centrotech versus ball detent versus wire detent ?

[mwildt]

Hi,

With the new CSX and the updated C12/C15 I'm again looking at the Festool drills. I currently use a heavy Ryobi 18V drill that have survived better that any other 18V drill I've had in the past. Battery cost was my main reason for picking this one.

So my question is in regard to the centrotech and the 'other types' of hex bit types like ball detent and wire detent. What's the difference ? can both be used in Festool centrotech chuck ?

Buying new bits etc probably wont happen since I already have a vast selection.

Thanks,
Michael

 

[Brice Burrell]

Michael, regular hex ball or wire detent bits don't fit in the Centrotec chuck.  Regular hex bits fit into the Festool bit holders fine.  The good news is you don't have to use the Centrotec chuck/bits if you don't want to since every Festool drill comes with a Jacobs chuck so you can still use all of your existing drill bits, ball and wire detent bits. 

 

[mwildt]

Appreciate the reply.

Hmm, that's a bummer since my main reason to get one would have been to get a smaller 'length/package'. If I have to add the jacobs chuck then my existing quick release then bit, then the whole length is getting close to what I have. Good that it does come with a regular chuck though.

Appreciate the info.

Michael

 

[Alan m]

if length is the main point then you could put your normal hex bits in the end of the motor shaft with no chucks at all. that way you can loose about 2"for the chuck or bit holder.

 

[Brice_Arnold]

You can still run a 1/4" hex bit in any of the drills without a chuck or with the right angle adapter. The bit gets held in place with a magnet. Not as positive or secure as the above mentioned systems but if you are looking for the ultimate in compact then this would be an option when that need arises.

Edit: +1, the above post.

 

[AlexThePalex]

You're not gonna find anything smaller than a Festool drill with a bit placed directly into the shaft. Not even a 10.8 v model will be smaller in length.

The big advantage of the Centrotec system is the huge versatility you get. You can use different chucks - 6 in total (5 in USA because you don't have Protool) to get a lot of different mounting options, you get a quick change system that works fabulous, and you can still use all your standard existing drill bits. Unless somebody invents something that works even better than Centrotec, I am never going back to anything else.

 

[GhostFist]

There is a centrotec/quick release attachment that fits standard ball detent hex bits. its expensive ($40 here in sunny Canada) and isn't the most secure quick release I've seen especially considering the price. quite a bit of wobble in the bits. This doesn't really affect performance but it still bugs me. There was a thread on here on how to modify standard bits to work with the centrotec system I really only need this for Robertson bits but would be keen on doing it.

 

[Alan m]

You're not gonna find anything smaller than a Festool drill with a bit placed directly into the shaft. Not even a 10.8 v model will be smaller in length.

The big advantage of the Centrotec system is the huge versatility you get. You can use different chucks - 6 in total (5 in USA because you don't have Protool) to get a lot of different mounting options, you get a quick change system that works fabulous, and you can still use all your standard existing drill bits. Unless somebody invents something that works even better than Centrotec, I am never going back to anything else.

what head has protool got that festool dont

 

[justinmcf]

Alan. Protool have the 3/8 socket bit adapter.

I have it, but I buy normal priced socket bits. Not the over priced Protool stuff.

Justin.

 

[tbellemare]

There are 6 chucks here for the T +3, C 12, and TDK drills...

Centrotec
Right Angle
Eccentric
Depth Stop
1/2" (nominal) Keyless
5/16" (nominal) Keyless

Tom

 

[James Watriss]

There is a centrotec/quick release attachment that fits standard ball detent hex bits. its expensive ($40 here in sunny Canada) and isn't the most secure quick release I've seen especially considering the price. quite a bit of wobble in the bits. This doesn't really affect performance but it still bugs me. There was a thread on here on how to modify standard bits to work with the centrotec system I really only need this for Robertson bits but would be keen on doing it.

It's technically for holding wire-detent bits, which is why it's so wobbly. But it also has a magnet, so it's a step up from the plain magnetic bit holder.

 

[AlexThePalex]

what head has protool got that festool dont

This one:

[attachimg=1]

There are 6 chucks here for the T +3, C 12, and TDK drills...

...........
5/16" (nominal) Keyless

Nah, I wasn't counting that 5/16'' - 8 mm head for the CXS. But if we do, we got 7 here.

 

[tbellemare]

It works, Alex. The 1/2" Keyless also works on the CXS.

Tom