drills... how many are enough?

I have four drill/drivers...an older DeWalt 14.4v, a Festool 12v (my first Festool D/D), a Festool 15v (bought slightly used) and a CSX. The latter gets used the most because of it's light-weight and compactness. The heavier ones get used when there is an advantage for the power or when I need to use multiples for hard work where "cool down" time is needed so I can keep moving. Honestly, I wouldn't mind having a second CSX for when I need to use "dueling drivers" for assembly purposes to eliminate constant changing between a countersink and a driver bit. For now I use the CSX for the driving and the 12v for the countersinking, but there's obviously a weight difference. Don't underestimate the power of the small, lightweight CSX type tools, either, no matter what their color.
 
Claimdude said:
Maybe a silly question but what is the T18 Compact Drill? Smaller version of a regular T18?

Thanks
Jack

mrB said:
Like any professional with enough years behind them there are probably over 10 drills in my possession, from old/worn cordless drills to corded drills handed down from previous generations, to a cheap SDS chisel I've never used since the project I bought it for...

The drills I use these days are:

BHC - Delighted every time I use it as to how great it is (power vs size). Makes me glad I spent the $ every time!
TID - Just got it, don't use impacts much but glad to have one for those times they're the ideal tool.
T18 Compact - My fave drill ever! Once upon a time I had a T18+PDC+CXS, but after some consideration (and buying the BHC) I sold the PDC & CXS for a second T18 compact set.

In my professional setting, drills are used so often I have no issue spending a bit of extra cash to spoil myself with a tool(s) that is a real pleasure to use.

Centrotec is key too! I love having a quick change system but hugely appreciate the tighter tolerance runout of centrotec vs the std ball detent hex bits widely used.

That’s what they called the European sets that came with the compact batteries. The smaller batteries make a massive ergonomic difference in my opinion. I’d be less interested in the festool drills without the compact batteries.
 
I have a CXS, a T18 with all the different chucks and a DeWalt impact.  I use the CXS the most followed by the T18.  I rarely use the impact and by rarely I mean not in the last 6+ months. 
 
I refuse to actually count mine...Milwaukee, Fein, Metabo and Festool, always two or three or four handy.
 
First off, let’s make it clear we don’t count my wife’s Bosch 12V drill, and the driver she never uses.
Actually, since she discovered the CXS that’s all she want to use, and I may have to buy another to make sure I can find mine.
I have an 18V Makita LXT brushless driver/drill combo, and use both about as much as the CXS.
The Makitas have a great combination of small size, light weight, and more than adequate power; but the CXS excels in ergonomics.
Somewhere I have a 1/2 inch corded something I used once years ago and an old 3/8 inch Craftsman with an aluminum casing I bought 50 years ago, and it is as good as ever but has not been used in a long time.
 
I have 4 total, all Festool. A 12V that I rarely use. 2 CXS’s, 1 is my wife’s but she rarely uses it. I also have a  C18. I think this is plenty for me since I am a hobby woodworker. I’m definitely eyeing the new impact.
 
I agree with Seth, impact drivers don’t count.

I agree with Scott in bend, it’s best if you have a drill for every bit.

I agree with rst, a few drills of every brand is what you end up with.

 
Have:

CXS/Tid 18+3/impact (July 1)

Considering getting a PDC or BHC (screaming good deal right now In Canada).... anybody have a preference over the other? I realize they accomplish 2 totally different things with 2 different chucks, perhaps the PDC is redundant owning the T 18+3 already??

Thanks!
 
I can only chime in with my tiny bunch.
I have 3 Festool 18V, the CXS and a wired PD20/4.

...and an old wired Metabo for lending out if someone asks if I can lend them a drill. :D

Looking at the TID 18 currently, since apparently, impacts don’t count. ;)
 
rj_mccall said:
...Considering getting a PDC or BHC....

At least for me the BHC only comes out when I need to drill into concrete or hard brick. But when it does, I love it. Nice and light and for my needs plenty of power and when you got used in how to handle it, very quick and comfortable.

The PDC on the other hand is the Jack of all trades with ample power in the low gears and the blazing speed for metal work etc.

The PDC is often used alongside the CXS or C18. Nice complementary addition to both.

...but that’s just for my needs. YMMV.
 
grobkuschelig said:
I can only chime in with my tiny bunch.
I have 3 Festool 18V, the CXS and a wired PD20/4.

...and an old wired Metabo for lending out if someone asks if I can lend them a drill. :D

Looking at the TID 18 currently, since apparently, impacts don’t count. ;)

Doh, forgot all about drills with wires. New rule, they don’t count either.
 
I work more with aluminum than wood and plastic, I drill more with my Milwaukee Surge and their impact drills than anything else.
 
Not counting impacts here but I depend on them too.

Started using this one in the early eighties, mostly for small pilot holes and those long screws that would rapidly deplete a 9.6v NiCad under 2 amps.

You can tell it’s old just by looking at it. Clearly designed by a tool designer and not one of the sneaker designers they brought on in the 21st century.

HitachiDriver.jpg
 
rj_mccall said:
Have:

CXS/Tid 18+3/impact (July 1)

Considering getting a PDC or BHC (screaming good deal right now In Canada).... anybody have a preference over the other? I realize they accomplish 2 totally different things with 2 different chucks, perhaps the PDC is redundant owning the T 18+3 already??

Thanks!

Personally I would say that if you own a T18 the PDC is kind of redundant unless you really need That little more power and/or drill speed. But the drill is definitely a little less refined and heavier and ‘clunkier’ than the T18.
The hammer drill in the PDC is surprisingly crap. Worse than the average 18v Makita hammer (combi)  drill imo.
I don’t do a whole lot of brick/concrete drilling, but every time I do I smile at my BHC investment 3-4 years ago. It’s great at what it does and without a battery attached it’s a really tiny drill to throw in with your kit for the job. .
 
Back
Top