Comparing specs on 18v drills

[fifo28]

I am looking at the new 18v T drill and comparing specs.  I have looked at the Bosch 18v VSR Compact Drill.  The Bosch runs at 0 - 500 / 0 - 1,600 and the Festool runs at 0 - 450 / 0 - 1500, so the Bosch is a little faster.  For torque the Bosch has 500 in-lbs. and the Festool has 398 in-lbs, again the Bosch is a bit higher.

Now I know the Festool has features the Bosch can't compare with (chucks, centrotec, brushless motor, etc).  But its interesting that the specs on the Bosch are a bit better.  I am wondering if I am comparing apples to apples on the specs or if I am missing something.

 

[Sean7a]

Fifo, I'm sure someone can chime in and give us some better info here, but be careful about how each drill was tested.  Many companies have refused to agree upon standardized testing to rate various power tool specs.

An example.  I recently learned that DeWalt now uses UWO, unit watts out, to rate their drills.  As far as I understand this is a more accurate way to rate a drills "power."  A combination of speed as well as torque.  Many companies measure the torque of their rotational tools (in this case drills) when the drill is ready to clutch out and has completely binded up.  Measuring torque @ the chuck in this environment is going to result in an inflated number that is not an accurate reading of what the drill will put out in real world applications.

 

[jmbfestool]

Specs are only a guide I never really go by specs with drills especially the torque they are always way way out.   I have used Drills claiming more torque than another drill but then have no where near as much torque as one who claims less torque.  So what I'm saying even though Bosch claims more torque I'm not saying it is but it might have less torque than the festool in reality

Best way to find out is get a large screw or something and test the drills side by side driving the screw in.

Jmb

 

[Brice Burrell]

I looked at the numbers a few years ago when I thinking about getting a Festool T15.  Like you I thought the specs on the Festool seemed low compared to other drills its size.  Turns out the torque of the T15 blew the other drills away in actual use.  I have don't doubt that the T18 will be much the same. 

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

The specification nerds at Festool corporate seem to practice the philosophy of under promise and over deliver almost to a fault. Their numbers tend to be rather understated. Maybe it's a European thing, I don't know. But like Brice said, the T15 has more than ample torque, the T18 can snap your arm in two.

 

[Ken Nagrod]

The specification nerds at Festool corporate seem to practice the philosophy of under promise and over deliver almost to a fault. Their numbers tend to be rather understated. Maybe it's a European thing, I don't know. But like Brice said, the T15 has more than ample torque, the T18 can snap your arm in two.

You have pictures?

Specs are nothing more than advertising and who believes advertisers, right?

The only real way to compare is run an equivalent test yourself or trust someone else who has.

 

[andy5405]

My Bosch 10.8v impact driver claims to have a torque of 100Nm. I drove a  inch screw part way into some stud work and the Bosch gave up. It wouldn't even remove it. I wound it back out easily with my 12v Dewalt drill/driver which has a torque of only 25-30Nm.

What I would like to know is what the hammer action is like on the Protool PDC 18-4. Is it in anyway comparable to an SDS for drilling 6-8m holes in masonry. Obviously any SDS will be better but the Protool might enbale me to leave my SDS and it's power cord in the case more often.

 

[justinmcf]

Hi Andy.

For DIY use, I am sure the Protool will meet your needs easily.
But for a tradesman, there is no way that any hammer action cordless is going to replace an SDS drill. Even for small holes that you have specified.

An SDS drill is going to be so much faster.
If speed is not an issue for you, then go for the hammer action cordless.
Personally, I have never been a big fan of hammer action cordless drills.

I am sure it is only a matter of time before Protool add a cordless SDS drill to their great range of cordless tools.

Justin.

 

[AlexThePalex]

What I would like to know is what the hammer action is like on the Protool PDC 18-4. Is it in anyway comparable to an SDS for drilling 6-8m holes in masonry. Obviously any SDS will be better but the Protool might enbale me to leave my SDS and it's power cord in the case more often.

Of course it is not comparable to an SDS, if you want that, you're asking too much. But the PDC will drill 6-8 mm holes in concrete without a problem. Only be prepared for the noise, the PDC 18-4 is incredibly noisy in hammer mode.

 

[jmbfestool]

I have never been a fan off drills with Hammer action! 

One makes the drill Heavier! 

Two more can go wrong! 

Three yes they will do a small hole but slower!  I do see why people want them if saves getting out another tool and leads for one Hole!  Thats why I bought a Cordless SDS for doing one just a couple of holes!  I carry my Milwaukee Cordless in a sys 5!  which has Milwaukee Impact (did have Milwaukee drill/Driver in der aswell but I dont like it never use it, Same goes with my Jigsaw) Cordless Milwaukee SDS,  Cordless Circular saw and 10x M18  batteries  2 of them Red lithium  and got some more red lithiums ones coming.  So handy for a job I dont need to set a lead up!  I tried to fit the cordless grinder in it but no room! I need a bigger Sys box! I dont use the grinder often so that has its own place in my van.

JMB