T12 Question and Reflection

[Bikeboy80]

I got my "new" recon t12 last week and I got to put it to use yesterday. I had a good chance to test it out finishing a bathroom, installing fixtures and half a dozen grab bars. 95% of the time I would normally use an 18v impact driver to do this but using the t12 was impressive and a whole lot quieter! I didn't ever find myself looking for more torque.

My only question involves changing between the different chucks...I found myself having trouble with trying to get them attached. Is there a trick to it that I am missing? I eventually get them to "click in" but it seems to be more difficult then I think it should be.

Thoughts?

 

[AlexThePalex]

Just a matter of getting used to. You'll learn to grab the chuck in a certain way so that it will slip on comfortably. No worries.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

I'm right handed. I usually hold the chuck in my left hand and the drill body in my right. Put them together and give the coupling ring a twist. Sometimes, if they don't engage immediately, just give the trigger a quick pulse and that'll help line them up. Like Alex said, once you've used them a couple of times, you'll find it secondary. Or, just take 10 minutes and sit down and put them on and off to speed up the proficiency curve.

Edit: And, with the Centrotec chuck, I usually put my thumb at the end and depress the coupling mechanism between my pointer and middle fingers, like holding a cigarette.

Hope that helps. [wink]

Shane

 

[andyman]

I had the same but you soon get used to it.

T12 is a nice drill, plenty of power for general screwdriving & drilling, keep my larger ones for heavier work.

Purchased the angle chuck for mine yesterday, a quality attachment.

 

[Bikeboy80]

I'm right handed. I usually hold the chuck in my left hand and the drill body in my right. Put them together and give the coupling ring a twist. Sometimes, if they don't engage immediately, just give the trigger a quick pulse and that'll help line them up. Like Alex said, once you've used them a couple of times, you'll find it secondary. Or, just take 10 minutes and sit down and put them on and off to speed up the proficiency curve.

Edit: And, with the Centrotec chuck, I usually put my thumb at the end and depress the coupling mechanism between my pointer and middle fingers, like holding a cigarette.

Hope that helps. [wink]

Shane

I think the "twist" is what I'm missing to get it engaged, I'll give that a try. I'm used to the standrard impact driver chucks but of course you can see the hex to line up. Unfortunately I have gotten really spoiled with my newer dewalt 20v, the bit just pops in without touching the release ring.

I can really see that the t12 will hold a good spot in my arsenal of tools.  [smile]

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

You can see around the 50 second mark in the video below where the ring is turned to connect or disconnect the chuck.

 

[epicxt]

I also struggled initially when installing the right angle and eccentric attachments. What I found helpful was when I first mate the attachment to the drill motor I twist the ring as if I'm loosening the attachment. This usually produces a little click and the parts line up so I can tighten the fastening ring.

Enjoy your awesome tool!

 

[Bikeboy80]

I used it today to install a storm door and am starting to get the hang of it. Shane's "cigarette" trick seems to work well with just a bit of a twist and they click in.

On another note... It is so much more pleasent working with the t12 then a noisy impact driver. And again I was impressed with the power, for anyone who has installed a storm door before, the long screws that attach the openers to the jamb are usually a PITA. Today they were not a problem.