Centrotech Chuck Issues

[MMCO]

I have been a big fan of Festool and decided last year to start replacing my DeWalt battery tools with Festool. I bought a CXS 12 and love the drill, BUT I hate the chuck for centrotec bits. I have consistently had difficulty getting the Centrotec bits to lock into the collet. Festool sent me a replacement, love their service, but the issue remains. Additionally, I have broken 2 of the chucks removing a screw. Probably shouldn't have used the CXS 12 for the screws but I guess I would hope the drill would sense the torque and stop instead of instantly breaking the internal components of the chuck. I have used DeWalt for years and never broken a chuck or had difficulty inserting bits. Has anyone else had these difficulties?

 

[thudchkr]

Never had any of those issues using the Centrotec chuck on any of five Festool drills I own. I have both the CXS 12 and CXS 18 so I don't think it is a power issue either.

The only issue I've encountered with the Centrotec chuck is one where I will sometime have a particular bit get stuck in the chuck. It has only happened with some Amana bits that are designed to go into either the Centrotec or a standard 1/4" hex drive. They don't want to release and usually a gentle tapping on the bit will free it. Never an issue with any bit designed for Centrotec alone.

 

[MMCO]

Never had any of those issues using the Centrotec chuck on any of five Festool drills I own. I have both the CXS 12 and CXS 18 so I don't think it is a power issue either.

The only issue I've encountered with the Centrotec chuck is one where I will sometime have a particular bit get stuck in the chuck. It has only happened with some Amana bits that are designed to go into either the Centrotec or a standard 1/4" hex drive. They don't want to release and usually a gentle tapping on the bit will free it. Never an issue with any bit designed for Centrotec alone.

I am only using Festool brand Centrotec bits. Festool said it is unusual for them not to seat properly. That is why they sent me a second one under warranty. I am having the exact same issues. I am now thinking I may have an issue with the drill interface on my CXS 12. Thank you for sharing your experience.

 

[rmhinden]

Since you replaced the chuck and are having the same problem, perhaps the problem is with the bit you are using. Do you have the problem with multiple Centrotec bits?

Bob

 

[flair woodworks]

I have never heard of an issue with a Centrotec chuck, nor have I experienced one with my own tools. Do you have a picture of the broken chuck, or can you describe what/how it broke? I'm really intrigued.

 

[Cheese]

I've also not experienced an issue. There's something else going on there. I have a C 15 purchased in 2011, a CXS 10.8 purchased in 2013 & a CXS 12 purchased in 2023 so over the years, the Centrotec chucks that come with each drill have been all mixed up. However they all work with each drill and every Centrotec drill bit/driver bit including Milwaukee drill bits that I modified and the Amana countersinks that @thudchkr was referring to.

 

[Hipplewm]

I use Festool and Snappy centrotec bit and have never had an issue

I want to try Amana - but haven't yet

Are you sure they are being fully inserted - on a Centrotec bit, it actually goes in so far as to go into the drive of the drill/driver - the piece you pictures does nothing but hold the bit from falling out and makes it easy to swap.

If you are using standard 1/4" impact bit and filing them down or grinding, you are on your own and results will vary across the board.

FWIW - I use my CXS12 to bury 6" lag screws - that thing will take whatever you can throw at it in speed 1.......

 

[Hipplewm]

Here is a picture of the bit insertion....

 

[Hipplewm]

I have one on my desk with a 50mm bit.....
Here is the picture of the bit besde the chuck, inserted and the backside of the chuck showing how far it goes into the chuck - you can leave them like this and swap chucks on the machine (I prefer to swap chucks rather than bit because I think it is less "figiditty" Also, in this configuration, properly inserted the bit spins freely inside of the chuck.

 

[Jim_in_PA]

I personally love the system and use it as exclusively as I can. In the rare moment that something comes looks, it's because it wasn't fully inserted into the Centrotec chuck. The tooling actually goes beyond the chuck and physically into the hex shaped drive portion of the drill/driver. I've also never broken one of these and I push the limits of my two CXS drill/drivers (original version) as well as a CXS18.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

I have one on my desk with a 50mm bit.....
Here is the picture of the bit besde the chuck, inserted and the backside of the chuck showing how far it goes into the chuck - you can leave them like this and swap chucks on the machine (I prefer to swap chucks rather than bit because I think it is less "figiditty" Also, in this configuration, properly inserted the bit spins freely inside of the chuck.

That's funny. I do just the opposite, for the same reason? It seems like more of a jiggle to get the chuck on, when the bit is already in. I wonder why we are experiencing this differently.

The rest, I am right there with everyone else. I have used a CXS, essentially daily, in a cabinet shop, for over 10 years. The only problem I ever had was 100% my fault. I was removing a screw that was too close to something else and the green ring snagged. It popped the whole thing apart! I put it back together, missing one ball bearing, and it still worked, until the fire.....PS, it couldn't take that.

 

[Hipplewm]

That's funny. I do just the opposite, for the same reason? It seems like more of a jiggle to get the chuck on, when the bit is already in. I wonder why we are experiencing this differently.

The rest, I am right there with everyone else. I have used a CXS, essentially daily, in a cabinet shop, for over 10 years. The only problem I ever had was 100% my fault. I was removing a screw that was too close to something else and the green ring snagged. It popped the whole thing apart! I put it back together, missing one ball bearing, and it still worked, until the fire.....PS, it couldn't take that.

I can only think of 2 things.
You were in a shop in likely semi ideal conditions. I am normally laying some contorted position with the CXS teetering on my chest while changing a bit one handed blind. The fact the bit is “captured” I think makes the difference for me. Also you only have to pull the black ring, for the bit you have to push green ring catch old bit and insert new bit all by feel. I am not that coordinated.
The other and try not to laugh here is my drill press has a fast fix adapter more or less permanently mounted and I find it easier for basically the same reason to change the chuck than the bit in a vertical upside down position.

I also have 3D printed fast fix holders by my press and other areas to keep things neat and bits aren’t rolling around.