Socket Adaptor

[Birdhunter]

I use a Festool 3/8" socket driver in my TI5 to drive Snap-On sockets.

The Snap-On sockets literally fall off the Festool driver. Apparently, the ball detent in the Festool 3/8" socket driver doesn't engage the recess in the Snap-On sockets.

Anyone solve this problem?

 

[neeleman]

You could try the 3/8" adapter AD-3/8" FF (769064).
It's a FastFix adapter which fits all the drills, except the CXS.
But maybe it's still NAINA, because it's a former Protool model which now is sold under the Festool brand and belongs to the accessories of the PDC 18-4 drill.

 

[RC]

Can you attach that directly to a Ti15 with impact mode active or does it require the impact mode disabling extension to be present?

 

[neeleman]

Nearly all FastFix attachments, except the BF-TI 13, need the TI-FX adapter when connecting them to the TI 15, and so does this one.
The only benefit with this socket adapter that's not that tall and heavy when connected together with the TI-FX.
When you're using the Centrotec Tool Chuck directly in the TI 15 you can also try the 3/8"-70 CE adapter (Oops sorry, just read that thing is your problem).

 

[Brice Burrell]

I use a Festool 3/8" socket driver in my TI5 to drive Snap-On sockets.

The Snap-On sockets literally fall off the Festool driver. Apparently, the ball detent in the Festool 3/8" socket driver doesn't engage the recess in the Snap-On sockets.

Anyone solve this problem?

I've never had a problem with sockets falling off but the fit isn't all that secure with the Festool socket adapters.  I would think there has to be a problem with the adapter you have if the sockets really do just fall off.  Have tried another brand socket?

 

[Thunderchyld]

Aren't Snap-On sockets pin detent rather than ball?  Might make a little bit of a difference.

 

[Birdhunter]

I'll just order a Snap-On driver/adaptor. It won't be Centrotec, but I won't have to retrieve the sockets from the floor.

 

[Sparktrician]

I noticed that both Snap-On and Craftsman sockets fall off my 3/8" adapter, too,  Comparing the ball detent spring tension of both Snap-On and Craftsman ratchets and breaker bars to the Festool adapter indicates to me that the detent spring tension in the Festool adapter is far less strong, causing the easy release.  Interestingly, the 1/4" adapter seems to have a stronger detent spring.  I have no way of precisely quantifying the test; it's strictly done by an educated thumb.  For what it's worth, I think Festool may need to replace a few of these 3/8" adapters. 

 

[Birdhunter]

Fascinating! I tried my Festool 1/4" drive in my 1/4" Snap-On sockets. Much tighter than the 3/8" drive.

 

[leakyroof]

Aren't Snap-On sockets pin detent rather than ball?  Might make a little bit of a difference.

  No, not until you get into 3/4" drive usually. They do make some pin versions right along side of ball detent in their smaller drive stuff, so you often have a choice with a certain extension or universal joint, but it tends to be ball detent for the most part.
I've run into this sort of thing with Matco, bought a nice 1/4" hex drive socket set that they freely admitted would not work with the extension chucks that were in another Hex Driver Set that they sold before offering the socket set.[ The hex shank and ball detent was JUSTTTTTTT not right for locking into the chucks.... [mad]]
To solve THAT issue, I bought the WERA chuck from Lee Valley, it works with both the socket hex drive set and all the Matco and other 1/4 hex bits that I have which are Ball Detent. Who knew Ball Detent compatibilty could be this frustrating..... [embarassed]

 

[leakyroof]

I noticed that both Snap-On and Craftsman sockets fall off my 3/8" adapter, too,  Comparing the ball detent spring tension of both Snap-On and Craftsman ratchets and breaker bars to the Festool adapter indicates to me that the detent spring tension in the Festool adapter is far less strong, causing the easy release.  Interestingly, the 1/4" adapter seems to have a stronger detent spring.  I have no way of precisely quantifying the test; it's strictly done by an educated thumb.  For what it's worth, I think Festool may need to replace a few of these 3/8" adapters.  

