Good quick-change/rapid-load drill bit holder?

[ear3]

As far as I know, Festool doesn't make a non-Centrotec hex-shank drill bit holder -- the kind where the  bit sits deep in the hole to minimize run-out, as opposed to the shallow one for driver bits.  I have an installation coming up where I'll be drilling lots and lots of holes into drywall and metal studs, so I don't want to abuse my Festool drill bits, which I use only in wood.

I have a Dewalt rapid-load chuck, but I'm wondering what other people use and like?  I know Snappy and Irwin make decent ones.  I just want something with minimal run-out.  Also, the shank on the Dewalt is too large for this, but perhaps there are others that could be filed to make them Centrotec compatible? 

 

[TealaG]

I'm interested in this too.  I have some cheap ones from Lowes (Kobalt) and they used to work.  They're many years old and now the bits fall out while using the tool.  Maybe it wore out? 

I need a quality one for my standard chuck drill that will hold onto the bit while the drill turns.

 

[TOOLTOWN]

You mention snappy.  I know they make some centrotec compatible bits, you might want to check that out.  Our friends over at woodpecker have some off their stuff. http://www.woodpeck.com/

Ken

 

[ear3]

Thanks. I actually have the snappy Centrotec countersinks. But they don't make their standard hex shank drill bits in a Centrotec compatible model.

You mention snappy.  I know they make some centrotec compatible bits, you might want to check that out.  Our friends over at woodpecker have some off their stuff. http://www.woodpeck.com/

Ken

 

[Simon (UK)]

Fisch do Centrotec compatible bits. Not sure on availability in N.A.
http://www.axminster.co.uk/fisch-5-piece-quick-change-system-brad-point-twist-drill-set-507221

Simon

 

[ear3]

[member=59882]Simon (UK)[/member] Do you perhaps have a product code on the chuck or bits? Can't seem to find any Centrotec compatible items on Fischer website. Thanks.

Fisch do Centrotec compatible bits. Not sure on availability in N.A.
http://www.axminster.co.uk/fisch-5-piece-quick-change-system-brad-point-twist-drill-set-507221

Simon

 

[rvieceli]

[member=37411]Edward A Reno III[/member] Can't you just use the regular keyless chuck and get standard bits?

 

[Simon (UK)]

Here is a picture of the set I bought recently.
In case I don't upload the pic properly, the Art. No. is 507221 and is labelled QCS HEX which probably stands for Quick Change System or something similar. They fit into the Centrotec chuck.

By the way it is Fisch not Fischer. I've quickly checked on the mfr website and can't seem to see this QCS anywhere. Wierd: I've done some googling and this system only comes up when associated with Axminster Tools (a UK dealer). I did find this thoughhttp://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/axminster-drill-bits/?nowap

Hope that helps but not sure it does. :-/
Simon.

 

[ear3]

Thanks Simon.

Here is a picture of the set I bought recently.
In case I don't upload the pic properly, the Art. No. is 507221 and is labelled QCS HEX which probably stands for Quick Change System or something similar. They fit into the Centrotec chuck.

By the way it is Fisch not Fischer. I've quickly checked on the mfr website and can't seem to see this QCS anywhere. Wierd: I've done some googling and this system only comes up when associated with Axminster Tools (a UK dealer). I did find this thoughhttp://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/axminster-drill-bits/?nowap

Hope that helps but not sure it does. :-/
Simon.

 

[ear3]

Yeah -- it's just that I have a set of hex shank drill bits already that I got shortly before getting the Festool drill, so I wanted to be able employ them with maximum efficiency, since I'll be drilling a bunch of different hole sizes simultaneously.

I've ordered the Snappy quick change chuck, and if it's not any better than my Dewalt I'll just return it.  Someone should really make a quick change chuck with a Centrotec shank -- not just the driver bit holder -- so we can use our legacy drill bits.

[member=37411]Edward A Reno III[/member] Can't you just use the regular keyless chuck and get standard bits?

 

[rvieceli]

[member=37411]Edward A Reno III[/member] feel like a DIY project?  [wink]

Here you go:
http://www.halfinchshy.com/2009/12/files-and-gentle-art-of-centrotecing.html

there's also a video link at the top of the entry

Ron

 

[travisj]

I don't have any nor have I really looked at them, but what about the regular Festool twist drill bits that are replaceable within reusable shank?
https://www.festoolusa.com/power-to...-brad-point/twist-drill-bit-set-d30-33-493421

Maybe you could buy a couple of the sizes you would need and grind your legacy bits to fit the shank.

 

[ear3]

Just a follow up...

Got the Snappy hex shank holder, and it is a big improvement over the Dewalt chuck.  As you can see in the side by side comparison pic, it seats the bit about 3/8" deeper in the chuck than the Dewalt.  You can still wiggle the shank when it's in the Dewalt, but there is virtually no wiggle when loaded in the Snappy.

Way to go Snappy!