I work in the window fashion industry as an installer. I currently use a Bosch 18V impact driver (super loud and a not the lightest unit) and would like to upgrade to Festool. I tend to drive 1/2", 3/4" and lately a lot of Roberson #1 sq groove 3" screws. When I install shutters (50% of my business) I use a 2 1/2" or 3" Roberson screws (often 10 - 3" per shutter. I often install 10-20 shutters per day). Currently my 18V Bosch battery will give me a full day of work or close to it. What would be the suggested product to purchase. I would like the 90 angle attachment as I'm certain it would help. I would appreciate the advice.
CXS VS CXS VS TID18 - Looking to upgrade from Bosch Impact driver
- Thread starter Wolpert
- Start date
I would recommend a 12volt tool for weight savings, as there really isn't a need for 18volt tools with such small screws. 3" screws also might be best driven with an impact depending on material hardness.
The Milwaukee M12 Surge would fit the bill for driving larger screws quietly. Milwaukee also makes an M12 driver with interchangeable heads as does Bosch.
Can't comment much on Festool's lineup as I don't own any.
Why square drive? Torx is far superior.
The Milwaukee M12 Surge would fit the bill for driving larger screws quietly. Milwaukee also makes an M12 driver with interchangeable heads as does Bosch.
Can't comment much on Festool's lineup as I don't own any.
Why square drive? Torx is far superior.
Michael Kellough
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I second the M12 Surge impact driver. The noise reduction is significant.
It has 4 settings so you can drive screws in fine increments.
The front end is larger diameter than the Bosch but that can be mitigated with longer bits and/or extensions. An add-on right angle attachment is the only way get that feature.
It has 4 settings so you can drive screws in fine increments.
The front end is larger diameter than the Bosch but that can be mitigated with longer bits and/or extensions. An add-on right angle attachment is the only way get that feature.
FestitaMakool
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I second the choice of looking into the 12 offerings.
Most are as powerful as last generation of 18V siblings. I’ve had Bosch 12V, tried Milwaukee, but ended up with Makita in 12V - It could easily have been DeWalt too, as I like the slimmer handles they offer compared to Milwaukee and Bosch who has battery-in-handle. I’ve large hands, and long fingers, but still the slimmer handles might shine for you as well.
Being a professional means that handling, trigger sensitivity and fine control along with as less weight as possible - but still adequate to perform the tasks you ask is important.
I’d try out 2-3 offerings, holding the tool in the situations you encounter- suppose that even mean holding the tool sideways, upside down and so on.
Don’t know if you mean the Festool CXS/TXS? They are very positive and delicate in the way they perform, and the full kit includes a right angle attachment. I’ve done (tried...) mounting windows and indoor door frames with a CXS, but no - I had to reach for either 12V impact or 18V regular drills. If you would like a near do it all drill to go with an impact, the T18 or C18 from Festool can do delicate to harder work very precisely. You can also equip these with depth stop chuck, right angle attachment and offset attachment. In the regular drill department, most will say that Festool shines. The TID18 is similar to what other brands offers (And it does not take any of the attachments that’s Festool offers to their normal drills)
Most are as powerful as last generation of 18V siblings. I’ve had Bosch 12V, tried Milwaukee, but ended up with Makita in 12V - It could easily have been DeWalt too, as I like the slimmer handles they offer compared to Milwaukee and Bosch who has battery-in-handle. I’ve large hands, and long fingers, but still the slimmer handles might shine for you as well.
Being a professional means that handling, trigger sensitivity and fine control along with as less weight as possible - but still adequate to perform the tasks you ask is important.
I’d try out 2-3 offerings, holding the tool in the situations you encounter- suppose that even mean holding the tool sideways, upside down and so on.
Don’t know if you mean the Festool CXS/TXS? They are very positive and delicate in the way they perform, and the full kit includes a right angle attachment. I’ve done (tried...) mounting windows and indoor door frames with a CXS, but no - I had to reach for either 12V impact or 18V regular drills. If you would like a near do it all drill to go with an impact, the T18 or C18 from Festool can do delicate to harder work very precisely. You can also equip these with depth stop chuck, right angle attachment and offset attachment. In the regular drill department, most will say that Festool shines. The TID18 is similar to what other brands offers (And it does not take any of the attachments that’s Festool offers to their normal drills)
Birdhunter
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I have a bunch of Festool and Bosch drills. If I had to keep just one, it would be the T18. The CSX and TSX are wonderful tools. Not suitable for driving lag screws, but I’ve never bottomed it out.
gunnyr
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I'm going to pile on and also recommend the Milwaukee M12 Surge. It is quiet, light and very powerful. I generally use mine with a 3ah battery but you will get great service and life with the 2ah battery the kit typically comes with. I also really like my Milwaukee M12 Installation Driver. With a 4 or 6ah batter the thing is a beast! It is a little heavier than my CXS in both weight and performance. I tend to use my Milwaukee for nearly all drilling tasks and my CSX for installation type tasks.
