PDC 18/4 vs QUADRIVE TPC

[nj_five]

I see that on festoolusa.com the PDC cordless drill is listed as a new item but on festool.com they list the new TPC as a replacement of the PDC?
https://www.festool.com/blog/news/tpc-tdc

Anyone know the differences? The both seem to use the newer brushless motors.

 

[AlexThePalex]

It is right, the older PDC and DRC drills are being replaced.

Their newer counterparts are more or less the same drills, maybe a few quirks brushed out, nothing more. The switch for the gear box is said to be better now, and the new drills now use the same attachments as the regular C and T series drills.

 

[mino]

Good to add that the DRC/PDC drills were/are also "new" in Festool parlance in that they were recently refreshed with 4.0 batteries and packed in new SYS3 Systainers.

But the drills themselves are being changed only for the TPC/TDC generational update.

 

[Cypren]

The biggest practical difference is probably that Festool is claiming a 40% increase to maximum torque on the T-models. This was one of the glaring weaknesses of the previous models, with the PDC pulling about 60% of the torque of Hilti’s comparable 4-speed drill in head to head tests and falling well behind the heavy-duty drill drivers from most of the major brands.

If Festool’s claims about improved performance hold up in real world tests (and I have no reason to think they won’t; their claimed ratings for torque on the PDC were always modest), they’ll have closed half of that gap and be competitive with most everything out there except Hilti’s flagship. (Which, to be fair, is a much larger and heavier tool.)

 

[nj_five]

Good info - any idea when it will be available in the States?

 

[johnyhuh]

I just got the PDC/TID set today. Wise to keep it or return and wait for the TPC?

 

[mino]

I just got the PDC/TID set today. Wise to keep it or return and wait for the TPC?

Keep if
- you need it now
- you do not mind the speed switch (I do not, it is simple and durable, but some hate it ...)
- you do not need it for power but for speed

Switch if
- you hate the switch
- you want it as a single drill for all uses (i.e. do not plan/have a heady-duty one with 80+ Nm torque already)
- you can wait 1/2 year till TPC becomes available
- you want to avoid reselling for a bit less after you get the TPC for above reasons

Overall, I would NOT buy TPC _unless_ I wanted a single drill for all-uses-around-house. It is an absolutely fabulous package for that usage.

If I wanted a 4-speed drill for the high speed and flexibility, I would go with the TDC (sans percussion) and combine it with a 100+ Nm cheapo Makita/Devalt/Millwaukee torque monster.

I have the DRC, and use it far,far more for speed than for power. And there even the 100 grams saved from foregoing percussion is preferred. For raw power I plan a 130 Nm 60V monster from Narex instead...

My 3 cents.

 

[Mr Speaker]

I came across the TPC at a store here in NL. There was a promotional sale of a basic set with free battery. I already had the PDC, I played with the new TPC and bought it, gave the PDC to a family member.

I use the CXS for 95% of all screw related activities, and I have a BHC18 for more serious drilling. I bought the PDC for when I just want to take one device with me and it is really nice for that. Yes a little too heavy for screwing in smaller screws and it is not ideal for reinforced concrete.

About the difference: the TPC is more stubby, it is shorter and thicker. The gear switch is much, much better. That switch initially sold me on this thing. Oddly, it is a little louder (unloaded). And a hair heavier. I never had an issue with torque. The PDC always felt like it was not designed by Festool, the TPC screams Festool. In short, no, you do not need to replace the PDC like I did. But I would wait for the TPC.