Drill/Drivers with Hex-drive Chucks

[jaegerhund]

I just bought a Makita 10.8 v combo kit --- both drill and impact driver have 1/4" hex-drive chucks.  Before I bought it, I expected that the driver/drill bits would have some longitudinal play but they also have latitudinal play ---- not like a well chucked bit in a conventional chuck.  I don't really like so much play/slack (maybe there is a better word here) as it makes accurate, precise drilling somewhat difficult.  Question:  Is this normal or are your experiences different?

Justin

 

[mwhafner]

I have the Bosch 10.8v driver, and it also has some play.  I have only really had problems when starting the holes.  If you use a brad-point bit, it will eliminate most of the problem.

You can also try the Twist-Lok system.  I think it is the Model 1000 that is designed to fit the 1/4' hex drivers.  It reduces a lot of the play, and is very handy when switching between driving and drilling.  Most of their sets use a 3/8 hex shank, so make sure that you get the correct model. 

 

[jaegerhund]

Cool -- thanks for the link ---- I'm just trying to figure out if this normal -- and not product specific.  I do like the ease of changing out bits. 

Justin

 

[tbellemare]

I know I'm not exactly unbiased but that is one of the many things that makes the Festool drills superior. This IS a Festool forum, after all...

The Centrotec system used by Festool provides both a quick-change mechanism and a drill bit alignment mechanism using the fact that the bit is buried in the tip of the drill motor shaft and is gripped farther down its shaft by the Centrotec chuck.

The Centrotec chuck is a FastFix chuck like the other 4 (right angle, eccentric, keyless, and depth-stop) so they are all interchangeable and one drill does it all.

Festool also makes Centrotec drill bits that are brad point. They also make Centrotec bit holders and a Centrotec bit extension that adapt the Centrotec chuck to 1/4" hex bits. In addition, the hex hole in the motor shaft, the right angle chuck, and the eccentric chuck all accomodate 1/4" hex bits quite handily.

Tom

 

[mwhafner]

I agree Tom, the C12 is an excellent system.

 

[Daviddubya]

I use this chuck in my Dewalt impact driver if I want to use it as a drill:

http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DW0521-Connect-Impact-Conversion/dp/B000KKWLE8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1229018468&sr=1-1

The Dewalt chuck fits reasonably well in a Dewalt driver.  I have an older model Festool drill/driver, but have not sprung for the Centrotec set.  Festool does not make a square drive bit and that keeps me reaching for the Dewalt impact driver.  Driving screws with an impact driver is far superior to driving screws with a drill/driver - no matter what brand - IMHO.

 

[w00dbutcheruk]

Driving screws with an impact driver is far superior to driving screws with a drill/driver - no matter what brand - IMHO.

i agree, but i can not see why you would want to do much else than drive a screw in with an impacter.... i always have two drills (at least) by my side, a chucked drill and impacter.. best of all worlds imho.

 

[Jimhart]

Not to be redundant, but the lack of a square drive bit that will stay seated in the Centrotec chuck is so glaring a shortcoming that it makes me scratch my head.  I have the C12 and all of the chucks, quite often I wind up using a PC or Bosch to drive the screws. I know there are people who have ground bits to fit. Pretty Mickey Mouse that we need to resort to that with a $500 drill to drive screws used around the world.

Jim