atomicmike
Member
- Joined
- Apr 29, 2010
- Messages
- 190
I?ve been wanting a lithium-ion cordless drill for a while, and since I recently embarked on a bathroom remodeling project, I figured it was the perfect time to take the plunge. Having been disappointed with every rechargeable drill I?ve owned in the past because they were too heavy, underpowered, and the batteries were always dead when I wanted to use them, I knew I wanted something that would overcome all of those limitations. I had pretty much decided on the Milwaukee compact lithium drivers until I started thinking about all of the challenges I?d have to face, including running hole saws, working in tight stud/joist bays, driving lag screws in 100-year-old lumber, etc. Adding up the cost of renting the specialty drills I?d need easily tipped the scale in the favor of the Festool T 15 + 3, and I couldn?t be happier.
The drill is simply a pleasure to hold in your hand. No matter which of the interchangeable chucks is attached, the tool is well-balanced and easy to handle. Even with my large hands, the grip doesn?t feel cramped, and the trigger and direction switch hit in exactly the right spots; it?s like it was built just for me!
My favorite feature by far was also the first one I used: the electronic clutch. I?ve grown so accustomed to mechanical clutches over the years, and always hated the noise they make (as well as having to lose the setting between drilling and driving screws). The very affirmative tone tells you in no uncertain terms that you?ve hit your torque setting (and it?s great that the motor stops completely, too). I?ve also found the battery warning tone to be invaluable. Since the tool doesn?t seem to drastically lose power as the battery drains, and with as long as the batteries last in my use, it?s all too easy to forget that they do have to be recharged. Even on busy days, I?ve managed to go hours between charges -- a very welcome change from all my old cordless drills!
And even when it comes time to change the battery, it is also a very pleasant experience. I find most of the ?stick?-style tool batteries very difficult to dislodge, especially with gloved hands. I?ve actually had to use screwdrivers to pry some loose! The Festool battery slides forward on the tool, so it is exceptionally easy to remove and replace, and much more natural than trying to pull the battery away.
Since my project involved replacing subfloor and hanging drywall, I also picked up the depth-stop chuck accessory. While I haven?t yet hung any drywall with it, I can say that it proved invaluable when installing the subfloor. With the exception of the one screw that completely missed the joist (oops!), every single one is set perfectly. It made such delightfully quick work of the task that I almost wish I had more subfloor to install (almost).
[attachthumb=#]
While I do have a few gripes about the drill, they are very minor (no belt clip or light). Even with those in mind, I really could not be more pleased with the T 15 + 3. If you?re on the fence about purchasing one for yourself, go for it. You won?t look back.
[attachthumb=#]
The drill is simply a pleasure to hold in your hand. No matter which of the interchangeable chucks is attached, the tool is well-balanced and easy to handle. Even with my large hands, the grip doesn?t feel cramped, and the trigger and direction switch hit in exactly the right spots; it?s like it was built just for me!
My favorite feature by far was also the first one I used: the electronic clutch. I?ve grown so accustomed to mechanical clutches over the years, and always hated the noise they make (as well as having to lose the setting between drilling and driving screws). The very affirmative tone tells you in no uncertain terms that you?ve hit your torque setting (and it?s great that the motor stops completely, too). I?ve also found the battery warning tone to be invaluable. Since the tool doesn?t seem to drastically lose power as the battery drains, and with as long as the batteries last in my use, it?s all too easy to forget that they do have to be recharged. Even on busy days, I?ve managed to go hours between charges -- a very welcome change from all my old cordless drills!
And even when it comes time to change the battery, it is also a very pleasant experience. I find most of the ?stick?-style tool batteries very difficult to dislodge, especially with gloved hands. I?ve actually had to use screwdrivers to pry some loose! The Festool battery slides forward on the tool, so it is exceptionally easy to remove and replace, and much more natural than trying to pull the battery away.
Since my project involved replacing subfloor and hanging drywall, I also picked up the depth-stop chuck accessory. While I haven?t yet hung any drywall with it, I can say that it proved invaluable when installing the subfloor. With the exception of the one screw that completely missed the joist (oops!), every single one is set perfectly. It made such delightfully quick work of the task that I almost wish I had more subfloor to install (almost).
[attachthumb=#]
While I do have a few gripes about the drill, they are very minor (no belt clip or light). Even with those in mind, I really could not be more pleased with the T 15 + 3. If you?re on the fence about purchasing one for yourself, go for it. You won?t look back.
[attachthumb=#]
