POLL: Would You Purchase a Centrotec-Driver if Available in USA?

[Corwin]

We've discussed this here before, but maybe if we had a poll...

This is the Centrotec-Driver.  Part Number 495228.  And for some unknown reason, it is not (yet) available here in the United States.  

So, would you purchase one of these babies if you could?  I would.

 

[Ken Nagrod]

I like the idea of being able to mount the Centrotec quick release chuck so your bits stay locked in while using it and it's short enough to use different size bits and adapters.  It would be even better if it comes with a strong embedded magnet.

 

[image132]

I would buy it and the centrotec set if I had the money...

Although I do like the idea of the driver and being able to use the quick release chuck on it.

 

[jmbfestool]

Just letting you know I voted for What's a Centrotec-Driver? because I dont live in the USA and I didnt want to spoil the voting but I wanted to see what the results where so I had to vote for something.

You could use the angle chuck on it just you will have to hold the angle adapter as you cant lock it in place. Dont think ill use it for that but you could!

JMB

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

No need to vote, it's coming. Hopefully soon.

 

[Holzhacker]

I have a Centrotec set with this driver. Buying a spare would come in handy. I will probably pick one up if we end up going to BRD this winter. It's a handy little tool, won't replace a socket set but very handy nonetheless. For install/assembly work its been tough enough so far.

 

[Bob Menefee]

Great can't wait.

 

[Kevin D.]

Can somebody link/point to more info on the Centro-tec.  I've stayed away in the past of looking at this, as there is no use lookin' when you can't get it.  Same as the CMS.  Now that Shane seems to have strongly hinted the Centrotec it is coming, NOW I'll take a closer look.  Of course, this also means that I had voted "What's a Centrotec".

 

[Neill]

May have come too late for me.  I bought a PB Swiss ratcheting screwdriver set that I think is phenomenal.

Neill

 

[Tim Morris]

Shane is this coming as an individual part number or in the new and improved 2011 Centrotec set ?

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Tim, as it stands, I am confident the Centrotec hand driver is coming. I'm not sure about the set which includes the hand driver and ratchet. What do you guys think about the whole set? The set includes:

4mm - 10mm sockets
(3) Pozi wire detent driver bits
(3) Phillips wire detent driver bits
(5) Torx wire detent driver bits
(6) Hex wire detent driver bits
(2) Slotted wire detent driver bits
1/4" socket extension, 3" long
1/4" hex driver to 1/4" socket adapter
1/4" socket to 1/4" hex driver bit adapter
Pivoting socket adapter
2" Centrotec driver bit holder
6" Centotec driver bit holder
Centrotec hand driver
1/4" socket
Sys-Mini

 

[Holzhacker]

In a Sys-mini ... very nice. I would buy that. I know a lot of guys have stated they think the ratchet and toolie are rather useless. For general carpentry work I agree. For install work doing kitchens, baths, TV, stereo rack component install work, I have to defend the tools and say they have been very useful for me. Also good for motorcycle repairs, too small for car work though.
The only thing I would prefer to see in that set is a tighter configuration of the existing components so there would be space for a void to put our own specific bit/socket needs into. The Mini in blue or green would also be nice. Bring it on Shane.

 

[jonny round boy]

In a Sys-mini ... very nice. I would buy that. I know a lot of guys have stated they think the ratchet and toolie are rather useless. For general carpentry work I agree. For install work doing kitchens, baths, TV, stereo rack component install work, I have to defend the tools and say they have been very useful for me. Also good for motorcycle repairs, too small for car work though.
The only thing I would prefer to see in that set is a tighter configuration of the existing components so there would be space for a void to put our own specific bit/socket needs into. The Mini in blue or green would also be nice. Bring it on Shane.

That set in a mini-sys is GBP91 ex tax over here, so for you guys it's likely to be around 140 bucks. Would you still want one?

 

[danrush]

Although I'm always reluctant to buy "sets" like this, ( I routinely use 5% of the tools, occasionally use another 5%. but 90% sit in a case or on a shelf, never used.)  I would consider the set you've shown, Shane.  I would have to tailor it for my specific needs, but it looks like a good starting point for an installer kit.

Dan

 

[Holzhacker]

Ummmm ... No? At $140 I'd have to think about it. I would probably rationalize it but not sure, but probably if it came with a free T-shirt.
What Dan brings up is something we discussed in Lebanon. Festool could make various smaller Acc component packages that fit into a Sys and you could mix and match those pieces to make your own custom set.
In this case, there could be one typical plastic tray for the sockets, one for the bits one for the two handles, one empty, one with countersinks, etc. You could then 'plug and play' the individual trays into a Sys for your own custom use.
Unfortunately this seems to be way too user friendly of an idea for my people to glom onto. 'You want something? You take what we give you'.

 

[Tim Morris]

Tim, as it stands, I am confident the Centrotec hand driver is coming. I'm not sure about the set which includes the hand driver and ratchet. What do you guys think about the whole set? The set includes:

4mm - 10mm sockets
(3) Pozi wire detent driver bits
(3) Phillips wire detent driver bits
(5) Torx wire detent driver bits
(6) Hex wire detent driver bits
(2) Slotted wire detent driver bits
1/4" socket extension, 3" long
1/4" hex driver to 1/4" socket adapter
1/4" socket to 1/4" hex driver bit adapter
Pivoting socket adapter
2" Centrotec driver bit holder
6" Centotec driver bit holder
Centrotec hand driver
1/4" socket
Sys-Mini

Shane as it stands I am only interested in the handle. I was one of the lucky few who acquired one of the Centrotec set when they were available here. I have several applications that I preform regularly that I would like to hand start my screws. I carry a separate driver for this but it would be great to be able to throw this in my kit and have the option to use drill or hand driver. I guess when I said new Centrotec set I meant something more towards the driver sets that have been offered in the past with drill bits, countersinks, etc.

 

[EcoFurniture]

I voted no. Don't want to start another price point/value argument but to be honest I can't see myself generating enough money with that set to make it worthwhile. BTW, phillips, torx and other NON ROBERTSON bits are pretty much useless in north america and there are plenty of them in the centrotec set.

 

[Toolfest]

I would not buy the set. There are better and less expensive options for a socket set. Being Festool, the ratchet and sockets would be 2-3 times more expensive than a comparable set from companies such as Snap-On, Matco, Craftsman, etc. A Craftsman set has a lifetime warranty and the sockets can be exchanged very easily at any Sears store. Festool doesn't have a lifetime warranty on such things and dealers are few and far between even if they did.

Generally speaking, I am interested in things that are Festool specific such as Centrotec bits. We pay a premium for Festool because the tools are usually of better quality and have unique features other tools don't have. I don't think general tools like socket sets from Festool would be of better quality and I could not justify the inevitable higher price.

 

[Tim Morris]

I agree with everything Andreas said. I also use the #2 pozi in my set for euro hardware installation and adjustment.

 

[Frank Pellow]

I voted no. Don't want to start another price point/value argument but to be honest I can't see myself generating enough money with that set to make it worthwhile. BTW, phillips, torx and other NON ROBERTSON bits are pretty much useless in north america and there are plenty of them in the centrotec set.

I assume that when you typed 'USA', you meant to type 'North America'.  [poke]

I'm with you Andreas.  On principal, I will not buy it until (if?) Festool steps up to the plate and supports Robertson bits. [dead horse]

But, even more important, there are good quality socket wrench sets available for a lot less money here (and they do provide Robertson bits).  For example, I really like this small set available at Lee Valley: http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=59940&cat=1,44047,59940 for $16.50.

I have both the metric and imperial variations and they are very good quality