I hope this helps in your decision making. Please let us know what you decide and why!
I hope this helps in your decision making. Please let us know what you decide and why!
Dr. P. Venkman
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Count another vote for the Milwaukee Surge.
I’ve never used the TID, but it would really have to be special to make me give up my Surge. I have the 18v, and I’ve considered getting the 12, since it’s smaller and lighter and would be plenty powerful for most of what I do with the 18. It’s motor is terrific, and it is amazingly quiet. In most cases, it’s not really much louder than a drill. Easily the best impact I’ve ever used.
I’ve never used the TID, but it would really have to be special to make me give up my Surge. I have the 18v, and I’ve considered getting the 12, since it’s smaller and lighter and would be plenty powerful for most of what I do with the 18. It’s motor is terrific, and it is amazingly quiet. In most cases, it’s not really much louder than a drill. Easily the best impact I’ve ever used.
slavi.yordanov
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I have a Milwaukee M12 Surge, M12 Fuel Impact, Festool TID18, Festool C18 and Bosch Flexiclick (brushless).
The TID didn't impress me at all, same run-out as Milwaukee, not the most powerful of the 18V Impacts. It has good ergonomics and it's not too heavy.
M12 Surge is fantastic, not as strong as an impact, but great for any kinds of screws, since it sustains the torque for longer periods. Also super quiet for what it is. When I have to use my impact, I always regret not having the Surge with me instead. Also the M12 Surge has the same power as the M18 surge. And last thing about the surge is the feeling when driving screws, it doesn't feel like a standard impact, but more like regular drill. It's hard to explain, but it's about the feeling not the noise.
M12 Fuel Impact has exactly the same dimension as the Surge, it's a standard Milwaukee impact- a lot of power, good ergonomics, 4 driving modes. It's way louder than the surge though.
C18 is a great drill with many different heads and good power. It sucks for screwing though. It's super heavy, and if you are screwing into hard stuff, it starts skipping in the end, just like any regular drill. I mostly use my C18 for drilling, it's great for that.
The Bosch Flexiclick is amazing too. Very short and light, way more heads than CXS, lower price and way more torque. I used it with 4" construction screws and it has no problem driving them.
The TID didn't impress me at all, same run-out as Milwaukee, not the most powerful of the 18V Impacts. It has good ergonomics and it's not too heavy.
M12 Surge is fantastic, not as strong as an impact, but great for any kinds of screws, since it sustains the torque for longer periods. Also super quiet for what it is. When I have to use my impact, I always regret not having the Surge with me instead. Also the M12 Surge has the same power as the M18 surge. And last thing about the surge is the feeling when driving screws, it doesn't feel like a standard impact, but more like regular drill. It's hard to explain, but it's about the feeling not the noise.
M12 Fuel Impact has exactly the same dimension as the Surge, it's a standard Milwaukee impact- a lot of power, good ergonomics, 4 driving modes. It's way louder than the surge though.
C18 is a great drill with many different heads and good power. It sucks for screwing though. It's super heavy, and if you are screwing into hard stuff, it starts skipping in the end, just like any regular drill. I mostly use my C18 for drilling, it's great for that.
The Bosch Flexiclick is amazing too. Very short and light, way more heads than CXS, lower price and way more torque. I used it with 4" construction screws and it has no problem driving them.
If you are really looking to get into Festool drills, I think the C18 would work well for what you are drilling. I use it regularly for drilling similar sized screws, just need to get used to the electronic clutch. I wouldn't try to set lag bolts with it, but it is my go-to for anything less than that but more than what I think the CXS will handle. With the new batteries it isn't too bulky but it is significantly bulkier than the CXS. Much quieter than any other impact that I've seen.
This if you need/want 90deg capability. Note - it’s brushless; something Festool can’t seem to be able to produce in 12v.
https://www.amazon.com/GSR12V-300FC...PG5BS0FV1C4&psc=1&refRID=2EX3ZZG0ZPG5BS0FV1C4
Along with this for driving 3”ers.
https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-PS42-0...B01J4IDCMG/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=Bosch+12v+impact&qid=1615610051&s=hi&sr=1-3
And get a pair of these too. Will let you run all day too.
https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-12V-Li...B079NWHS9T/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=Bosch+12v+battery&qid=1615610162&s=hi&sr=1-3
https://www.amazon.com/GSR12V-300FC...PG5BS0FV1C4&psc=1&refRID=2EX3ZZG0ZPG5BS0FV1C4
Along with this for driving 3”ers.
https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-PS42-0...B01J4IDCMG/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=Bosch+12v+impact&qid=1615610051&s=hi&sr=1-3
And get a pair of these too. Will let you run all day too.
https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-12V-Li...B079NWHS9T/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=Bosch+12v+battery&qid=1615610162&s=hi&sr=1-3
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