centrotec chuck alternative.

[sibejan]

i’d like to use wera bits and other branded bits, or whatever is available, in combination with my TPC and TID and old C15.
so the standard fastfix chuck with its centrotec is often useless. Is there a good fastfix fitting chuck on the market accepting non-centrotec ánd centrotec bits?

Mafell / metabo have a small bit-chuck, but it just does not fit (it does other way round). but i cant hack that chuck and i don’t want to hack my festool gear for it.

i know i can hack my bits into centrotec, but that’s preferably not what i want, ‘cause it’s not a solution when e. g. i have to use someone else’s bit.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

I don't know of anything that fits both, might be nice though.

 

[six-point socket II]

Some people retrofit (long) standard 1/4" hex bits/ and other consumables to fit the Centrotec chuck.

I have not seen a designated chuck that will accept both styles and attach to the FastFix interface.

Kind regards,
Oliver

 

[Roachmill]

The 12v Bosch Flexiclick chucks take normal and centrotec bits. I've seen some folk work some magic to fit them to Makita drills but no idea if the same could be done for fastfix. The Bosch fitting is great as it'll take a 25mm bit no problem, holds it right and gets you into the tightest of spaces.

 

[Mini Me]

The 12v Bosch Flexiclick chucks take normal and centrotec bits. I've seen some folk work some magic to fit them to Makita drills but no idea if the same could be done for fastfix. The Bosch fitting is great as it'll take a 25mm bit no problem, holds it right and gets you into the tightest of spaces.

I read that and just tried mine and you are right, I wonder why this is not highlighted as a feature of the Bosch system. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[six-point socket II]

Does it lock the Centrotec bit? (Because putting a Centrotec bit into any regular 1/4" hex bit-holder isn't a problem per se, most simply won't lock them.)

Kind regards,
Oliver

 

[woodferret]

BHS 60 CE doesn't work for you?

 

[mino]

BHS 60 CE doesn't work for you?

Seconded.

IMO Centrotec chuck + BHS 60 CE is superior to 99% of the "native" hex bit solutions out there. It almost makes the basic Centrotec bits redundant.

One can even use multiple Centrotec chucks, each with its own BHS + bit combo. They are easier to swap (well, more like harder to lose) during work than swapping bits.

 

[Roachmill]

Does it lock the Centrotec bit? (Because putting a Centrotec bit into any regular 1/4" hex bit-holder isn't a problem per se, most simply won't lock them.

It does indeed 8) Unlike the Milwaukee installer drill where Centrotec just falls out of the hex chuck. The Milwaukee locking hex chuck also eats so much of a 25mm bit, you have to use an additional adaptor (e.g. Rapidaptor) or take the chuck off - but then the bit is only held by a magnet. The Bosch offset chuck (right angle one too if you attach the normal hex chuck to it) has the same bit holder which is another win over the magnet-only Milwaukee. Having to use an extra adaptor is just a PITA; especially on an installer type drill used in confined spaces.

[attachimg=1]

Since 99% of my drill bits are hex, a locking chuck beats magnetic ones all day long... which is a pity as I prefer the Milwaukee over the Bosch (nicer in the hand, more power and better trigger IMO) but the Bosch normally wins out as it's more flexible.

 

[Mini Me]

The only reason I used Centrotech was for the countersink bit so with the Bosch taking the Centrotech bit I no longer need a Festool drill, I can live with that as it is nothing special being very old and the original reason I bought it was because I could not get brushless in anything else at the time.

 

[derekcohen]

I purchased a bunch of Centrotec bits about two years ago. They have been very disappointing. The drill bits are great, but the Centratec holders into which the bit goes are not perfectly accurate, and there is run out. The system works for carpentry use, but not if you are seeking the same accuracy as you get from the bits alone. I now use the drill bits without the Centrotec holders.

This is my experience. Tested with Festool C12 and PDC 18/4 (which was the inspiration to get Centrotec … to lighten the drill for workshop use), and Nova Voyager (to check run out). No measurements - the run out is easily seen.

Regards from Perth

Derek

 

[Coen]

Does it lock the Centrotec bit? (Because putting a Centrotec bit into any regular 1/4" hex bit-holder isn't a problem per se, most simply won't lock them.

It does indeed 8) Unlike the Milwaukee installer drill where Centrotec just falls out of the hex chuck. The Milwaukee locking hex chuck also eats so much of a 25mm bit, you have to use an additional adaptor (e.g. Rapidaptor) or take the chuck off - but then the bit is only held by a magnet. The Bosch offset chuck (right angle one too if you attach the normal hex chuck to it) has the same bit holder which is another win over the magnet-only Milwaukee. Having to use an extra adaptor is just a PITA; especially on an installer type drill used in confined spaces.

[attachimg=1]

Since 99% of my drill bits are hex, a locking chuck beats magnetic ones all day long... which is a pity as I prefer the Milwaukee over the Bosch (nicer in the hand, more power and better trigger IMO) but the Bosch normally wins out as it's more flexible.

You can get even shorter by not using the GSR 12v ## FC but the HX; it does not have exchangeable chucks but instead this type of bit holder fixed. Then the 35 instead of 15 variant is even shorter. Shortest is using the GSR 12v-35 FC without any chucks on it, but it only holds the bit magnetic.

I purchased a bunch of Centrotec bits about two years ago. They have been very disappointing. The drill bits are great, but the Centratec holders into which the bit goes are not perfectly accurate, [...]

What do you mean with 'Centrotec holder'?
This part;

Or something like this;