Cord "Plug-It" ends not the same on all Festools

[grbmds]

I have an OF 1400 router, TS55 REQ saw, Domino 500, and an ETS125 sander. The cords that came with the ETS125 and Domino have different plug ends on the tool side than those that came with the saw and router. This effectively means that I do not have a "Plug-It" system because the sander and Domino cords will not work with the saw and router since these ends have a ridge in the plug and the router and saw don't have that ridge.

Why is that? Since one of the Festool features is that all cords and plugs work interchangeably, they should all be the same. Until tonight I had not really tried to use them across all of the tools.

 

[Wooden Skye]

The cords have different gauge ratings.  You can use the saw cord with the sander, but not the sander cord with the saw.

 

[Theshipstore]

You can use the cords that came with the TS 55 and OF 1400 on all Festool tools, the cord on the sander is a smaller gauge wire as the sanders draw less electrically.
So you can go down so to speak but not up. The extra nub on the plug it cords prevents this mis match of cords.

Basically 18 gauge and 16 gauge cords

Bryan beat me to the punch    [wink]

 

[grbmds]

So it's a plug-it system that's not a plug-it system? Seems like that should be an upfront qualification. It certainly doesn't seem like that's something most know until it's too late. I suppose it's not a big deal but seems like a feature that really only has limited usefulness. Disappointing I guess, especially if you happen to buy only 1 of the tools that have universal plugs.

 

[Wooden Skye]

I had the same question when I first got into Festool, not knowing much about electrical, it made sense.  Now I think it is awesome.  I have an extra OF1400 from when I bought my used LR32 set.  I keep that in the CT and go from tool to tool without having to unplug 1 tool and plug in another. 

 

[RKA]

I guess it depends on how you define useful.  If you have all low wattage tools, it's fine.  If you get one high wattage tool, you can tie that to your dust extractor hose and it works with all your tools.  And your 18 gauge cords have plenty of company in the festool cord graveyard (bottom drawer in the shop).

 

[dlu]

Basically, what the ridge does is to ensure that you always use a cord that is adequate for the tool. Larger wire will work on lower wattage tools, but the smaller wire doesn't have the current carrying capacity to support the big tools.

Next time I buy a tool, I think I'll ask the dealer if it is possible to swap out cords – or maybe I'll just buy one "large" cord as a spare.

 

[Chip S.]

Hey guys, just went through the tools here & compiled this list for us. In case anyone is wondering about a particular tool figured I'd share...

16 gauge Plug-It: OF1400, TS55R, TS75

Hard-wired: DX93, KS120, HL850, OF2200, RS2

All others come with 18 gauge Plug-It's.

 

[leakyroof]

Hey guys, just went through the tools here & compiled this list for us. In case anyone is wondering about a particular tool figured I'd share...

16 gauge Plug-It: OF1400, TS55R, TS75

Hard-wired: DX93, KS120, HL850, OF2200, RS2

All others come with 18 gauge Plug-It's.

. Thanks Chip.  Can you add the part number of the heavier gauge cord in case some wants it?

 

[cghunt]

Why not make all one? Stupid imo

 

[DoubleL]

It is my understanding that they went with the lighter gauge cord for lower power tools such as sanders because they weigh a little less and are more flexible.  Makes using the tools a little easier.

Larry

 

[Naildrivingman]

I had the same question when I first got into Festool, not knowing much about electrical, it made sense.  Now I think it is awesome.  I have an extra OF1400 from when I bought my used LR32 set.  I keep that in the CT and go from tool to tool without having to unplug 1 tool and plug in another.

When I realized this difference in cords, I was tempted to go out and buy new 16 gauge cords and shelve my 18’s, but then I went the route above. With a 16 onboard my CT all the time it makes life much easier.

 

[Mario Turcot]

As a CT owner you end up with a systainer full of plug it-cords

It would not hurt to have only the 16GA cords on all tools. Will not make a diff in price, only few oz to the weight and a nightmareless system to the end users. Logistically it would be beneficial to Festool themself.

Mario

 

[jeh]

The Festool cords only advantage is the plug-it feature. The cords material is crap compared to the Mafell cords. There’s are much more flexible with less memory.

 

[peter halle]

The Festool cords only advantage is the plug-it feature. The cords material is crap compared to the Mafell cords. There’s are much more flexible with less memory.

Glad to hear that Mafell uses such great cords.  Too bad they don't fit Festool plug-it sockets.  Perhaps Festool can investigate a similar product for their cords in the future.

Peter

 

[darth2]

Festool seems to have a lot of these sorts of issues.  My newly acquired ETS-EC has a ribbed hose connector that now doesn't work very well with the new smooth hose I just got with my CT26, although my RO 125 has the correct fitting.  Why wouldn't they have switched this part out so it works with the current hoses?
I just bought an HKC as well and it seems weird that they tout dust collection but don't include the dust bag.  They must assume you will either go without dust collection or invest in their CT to do so.  The FSK comes without the protective bag even though its part of the HKC kit with which they give you a systainer for the saw.
The HKC should be $810 and include the guide stop, parallel guide, dust bag and bluetooth batteries.  It would go a long way to making for happy customers.