Festool impact driver

[Thistleman]

Have just spotted a new Festool TiD 18 impact driver on the Festool UK website

Should be available in April

Was anyone else aware of this or has it just been posted

Also had a guide rail square that looked remarkably like a TSO product

 

[GarryMartin]

Have just spotted a new Festool TiD 18 impact driver on the Festool UK website

Should be available in April

Was anyone else aware of this or has it just been posted

Also had a guide rail square that looked remarkably like a TSO product

Lots of posts on here over the last month with images and specifications. Use the Search function to find them.

Not just the impact by the way; lots of other new products too...

 

[Birdhunter]

Not sure why I would swap my TI15 for the new unit.

 

[Sparktrician]

Not sure why I would swap my TI15 for the new unit.

I'd have to agree.  Where's the significant benefit of trading up? 

 

[AlexThePalex]

Not sure why I would swap my TI15 for the new unit.

Hey, it's not mandatory, you know.  [wink]

Own the Ti15 since 5 days now and got enough use out of it this week. Works very well with small screws but lacks a bit of power for the bigger ones. I like how it screws faster and lighter than my T15. I don't like how it is a bit heavier for the same size, must have more metal parts inside.

I never owned an impact driver myself before, but I have used those from other people from time to time, and the Ti15 feels big and heavy compared to the smaller modern form factor of impacts.

But if you already own a certain tool, why would you consider buying a new one just because there IS a new one? I only buy a new one if my old one is worn out and not up to the task anymore.

 

[Distinctive Interiors]

I've been waiting for a couple of years now for the new Festool impact driver to be released for sale.....
I was fortunate to be asked to try out and give my feedback on a pre production model back in May 2017.
It's a nice tool....!!!

I have a couple of Bosch impact drivers and all 4 batteries have had it...The cost of replacement batteries would be substantial for tools that are 11 years old, so I will definitely be buying the new Festool impact when it is available in April....

 

[ElectricFeet]

Not sure why I would swap my TI15 for the new unit.

I'd have to agree.  Where's the significant benefit of trading up?

I don't have one, but the significant benefit of an impact driver is that not only does it generate more torque, but as the torque is applied in a knock-knock-knock / on-off-on-off manner -- and crucially tangentially to the rotation -- there's less risk of the strong torque twisting your wrist off, as it is continually easing off before going in for the next impulse.

Nice explainer here:


Can't justify it in my own case, unless I find a local buyer for my old C15.

**  I still remember my maths teacher telling us that we needed to generate an impulse to open the stuck classroom door, rather than simply trying to apply more force.

 

[FestitaMakool]

Not sure why I would swap my TI15 for the new unit.

I'd have to agree.  Where's the significant benefit of trading up?

Basically none, except if you find the one you have lacking power or speed to larger screws.
I’ve had my first 18V impact from Makita since 2008, it has a max torque of 140Nm. It is still as new, and doing its job with original 3Ah battery. I did however buy Makita’s latest 18V brushless (In Europe it’s TDT 171) It has 180Nm of torque, various speed modes selectable (handy..) a very nice LED light; lights up from two sides eliminating shadows. It has remarkable power, and is simultaneously remarkably small and short. The time gap shows to my old. But, the old still gets the job done. As a result of selling all my Bosch 12V tools I opted for Makita’s 12V Max, and even bought the 12V equivalent of its bigger 18V brother this also in brushless version.

The new 12V version could have replaced my old 18V, as it has 135Nm of torque.. and it is sooo light with its small 2Ah battery, which lasts and lasts. Actually it’s my most used impact now.. the new 18V only comes out when the really large screws are needed.
For me the new TID 18 is of no interest, I would only buy it if I only had Festool batteries and chargers.

 

[Sanderxpander]

I know this is off topic, but why did you switch from Bosch to Makita with the 12 volts? I'm pretty happy with my 12V Bosch kit (wall scanner, saw, flexiclick driver and impact so far).

 

[Michael Kellough]

I know this is off topic, but why did you switch from Bosch to Makita with the 12 volts? I'm pretty happy with my 12V Bosch kit (wall scanner, saw, flexiclick driver and impact so far).

[member=66046]Sanderxpander[/member]  Bosch makes a 12v “wall scanner”?

 

[Sanderxpander]

Yes the D-Tect 120. It's radar based and finds studs, rebar, pipes, electrics etc. in all sorts of walls. It runs on 4 AAs with an adapter or on any Bosch professional 10.8 or 12V battery.

Edit:
There's also two versions of a D-Tect 150 but they were way too expensive for me.

 

[FestitaMakool]

I know this is off topic, but why did you switch from Bosch to Makita with the 12 volts? I'm pretty happy with my 12V Bosch kit (wall scanner, saw, flexiclick driver and impact so far).

