Disappointment with Festool bit holders & bits

[bore]

How’s everyone liking Centrotec bits and bit holders lately? I’ve got tons of PB Swiss and Wiha drivers and bits, and they’re great. But as soon as I pick up the Festool, I get annoyed.

I bought Centrotec bits in 50 mm and 100 mm, and while there’s zero wobble on them, the bits themselves aren’t great. The fit is mediocre, durability is average, and at that price I was expecting something closer to Wiha (at least the European ones, I believe the U.S. versions aren’t the same) or even PB Swiss. Instead, they’re just average bits at a premium price.

If I want to use my PB Swiss or Wiha bits, I have to use Festool’s Centrotec bit holders and they suck. The BHS 60 has a lot of wobble, even though it locks the bit in place well enough. And I know I’m nitpicking, but the green on the BHS 60 doesn’t even match the green on the tool itself, which feels like a lack of care in manufacturing. The BH 60 has less wobble, but bit retention is poor.

Were the older generation bit holders better? The ones made by Wiha, I believe. It looks like the current generation of holders and bits is all Wera.

What’s your take on this? I love my Festool drills, but the situation with the bits and accessories is honestly making me rethink using Festool for drill/driver work.

 

[Leemstradamus]

I got the Wiha 387 CentroFix 1/4'', (3871403501). I love it so much I bought a second one! The bits do leave a lot to be desired. I was able to track down the limited bit set earlier this year and one of the 100mm torx broke. It was my fault but replacing it was a headache since they have been discontinued in the States.

That said I got the cxs18 last year and loved it so much that I bought a second one this year. The 1/4" bit holder is ok but I would love something with a tighter grip.

 

[Coen]

The BHS 60

I thought it was a rebranded Wera Rapidaptor !? I have those and the only problem I have with them is their fatness.

the green on the BHS 60 doesn’t even match the green on the tool itself

Because different materials.

BH 60

Ah yes, Google gives me mostly results for bras but yes; bitholders without locking all have this issue with retention.

Were the older generation bit holders better? [...] What’s your take on this?

The screws are better, so bits, especially Torx now, are more likely to stick in the screw where in times gone buy the magnetic bitholder would almost always win and there was no need for the locking ones.