hold a T-drill, your hand is farther forward and when you hold a C-drill, it is somewhat farther back but not much at all. This could conceivably add to the total length of the drill but I don't really think it's a consideration. I have both a C 15 and T 18 and just checked that theory. I don't see a significant difference.

I hope that helps. I can go into more detail and use visual support if needed.


Tom


EDIT before posting: Kev posted this while I was writing...


That might well be your best advice.

Yes and no, Steve...

I seem to get into these weird situations, on top of a ladder, where I'm hanging on to some structure to get a purchase so my ladder doesn't tip and pushing a bit or driver bit with the other hand. For some reason, that tends to happen to me more than I'd like.

That's where the C-drills shine! When you have only one hand to use.

I think we agree completely though. It's a personal thing.


Tom

I'll try again, maybe I'm being obtuse...

What I meant to say is that often I'm in a situation where I can only hold the drill with one hand but I need to push pretty hard. The C-drill allows me to push down the shaft of the bit and pull the trigger on the drill with only the one hand I have to hold the drill. The way a T-drill is designed to be held, I need a second hand to push on the back of the drill motor. If I have only one hand and a T-drill, I'm either bending the bit or losing traction in the fastener that I want to drive. The handle on a T-drill is offest from the axis of rotation of the drive.


Tom

Just as an aside, when you consider the form factor chosen for Festool's newest drills (T18, Ti15) it's pretty obvious which style Festool considers more popular.

Image a C18 or Ci15 ? ... Not likely.

The T's initially came out without lights - so you can see how the thinking gradually evolved.

I agree the CXS and T18 are the ideal combo. I had 2 of the original C drills and really liked them but they just never fit my hands well. The T drills fit far better and are more comfortable - to me. I wear a size 9-10 glove if that helps. If at all possible, you need to handle both drills prior to purchase or if in doubt go with the T for more power. I have not heard anyone say the T drill did not fit their hand just that they might have a preference to the C for pressure on the bit. I have heard several say the C does not fit their hand so seems the T drill series are almost guaranteed to satisfy. Don't bother with the T12 or C12 as they are just 10.8 volt batteries. I have both the T12 and T15 and see no advantage at all to the T12.

Your probably right, though i don't know what the fine print on the 30 days return policy says in the states, but in europe it says the tool can show signs of light use, but no damage or traces of abuse. While thats doable with most tools, with drills it's quite impossible. I took my T15 2 days on a jobsite to install windows, it fell several times off my belt clip (the hook is too small IMO), a window tipped over and fell on it, etc... After those two days it' in worse shape than my 1 year old CXS which hasn't left the shop.
I went for the T15 and don't regret it, according to the specs it's just a few Nm under the T18, so i don't know if the difference in power actually shows, so far i haven't came across a task it couldn't handle, and the battery life is excellent. During one week of jobsite work installing windows and building a 3 car carport with shed with thousands of screws, i started the week with a 2/3 full battery, and ended it with the second battery still 2/3 rd full! While the others with their DeWalt 18v also brand new had to switch batteries at least once a day. And i can say my T15 saw alot more use because they frequently borrowed it since i always had it on my belt.

That's your personal choice and that's fair enough.

From my perspective I wouldn't go back to either Bosch or Makita if they were giving them away - that's how much better I feel the Festool (and Protool) offerings are.

I'd probably go Dewalt, Hilti, Metabo, etc way before either of your choices - again, personal choice.

I agree.  Forgot my makitas the other day...just had my t15...reminded me how much i dislike it (vs an impact)