Drills

[redtailvt]

I was wondering if someone might help me understand the difference between the C and T drills. I am looking for something for cabinet building and and other tight spaces.

Thank You,
Andrew

 

[TOOLTOWN]

It is simply a difference of style.  The innards are the same, for instance the C-18 and T-18 are the same except for the shape of the drill.

My understanding is that C style drills are more ergonomic while T style drills are more common and considered the norm for the US.

Ken

 

[copcarcollector]

C and T refer to the handle type. I am used to a T shaped drill, but I have two of the CXS drills, which are technically C handle drills - that is an awesome drill! And coupled with the right angle chuck, great for tight spaces.

C DRILL
[attachimg=1]

T DRILL
[attachimg=2]

 

[redtailvt]

Thank you all very much.

 

[DB10]

[member=48533]redtailvt[/member]  The CXS is my go to drill for cabinet work, not only is the drill relatively small and lightweight but the inbuilt light on the drill is really well placed for inside cabinet installations.

 

[redtailvt]

[member=42735]DB10[/member] Thank you. Looks like that is the one for me!!! Happy Dance!!

 

[jmbfestool]

Ive always been T shape.

After reading many people say they love and hate C shape and T shapes i thought must be just personal opinion and if i buy a C shape myself im sure ill get to like it...... Wrong!

Im still a T shape and will forever stay T shape.

A CXS isnt the ideal drill to decide if you like C shape or not.  This is because the cxs is small and extremely light the disadvantages of a C shape dont come into play.

However if you decide to get a more powerfull drill which is bigger and heavier thats when the C shape sucks big time.

Its extemly front heavy espesially using the chuck or angle.

The distance from your hand to the tip of the driver bit is longer so its almost like you always need two hands to guide the drill onto a screw head especially if you have shaky hands.  I know the distance isnt massive but if feels massive compared to a T shape.

I would highly recommend to hold the drill before buying.  Hold it horizontal do so mid air drilling and do some vertical drilling just imagen using it.  You will soon feel the strain on your wrists compared to a T shape which is far better ballanced and can sit  in your hand more naturally with out having to grip is. 

This is the perfect test....

Get a T shape drill hold it and open up your hand slightly the T shape will just sit in your hand.
Open your hand slightly more and it will still just rest on your thumb and finger.  Open your hand fully and watch it drop straight down.

Get a C shape open your hand sligtly and watch it drop forward open your hand more and watch it fall to the floor tumble forward.  Thats shows you how much more strain it adds to your hand all day long.

So basically a C-shape doesnt just add strain to your wrists its doesnt allow for a break. You have got to constantly grip the drill firmly. 
I often release my grip on my T-shape drill just to give my hand a rest i do it naturally. I can leave it released untill the very moment i start drilling.  Cant do that with a C shape unless you want to drill diagonally downwards

 

[Holmz]

...
Im still a T shape and will forever stay T shape.
...

When I smashed a fingernail into a vertical fence post drilling a hole 6' up, my eyes watered and the tourettes was bad.

I instantly pictured a sabre fight and why they have a hand guard.
The sabres preceded OSHA and Work Safe Australia, so it must have been wise.

 

[bertv]

Strange it’s called ‘C-shape’ — ‘D-shape’ would be more appropriate…  [smile]