Festool T18 Cordless Vs the PDC 18/4 Quaddrive Cordless Drill

[fdlptruckie]

Good morning I have a question that I would like seek other festool users thought on.  I'm in the market for a new cordless drill to add to the wood shop and I'm torn between the T18 and the PDC 18/4 I've seen videos on youtube on both drills but to me they seem to be one in the same on certain aspects.  Thank you all for the advice.

 

[Staniam]

The PDC is a hammer drill with four gears and up to 3,800 rpm. It does not offer the essentric chuck but instead offers a socket adapter chuck. The T18 is a "normal" drill/driver that offers the essentric chuck while sacrificing the socket adapter chuck.

The PDC is a far more powerful drill through and through and still allows for great precision and versatility with its 4 gears. Having owned the T18 and now owning the PDC, I much more prefer the PDC. The T18 is lighter and has a smaller profile but the PDC is not heavy by any means, even with the 5ah battery.

If you're in a shop the T18 is probably better for you, if you're also out on site doing more rough work the PDC is better.

 

[fdlptruckie]

Now how does the PDC hold up with hole saw bits

 

[neeleman]

The PDC is a hammer drill with four gears and up to 3,800 rpm. It does not offer the essentric chuck but instead offers a socket adapter chuck. The T18 is a "normal" drill/driver that offers the essentric chuck while sacrificing the socket adapter chuck.

The PDC is a far more powerful drill through and through and still allows for great precision and versatility with its 4 gears. Having owned the T18 and now owning the PDC, I much more prefer the PDC. The T18 is lighter and has a smaller profile but the PDC is not heavy by any means, even with the 5ah battery.

If you're in a shop the T18 is probably better for you, if you're also out on site doing more rough work the PDC is better.

Both the T 18 and PDC 18 accept the AD-3/8" FF (FastFix) socket adapter (#769064).
It's not sold in the T 18 or PDC 18 Set version but have to be bought as extra.
You can even use it on the CXS/TXS models because of the FF connector.

 

[Staniam]

The PDC is a hammer drill with four gears and up to 3,800 rpm. It does not offer the essentric chuck but instead offers a socket adapter chuck. The T18 is a "normal" drill/driver that offers the essentric chuck while sacrificing the socket adapter chuck.

The PDC is a far more powerful drill through and through and still allows for great precision and versatility with its 4 gears. Having owned the T18 and now owning the PDC, I much more prefer the PDC. The T18 is lighter and has a smaller profile but the PDC is not heavy by any means, even with the 5ah battery.

If you're in a shop the T18 is probably better for you, if you're also out on site doing more rough work the PDC is better.

Both the T 18 and PDC 18 accept the AD-3/8" FF (FastFix) socket adapter (#769064).
It's not sold in the T 18 or PDC 18 Set version but have to be bought as extra.
You can even use it on the CXS/TXS models because of the FF connector.

I'm not sure why I was thinking it wouldn't work on the T18, good catch [member=7673]neeleman[/member] !

 

[DB10]

Now how does the PDC hold up with hole saw bits

All good, just lower the speed on it and you'll be fine.

 

[Birdhunter]

I have a Festool 3/8" socket drive bit that I use in my TI15. I've found that my sockets (Snap-on) almost fall off the drive. I do not have this problem with any other brand 3/8" socket drive bit.

I wonder if I would have this problem with the Fastfix socket adaptor.

Also, I don't immediately see the advantage of the Fastfix socket adaptor over a simple driver bit.

 

[neeleman]

Protool who designed the 3/8" and 1'2" adapters used to have a special set of sockets meant for the adapter.
There's a hole in the side which suits the adapter.
I use them myself and they fit perfectly and don't fall out.

But alas I don't see them any more in the Festool catalogue. Maybe discontinued?

 

[mrboult]

I love the PDC/DRC drills for their power, the 4 speeds, the permanent on LED, and the extra grip with depth stop rod. It is an amazing drill.

However. Last year I bought a bare T18 to go with my DRC&CXS.

Reason being, it is lighter and smaller (even more so with the 2.6ah batteries) has a little more control and delicacy, but actually, the biggest reason ended up being the 2 speed gear box.
While I love the variations of speed vs torque the DRC/PDC give. . . I think there is a good reason most drills have always had the 450rpm / 1500 rpm 2 speed gear box. These are the two most generally versatile speeds for general use (my opinion). Using the DRC on a daily basis, I found I was actually messing around with the gear box too much.

Different drills for different skills. . .

Having said all that, be aware I own all the drills [blink] BHC DRC T18 CXS. So I'm happy to debate the finer points. . . If I was only allowed one drill, it would be the PDC. I'd be pretty sad about that, but that's what I'd choose (I'd want the T18).

Hope my rambling helps.  [smile]

 

[sae]

Sockets on drills are one of my biggest pet peeves. It wasn't a good idea 10 years ago, it's now an even worse idea that cordless drills are much more powerful and there are impact tools available from every manufacturer.

Just don't.

 

[rljatl]

For future reference, the Festool 769064 Centrotec 3/8" Socket Adapter for the PDC drill works perfectly with my Craftsman sockets.  The sockets fit tightly and only come off when I slide the release collar back.