Festool hand screwdriver quality/design

[AstroKeith]

I've had a Festool 1/4 Ratchet set for a while and found the quality excellent.

I wanted another 1/4" hand screwdriver for a kit I am assembling and didnt want to take the one from the ratchet set spoiling that collection.

So I ordered what I thought was the item. Centrotec 200140. I wasnt impressed- the bits are loose, unlike my original which has a clamping action. So I returned it for another assuming it was a bad one. The replacement is just as bad. It isnt a ratchet screwdriver so it's just a sloppy Centrotec mechanism.

Looking at the Ratchet sets available now, I can see they have used the 'new' one. Definitely a step backwards and not worth £35

 

[AstroKeith]

I'm still looking at these new Festool bit holders. I tried the new one with a 100mm screwdriver bit and the slop makes really uncomfortable to use. I dug out my Wera version as a comparison - and realised it's the same holder except different colour mouldings. Photo below with original festal holder on right Looking at the Festool carton, yes it's made in Czech. The Wera has the same play too. BTW the Wera branded is cheaper than the Festool branded version.

Are there any other Centrotec type holders that have the old clamping action?

 

[hdv]

If I am not mistaken that right-most screwdriver was made by Wiha, not Wera. I have one of those Wiha handles. I do prefer the Wera locking mechanism though.  I think Festool's BHS 60 CE uses the same mechanism, but it has a different shaft adapted to centrotec.

[attachimg=1]

 

[AstroKeith]

Thanks - the 'chuck' on the Wiha certainly looks like the older Festool handle. I'll get one and see!

 

[hdv]

I am off to the workshop in a few minutes. Let me try out how the fit between a centrotec bit and the Wiha handle is and I'll post my findings here for you. I'll be back in about 2 hours.

 

[CDL]

I have the Wiha. Liked it so much that I purchased a second. By far the best of all the bit inserting type screwdriver handles. Both the centrotec as well as the standard 1/4” hex bits fit well with very little wobble. It’s the closest I have found to the rigidity of a standard screwdriver. As a plus, I love the feel of the handle in my hand.

 

[hdv]

OK, here is what I found: a centrotec bit will fit in the handle. It won't go all the way in, but as CDL wrote, there is surprisingly little play when the bit is properly set. I really had to put some serious lateral pressure on it before I noticed any wobble at all. I think you might like it as far as rigidity goes. The handle has a nice feel to it too. But of course, that is a subjective opinion.

 

[Willy Eckerslike]

I have the Wiha style handle that requires a Centrotec chuck if that's what you mean by the old clamping action?

It's in the workshop.  I'm not.

I'll have a look next time I'm there and report back.

 

[AstroKeith]

Thanks everyone who helped.
My Wiha handle just arrived and it is perfect. Almost no play whatsoever.

 

[Willy Eckerslike]

Thanks everyone who helped.
My Wiha handle just arrived and it is perfect. Almost no play whatsoever.

Does a 100mm Centrotec bit lock in? 

My Wiha handle simply has a Centrotec spigot.  Once the chuck is snapped on it makes it a little front heavy and there is still a little bit of play - nowhere near as bad as the current Wera handles though.

 

[hdv]

Like I wrote: the bit won't go all the way in. Therefore, it won't lock. But it does fit tight and you do not have to be afraid it will fall out.

 

[promark747]

I’m not a fan of the Festool handle, as it’s too slippery. I assume I’d feel the same about the Wiha, though I haven’t tried it.  Not sure why these companies don’t make them grippier. Klein needs to make a Centrotec version.  [big grin]

 

[AstroKeith]

Like I wrote: the bit won't go all the way in. Therefore, it won't lock. But it does fit tight and you do not have to be afraid it will fall out.

Interesting, the one I just bought is a 'Wiha 387 CentroFix', which does lock.

 

[hdv]

I had a look at the receipt. It says "SoftFinish CentroFix". No number mentioned.

I might have been a  bit vague when I wrote it was not locking. With the bit in, the locking mechanism will indeed shift backward to the locking position. But as the bit will not go in all the way, it will just lock as a normal bit. Therefore it will not provide the secure seating of a fully set centrotec bit. Of course, that is not the same as locking. Sorry for causing this confusion. I should have been clearer in what I meant.

 

[AstroKeith]

I had a look at the receipt. It says "SoftFinish CentroFix". No number mentioned.

I might have been a  bit vague when I wrote it was not locking. With the bit in, the locking mechanism will indeed shift backward to the locking position. But as the bit will not go in all the way, it will just lock as a normal bit. Therefore it will not provide the secure seating of a fully set centrotec bit. Of course, that is not the same as locking. Sorry for causing this confusion. I should have been clearer in what I meant.

I think you'll find it is locking. The 'chuck' on my new Wiha is identical to my older Festool Centrotec handle and the bits go in the same amount. They certainly cant be pulled out!