Killed my c15

[TelcoRandy]

(I was typing this response as Paddyfin1 was adding his so this statement seems redundant but I'll leave it unchanged anyway)
Oh com'on, we all know why Festool's drills are so special!

The versatility of them, the different chucks, nicely balanced/weighted ergonomic design. Sure you can get 90 degree angle drivers that you can attach to your drill but they're crap and break frequently. I just threw one out 3 weeks ago when I was doing some light fastening at work.

The modular chuck system is brilliant, every company should do it (I'm guess they don't because of patents?). I know Metabo and Fein do but they only have a 1/4" bit and keyless racheting chucks (well except Metabo,  they do have a 90 degree driver).

I could do without the centrotec chuck though, especially because the long gold centrotec bits Festool supplies are crap (I prefer using longer bits). I seen a claim that they're made by Wiha but I find that hard to believe. The price of the longer bits are ridiculous too at $12 CDN each. Thankfully there are aftermarket robertson bits.

Other people seem to agree with that assessment on the long centrotec bits too.
http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tool-problems/long-centrotec-bits-rubbish/

 

[Deansocial]

Yep the festool belt clips suck big style

 

[Paddyfin1]

I heard a while ago that Festool would replace any battery if the clip broke but that could of been just someone's interpretation of the three year year rule [poke]

 

[TelcoRandy]

Paddyfin1, maybe try calling customer service? Maybe ask them if they can replace the drill or at least the battery. Even though it's outside of warranty I think there's a point to be made about these belt clips.

 

[lovemytoys]

is the c15 worth it why not up grade to a t15??

 

[TelcoRandy]

Don't they have the same specs? I think it boils down to a matter of preference, I wouldn't say that one is an upgrade to the other.

 

[epicxt]

Personally I like the C design better.  Different strokes, etc.  One advantage that I became aware of when I bought my Ti15 is that the magnetic spare bit holders on the T style drills are MUCH weaker than the C style. 
A new C15 is on my list of must-haves when my old ni-cad c12 finally gives up the ghost.

 

[Paddyfin1]

We'll I bit the bullet and brought a new c15 and a couple of other bits as well
I will report back on the drill when I have a chance, it looks identical to the old one only now it has a battery indicator and
4.2-AH batteries
I can confirm though that the clip has not changed so I will extra carefully with this one [oops]

Oh and 'lovemytoys' I already have the ti15 it's a very different kind of drill more of a fast impact driver but is doesn't have the same torque as the c15, I brought the ti15 basic with the sys 3 that also fits the c15 into with all my chucks etc, I also changed the lid to an attic type one so all my drill bits etc are all in one place
One box.. Two drills ,one charger,three batteries six chucks and loads of drill bits etc

 

[h.gil]

HOLY THREAD RESURRECTION TIME!!!

Seriously though, how are the C15s for cabinet installation? I mean, for sinking 100s of 1-1/8" ~ 2-1/2" screws every day after day after day.
I just bought a set of Makita Brushless a couple of months ago as a replacement for my 8 years old one, being that buying a whole set was cheaper than getting the batteries and charger that I really needed.

Anyway, at the moment I use an 18v impact for fastening, the drill for boring and countersinking when needed and a 12v Bosch for fitting hardware and light fastening. If I could do it all with the 12v Bosch I would, but I am down to my last battery pack and it lack the power, the Makita a too bulky and it gets tiring towards the end of the day.

I have been thinking about the C15 and doing some research, I've read the UK guys get the 4.2ah packs now and I just read about failing belt clips and exploding C15s.

So what is you guy's experience?
Would you recommend one as a daily workhorse for cabinet installation?
Should I wait until after Festool Connect and see if they start shipping with 4.2ah packs in NA?

Thanks for reading.

 

[fdengel]

I have an older C12 which does not have a belt clip - therefore nothing to complain about.

Everything about the Festool drills is excellent (except reportedly the belt clips).

 

[Jonhilgen]

HOLY THREAD RESURRECTION TIME!!!

Seriously though, how are the C15s for cabinet installation? I mean, for sinking 100s of 1-1/8" ~ 2-1/2" screws every day after day after day.
I just bought a set of Makita Brushless a couple of months ago as a replacement for my 8 years old one, being that buying a whole set was cheaper than getting the batteries and charger that I really needed.

Anyway, at the moment I use an 18v impact for fastening, the drill for boring and countersinking when needed and a 12v Bosch for fitting hardware and light fastening. If I could do it all with the 12v Bosch I would, but I am down to my last battery pack and it lack the power, the Makita a too bulky and it gets tiring towards the end of the day.

I have been thinking about the C15 and doing some research, I've read the UK guys get the 4.2ah packs now and I just read about failing belt clips and exploding C15s.

So what is you guy's experience?
Would you recommend one as a daily workhorse for cabinet installation?
Should I wait until after Festool Connect and see if they start shipping with 4.2ah packs in NA?

Thanks for reading.

I'm a full time kitchen installer and I have a c12 (li).  It's a workhorse.  I use it mainly for predrilling/countersinking, hole saws for sink bases, and drilling pocket holes.  At best, I may change a battery once a day.  I use the csx for screwing cabinets to walls, driving screws, hardware, etc.

I've pulled my old c12 out of retirement to use as a dedicated pocket hole drill.

You will not be disappointed with the c15, and the batteries wil be compatible with the carvex, if you were to ever get one.

The belt clip is useless, which is probably why I use my csx so much.  It's just so easy to reach for.

Jon

 

[TelcoRandy]

I thought it was only the T-style drills that were getting 4.2AH batteries. Can anyone confirm?

 

[Paddyfin1]

When building kitchen units my main drill is of course the CXS, when coupled with all the Festool drill and screwdriver bits not to mention countersinks it becomes invaluable
I recently used a Bosch alternative (my colleagues) blimey it was rubbish  [eek] over run, no power. Guess I'm so comfortable with the CXS any thing else just seems odd
As for my C15 that gets used for everything else, hole saws , forstner bits and screws over 50mm, it's a rearly good cordless drill even using it for side drilling through floor joists with 25mm auger bits is nothing for this drill and now they have upgraded the battery's it's a wining formula for me
I purchased the TI 15 impact basic which gave me the sys 3 which fits both my TI15 & C15 together in one, changed the lid for one with storage for all my bits etc, coupled with a Sortainer and for all my screws and I'm up and running ;D
It also looks very professional and the customers can see the quality of you tools when you unload all your Festool kit and set up your work zone