Question on C15 trigger setting?

[hockey_magnet]

Picked up my new C15 this morning and have a very quick question. When the forward reverse switch is in the center position if you press lightly on the trigger the light comes on. If you press very firmly the drill actually turns extremely slowly. I would have thought that this would not happen in the center position. Is this normal?

 

[AlexThePalex]

You're the first to report this about the C15 here, but my T15 also does it, and I have read other people saying the same of their T15.

The trigger should be fully locked with the switch in the middle position but with Festool's design the lock engages from the top of the trigger and it still leaves room to push it in on the bottom.

Not good. Major design flaw.  

 

[hockey_magnet]

I agree it's a bit of a design flaw - any other drill I've used (except a bosch iDrive that didn't have a center locking position at all) locked fairly securely in the center position. Thanks for replying because I wasn't sure if it was just mine and it was faulty.

 

[hockey_magnet]

I was back at Lee Valley this afternoon and checked their display models: T18, T15, C15, C12, CXS - All but the CXS did exactly the same thing. checked back in the manual and they refer to the switch as a "right/Left" switch, no mentin at all of a center position.

I agree it would be nice to have a center position where you knew the trigger was absolutely locked "just in case" when you're transporting it around or even carrying it on a job site. I don't know why they wouldn't do that. Maybe Festool would look at this for future designs. Otherwise the C15 is a really nice drill. as a first time Festool owner the thing I notice the most compared to my other previous drills - 18v Milwaukee and Dewalt - is how smooth and precise the control is when driving screws. I know I'll really appreciate the 90 degree chuck as well.

Chris

 

[Rick Christopherson]

The forward/reverse button is separate from the trigger assembly. It simply moves a small rare-earth magnet into proximity of the main control board to change directions. It has a tab that touches the trigger to prevent you from switching direction inadvertently with the trigger pulled (although the software in the controller would prevent this from happening anyway). It can serve as a trigger lock, but not all models have a detent position in the center (the old C12 does, the new T drills don't). To that end, it does serve that purpose, but because it is a separate piece, you can force the trigger to still deflect enough to slightly engage the trigger. But in doing so, you are bending the connecting rod between the physical trigger button and the internal resistor.

 

[hockey_magnet]

Thanks Rick - I certainly didn't think I was applying much pressure but I'll be careful not to press the trigger hard when the switch is centered. It does seem to come in handy to be able to lightly press the trigger to turn on the light without having the drill run though. Are you saying that we shouldn't use the center position on these drills to store them, etc.? i.e. just leave them left or right?

Thanks,

Chris