Festool Drill Advice

[Len R]

I have many Festool items but none of their drills, and am thinking of adding a drill (or two).  I don't get on well with the D handle shape and have no need for a hammer drill.  The last time I had a chance to check them out in person, the T-15 felt the best balanced for me.  But that was years ago and I understand the T-18 has been upgraded since then.  Here are my questions:

Other than a larger battery and extra half pound of weight, are there differences between T-18 and T15?

Would a TSX be useful if I have a T-15 or 18?

Do the chucks that come with the T-15/18 also fit on the TSX?

Many thanks for any guidance,

Len

 

[dougb]

Not sure if you searched for info, but this thread may be of use T15 vs. T18

The T18 is about 5 ounces heavier than the T15, but you can get 2.6 Ah batteries that I believe will more than make up for the weight difference.  One thing I would consider when making this choice is other Festool cordless I have or want.  18v batteries can't be used on the T15, but 15v batteries can be used with other cordless Festool (with a loss of power).  I bought my T15 (which I love) before the cordless Carvex and TSC55 were available.  Hindsight being 20/20, I would have gotten a T18 so that all of my Festool batteries would be 18v; it's a minor inconvenience to check to make sure I'm not putting a 18v on my T15.

I know a lot of people like the combination of the CXS/TXS and T18, but I don't have a CXS/TXS (yet) so I can't comment, but I don't believe the chucks will be interchangeable (other than the centrotec chuck)

 

[mrboult]

T18 is barely any heavier than t15. And probably lighter with the smaller 2.6ah 18v batteries festool now offer in the 18v range.
T18 has more power and is compatible with any other 18v festools you buy. Carvex, HKC, TSC, BHC, syslite, etc
Obviously 15v batteries will work with all those tools. But if you buy one of those tools with included batteries then those 18v batteries won't work with the T15

I'm a bit surprised festool still offer the 15v range actually.

The only chucks that fit TXS/CXS (other than the right-angle specifics to those drills) are the standard keyless chucks, and the depth stop chuck & socket adapt' chuck from the protool line that moved across to festool with the DRC & PDC drills.

. . Seems Doug beat me too it covering all the points. .

 

[ear3]

The TSx/CXS is very useful when installing smaller screws or hardware -- basically anything where screw stripping can be a concern.  Even though you can set the clutch on the T18 to prevent overdriving a screw, the CXS seems to hit the sweet spot in its default mode, and stops driving the smaller fasteners just at the right moment. 

 

[Birdhunter]

I have a bunch of Festool drills and find myself reaching for the TSX or CSX for small jobs and the T18 for big jobs. I bought all the accessories for both and use all of them. I never use the C12 anymore. The CSX is actually better for really tight confines. It is somewhat smaller than the TSX.

I have the TI15 and have found it invaluable for driving lag screws. It's an OK drill, but an excellent impact driver. I cannot understand why Festool has not introduced an 18 volt version of the TI drill.

 

[travisj]

I am trying to decide as well, only I like the "c" shape drills.  I went in to compare the two and my dealer no longer stocks any 15s, only the 18volt stuff and the CXS/TXS.  I did check out a C18 with the 2.6ah battery and the weight of the drill was negligible.

 

[SoonerFan]

I have a T18+3 and a CXS.  I use the CXS more often because it is light well balanced and does most jobs.  I find I like the "C" handles and wish my 18 was of the C variety.  Between these two drills, the extra chucks and a Centrotec Installers set I seldom use another drill.  I kept a Dewalt Impact and am glad I have it but don't use it much.  For me I really found I appreciated Festool drills once I had multiple drills, chucks and the Centrotect set.  When I just had one drill and used non-Centrotec bits I did not find the benefit over my old Dewalts that great.  I think the depth stop chuck is terrific BTW.

 

[Len R]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions and info.  Does the depth stop chuck come with the set?

Len

 

[SoonerFan]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions and info.  Does the depth stop chuck come with the set?

Len

Nope.  T18 set comes with keyless chuck, Centrotec chuck, Eccentric chuck and a right angle chuck.  TXS/CXS set come with keyless, right angle and Centrotec chucks.

 

[Len R]

Thanks Sooner.