I am surprised and disappointed to discover that a new, fully-charged C15 left 2-1/2" drywall screws 1" proud before shutting down. Torque set at 25 and speed setting on #1. I was attaching 1-1/2" fir to 2" fir. Seems that it would quit just as the screws tried to enter the second piece of fir. I did not pre-drill since the screws are self tapping and my 18v DeWalt never experienced this problem in the past. Based on many comments here on FOG, I expected that the C/T15s would "out-torque" even 18v drills. Well, I switched to my 8-year old DeWalt and sunk the same screws as deep as I wanted with absolutely no problem.
C15 can't sink drywall screw?
- Thread starter Iwood75
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Captainwrinkles
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Send it back. I bought a T15 that had drive issues. I think it still does, but its not too much of a problem anymore
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Make sure you're in drill mode and not screw mode. That overrides the clutch setting. Flipped opposite what's shown below in the image. If it beeps (twice I think) before it stops, that's the clutch engaging.
I can drive 10-12" screws without a problem using the C12 and T12. I do it all the time at trade shows.
Send it in for repair if you think there's a problem with it. That's why we have a warranty. [wink]
Shane
I can drive 10-12" screws without a problem using the C12 and T12. I do it all the time at trade shows.
Captainwrinkles said:
Send it in for repair if you think there's a problem with it. That's why we have a warranty. [wink]
Shane
I have a C15 and don't have this issue. First day I got it I took it down to my shop and drove 3 inch screws into some leftover oak Newell post I had. Drove it nicely..But I did have it on the setting Shane pointed out above, I find that works best for me and now that Shane explained it I know why. I find I keep it there for most tasks and if I need precision I drop it down. Something sounds wrong with yours potentially.
Where I really have grown to appreciate the awesomeness of this drill is when I am putting something together. Most recently bunk beds...The drill works incredibly well at low speeds, it's like using a hand screwdriver.
Where I really have grown to appreciate the awesomeness of this drill is when I am putting something together. Most recently bunk beds...The drill works incredibly well at low speeds, it's like using a hand screwdriver.
Thanks Shane for the suggestion to use drill mode to override the clutch. I get the concept. However, I DID want/expect the clutch to engage when the screw was seating to prevent overdriving the screws so I had it set to the screw (clutch) mode.
I'm not thinking there's something wrong with the drill. Just underpowered for this task. However, this shouldn't present any challenge at all for a drill that's supposed to perform like "18v drills." Right? ???
I'll recreate the same scenario in drill mode tomorrow and manually "feather" the screw heads flush.
Thanks again for the reassurances.
Joel
I'm not thinking there's something wrong with the drill. Just underpowered for this task. However, this shouldn't present any challenge at all for a drill that's supposed to perform like "18v drills." Right? ???
I'll recreate the same scenario in drill mode tomorrow and manually "feather" the screw heads flush.
Thanks again for the reassurances.
Joel
This is a great accessory for dry wall screws. http://www.festoolproducts.com/Festool-493539-Fastfix-Depth-Stop-Chuck-for-Festoo-p/493539.htm
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Joel,
I was just going by your comment about sinking them as deep as you wanted with your other drill. That made it seem like the clutch wasn't a concern. There comes a point depending on the screw and material being fastened that the clutch will engage due to the torque being applied, even at its highest setting. The clutch, I would think, is more often used for smaller screws or a material that might strip or cam out easily.
The trigger on our drills is very nice for setting a screw with precision. It's variable speed and with a brushless motor, I can walk even a super long screw in as slow as I want.
Shane
I was just going by your comment about sinking them as deep as you wanted with your other drill. That made it seem like the clutch wasn't a concern. There comes a point depending on the screw and material being fastened that the clutch will engage due to the torque being applied, even at its highest setting. The clutch, I would think, is more often used for smaller screws or a material that might strip or cam out easily.
The trigger on our drills is very nice for setting a screw with precision. It's variable speed and with a brushless motor, I can walk even a super long screw in as slow as I want.
Shane
Shane,
Couldn't wait 'til tomorrow. I just ran out to the shop (brrrr) to try it. You're absolutely correct. [big grin] In the drill mode, it runs the screws in just fine and – as you and skids commented – the trigger is so sensitive and controllable that I had no problem setting the heads as I wanted without help from the clutch.
THANKS! Happy Camper Joel
Couldn't wait 'til tomorrow. I just ran out to the shop (brrrr) to try it. You're absolutely correct. [big grin] In the drill mode, it runs the screws in just fine and – as you and skids commented – the trigger is so sensitive and controllable that I had no problem setting the heads as I wanted without help from the clutch.
THANKS! Happy Camper Joel
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Mission complete. Another happy camper! [thumbs up]
Holzhacker
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Very questionable choice of companions in the new picture Shane
Years ago when that show first came out, myself and others would sit around at lunch talking about all the creative jobsite ways we could OFF him and his partner.
Problem was we'd go look at jobs; people would ask how long it would take; and then say some variation of 'what do you mean it will take X, Norm and Bob and their crew did it in a couple hours'.
At that point you had to decide if you wanted the job or not. Play it cool and explain the amount of work it was or kill the job by asking 'hey moron, ever heard of film editing'.
Seriously though it wasn't just happening to me and it happened on a somewhat regular basis.
Years ago when that show first came out, myself and others would sit around at lunch talking about all the creative jobsite ways we could OFF him and his partner.
Problem was we'd go look at jobs; people would ask how long it would take; and then say some variation of 'what do you mean it will take X, Norm and Bob and their crew did it in a couple hours'.
At that point you had to decide if you wanted the job or not. Play it cool and explain the amount of work it was or kill the job by asking 'hey moron, ever heard of film editing'.
Seriously though it wasn't just happening to me and it happened on a somewhat regular basis.
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bnewb said:
Let's keep this positive. I don't think the question was about proper fastening technique. If so, you wouldn't use a drywall screw either (sorry I worked for McFeelys and am a bit of a screw geek now). Maybe he was just testing the capability of his new drill rather than messing with proper fastener type or pre-drilling.
The question was answered and I think he's satisfied with the results. That's what matters most.
Back to sinking screws... [wink]