 They should look at the WERA units.  Magnet inside the chuck, smooth action on the chuck sleeve, and they seem to
handle a range of ball detent bits from different manufs. who, can't seem to agree on an industry standard for hex shanks... [eek]

http://www.leevalley.com/US/Wood/page.aspx?p=44490&cat=1,180,42334&ap=1
Here is a link to a socket adapter that Lee Valley is offering

 

[Birdhunter]

I bought a set (1/4, 3/8 and 1/2) De Walt drives today. The snugly fit my Snap-On sockets and a few Craftsman sockets.

I plan to take my Centrotec driver back to the store along with a socket to see if it is unusually small.

 

[TelcoRandy]

My Dewalt 3/8" drive hex adapter feels just as tight as my Festool 3/8" drive Centrotec adapter. How good either would be in the field is anyone's guess because I don't have a whole lot of experience with driving hex fasteners with these...

*EDIT* Ok, so I tried my second 3/8" Festool Centrotec adapter and it's definitely loose. The one I got with my centrotec set a few years ago is tight on Snap-On, Bahco and Mac sockets, but the one I bought with my C15 recently is way too loose to use. It is so loose I can shake sockets off of it.

I wish I tried it while I was still within my 30 day grace period... Oh well. If it helps anyone my loose one was purchased in December 2013.

 

[AlexThePalex]

There are two different Festool 3/8" drive Centrotec adapters. One with a ball for "manual use", and one with a pin for "machine use", as it is explained on the Festool website. Not sure what the difference is though. I have the one with a ball and it is always very tight on any sockets I use (Teng Tools).
 

 

[TelcoRandy]

Just to make myself clear, both of mine are the ball variety.

 

[leakyroof]

There are two different Festool 3/8" drive Centrotec adapters. One with a ball for "manual use", and one with a pin for "machine use", as it is explained on the Festool website. Not sure what the difference is though. I have the one with a ball and it is always very tight on any sockets I use (Teng Tools).
 

  The Pin types are generally what everyone used to offer for impact type tools. Then, the simple ball with a spring behind it; took over for many smaller square drive/socket sizes up to 3/4" drive. From that size and upward, you see many more PIN locks again since the sheer weight of a flying 3/4" or 1" drive socket off an impact would do some damage.
Although it doesn't matter in this case, it's interesting to remember that air impact wrenches/guns of the smaller 1/4, 3/8" and 1/2" drive sizes just use a simple spring ring at the end of their anvil to keep a socket from flying off when in use. No ball, no pin.
and they're FLYING in RPM levels....... [eek]

 

[Birdhunter]

My store replaced my 3/8 adaptor with a new one. The new one is marginally snugger than the first one. I can pull off the socket with a very light tug. My DeWalt adaptor requires a very hard tug to release the socket.

This is the first unsolvable Festool issue I've had and I have a shop full of gray boxes.

I have to drive a number of lag bolts in building a bunch of out door benches. My guess is that a one layer of Teflon tape around the 3/8" drive's business end will keep the socket attached.

 

[leakyroof]

My store replaced my 3/8 adaptor with a new one. The new one is marginally snugger than the first one. I can pull off the socket with a very light tug. My DeWalt adaptor requires a very hard tug to release the socket.

This is the first unsolvable Festool issue I've had and I have a shop full of gray boxes.

I have to drive a number of lag bolts in building a bunch of out door benches. My guess is that a one layer of Teflon tape around the 3/8" drive's business end will keep the socket attached.

. Good plan. Also, do you have a dial caliper to measure the size of the Festool adapter?

 

[Sparktrician]

I called Brent Shively at Festool USA about this issue last Thursday.  Let's see what he comes up with. 

 

[Birdhunter]

I used a digital micrometer on the DeWalt and Festool 3/8 socket drivers. The dimensions are almost identical EXCEPT the size of the ball detent. The DeWalt ball detent is much larger (well over 1mm) than the Festool driver. This accounts for the poor socket retention for the Festool driver.

I've referred the issue to Festool.