Main reasons:
1 - Electronics - Constant speed control under load (Few have this, at least in 10,8/12V range)
2 - Body grip - Ergonomics, Makita’s handles are just great, to me
3 - Battery attachment - Slide vs “idiotic” plastic catches that break
4 - Jig saw - both D-handle and Barrel grip BL versions are great and lightweight - I went for D-grip
5 - Batteries and charger - Battery indicator and I bought the combi charger that charges both my 18V and 12V batteries (I know others among Milwaukee also have this)
6 - The recipro saw also accepts standard jig saw blades, which makes it very versatile, reaching strange places where a normal jigsaw haven’t got a chance  [wink]

I had the flexi click drill thing, but i haven’t missed it so far... In comparison, Makita is like Festool to most Bosch 12V - at least that’s my opinion and experience. The 12V drills in brushless versions are well worth a try. The drill is super smooth to do small to medium sized screws, giving the Festool CXS a run for its money.

 

[demographic]

I'm not sure about buying one but for me it would use the same 18 volt batteries as my HKC, can't see me ever buying into any 15 volt stuff as I'm already on enough battery platforms.

Its a tool that pretty much all site carpenters use, the workshopwallas might not care but without a rattle gun Festoool were fighting a losing battle as we werent about to buy the drills without a rattle gun to go with it.

 

[FestitaMakool]

An impact driver is certainly a tool you buy if you really need one.
The downside to the impact is the noise, a lot of it. And they are not necessarily easy to set the screw nicely flush. Festools drills are perfect for the finer work. I love the control and power of the C18, and the silence! It is the only Festool drill I have, and the newer depth stop chuck is fabulous!

 

[Jiggy Joiner]

Our impact drivers (non Festool) see daily constant use, great tool.
If anybody is put off impact drivers by the noise, there are oil pulse versions available now, that are quieter but, slightly less powerful.

 

[yetihunter]

Most brands’ current (last 6 years) flagship drill/drivers can eat the Ti-15’s lunch. 
You’d be looking at TXS sized compact impact drivers from other makes to make a fair apples to apples comparison in driving and “nut-busting” (I thought nuts got busted with impact wrenches?  [huh]) torque.  On paper, the new impact punches the bare minimum weight.  That’s enough reason to trade up.    I do get why it’s a tool that Festool historically hasn’t really paid any mind to.  I use impact drivers to remove over torqued, corroded and obnoxiously poor tolerance phillips screws from steel and concrete anchors.  Not exactly comparable to installing euro hinges on cabinets. 

 

[Birdhunter]

The project where my TI15 paid for its self was building a set of 10 outdoor benches using Ipe. That wood is extremely hard!

I was assembling the legs and under structure using 3/8” lag stainless bolts. I’d predrill the hole using a T18, wax the threads, and hammer the bolt in with the TI15.

Years later, the benches are still out there. I can see a few end cracks, no wood rot, and no bug damage. They are still rock steady.

 

[PreferrablyWood]

The TI 15 is the only Festool that I've had stolen strange as it seems, I'm not missing it generally get buy with my PDC 18v for heavier screwing, with the 4 gears which all work for me I can go from fine control drilling til driving a long bolts into brick og wood. The CXS does a good job on most drilling and screwing jobs.

The minute the need for high volume screwing large screws into non predrilled wood then I will definitely get the new impact driver..

 

[Brice Burrell]

Most brands’ current (last 6 years) flagship drill/drivers can eat the Ti-15’s lunch. 

Interesting.  I can tell you that hasn't been my experience. Keeping in mind the TI15 is something like 9 years old now, and comparing the TI15 to other impact of its day the TI could hold its own against many of the 18V impacts out there.  I know because I have the TI15 and have worked side by side guys using all the others brands.  Many of the other brand impacts were being made smaller at that time, and the companies were also reducing the price point, so those impacts weren't the best.  I'm not saying there weren't some more powerful impacts out, because there certainly were. 

I think there is universal agreement about the TI15's hybrid feature as drill being trash.  As an impact driver it was very good for a 15V.  The build quality is what you'd expect from Festool, and my two TI's are still going strong 7.5 years later. 

 

[yetihunter]

Most brands’ current (last 6 years) flagship drill/drivers can eat the Ti-15’s lunch. 

Interesting.  I can tell you that hasn't been my experience. Keeping in mind the TI15 is something like 9 years old now, and comparing the TI15 to other impact of its day the TI could hold its own against many of the 18V impacts out there.  I know because I have the TI15 and have worked side by side guys using all the others brands.  Many of the other brand impacts were being made smaller at that time, and the companies were also reducing the price point, so those impacts weren't the best.  I'm not saying there weren't some more powerful impacts out, because there certainly were. 

I think there is universal agreement about the TI15's hybrid feature as drill being trash.  As an impact driver it was very good for a 15V.  The build quality is what you'd expect from Festool, and my two TI's are still going strong 7.5 years later.

I’ve been doing a lot of quick/cheap/dirty at work lately, so the need for precision and accuracy has been nonexistent.  Thus the heavy hitters have been getting a lot of use (because why not?).
The impacts were scaring my boss’s dog, so I’ve been sticking to the newfangled 1,000+ inch lb drills when he’s around and I’m fairly certain it’s turning me into Tim Allen. :0
That said, yes indeed, all of the Festool stuff I still have is holding up better than even month old tools from the other brands I have lying around.