T15 or T12

[bonesbr549]

This dang group is going to be the death of my pocketbook.  I've read the review posted here on the new LI drill and even though I just (3 months ago), purchased the makita (black label) set with drill driver and light, I find myself considering one of these.  For lunch today I went by my local woodcraft and put my hands on both the 12 & 15.  Those are some of the sweetest drills I've used.  I've never seen anything like the clutching mechanism.  It  just stops the rotation of the chuck and beeps.  Another item I noticed was how slow you could make the bit turn and still maintain the torque.  I had the T15 in one hand and the T15 in the other and could not tell a decernable difference in weight.  My question is the what do you get for the extra 50 bucks?  I'm sure there's something.  I'm thinking right now the 12 would be enough but would hate to walk away from a deal!   The wife has been bugging me for her own cordless, she may just have one shortly. 

 

[acetool]

Great question. The only difference between the T12 and the T15 is that the T12 has 265.5 in pounds of Torque inch steel and 220 inch pounds in wood. While the T15 has 354 inch pounds in steel and 238 inch pounds in wood.

http://www.acetoolonline.com/FESTOOL-T-12-3-Lithium-DRILL-SET-p/fes-564247.htm

http://www.acetoolonline.com/Festool-Lithium-Cordless-Drill-T-15-3-DRILL-Set-p/fes-564250.htm

I have attached some links so that you can see the difference. Also if you purchase it right now you can get a free #1 Systainer with bins to divide you screws and stuff.

Best regards
Leon Davidman

 

[Bob Marino]

 You have handled them both so weight isn't much of a concen. They both come with and accept he same accessories. What you basically get is greater torque with the  T-15. If it matters, the T 15 way outsells the T12.

Bob

 

[bonesbr549]

Great question. The only difference between the T12 and the T15 is that the T12 has 265.5 in pounds of Torque inch steel and 220 inch pounds in wood. While the T15 has 354 inch pounds in steel and 238 inch pounds in wood.

http://www.acetoolonline.com/FESTOOL-T-12-3-Lithium-DRILL-SET-p/fes-564247.htm

http://www.acetoolonline.com/Festool-Lithium-Cordless-Drill-T-15-3-DRILL-Set-p/fes-564250.htm

I have attached some links so that you can see the difference. Also if you purchase it right now you can get a free #1 Systainer with bins to divide you screws and stuff.

Best regards
Leon Davidman

I just went to the festool site and looked at the specs.  It's very interesting that the torque settings in steel is 354 .vs. 265. (89 lbs)  and in wood the differences is 238 .vs. 220 (18 lbs).  Since I'm a woodworker, I'm curious now if the 18 lbs makes it worth it?

 

[acetool]

I all depends on what your drill and how large a hole you are drilling. My guess is the harder the wood you would want more torque. Even though 18 inch pounds of torque does not sound like a lot it can be quite frustrating if the drill does not have the power to do the job.

My recommendation would get the T15 rather to have too much torque then not enough.

Best regards
Leon S Davidman 

 

[bonesbr549]

Yep, for 50 bucks that would be a hell of a thing to hate later. 

 

[jb883]

I was in the same quandry.  Since there was no noticeable difference in size or weight, I went with the 15.  You'll forget about the $50 right after the purchase, but if you get the 12 you will always be wondering...... Maybe I should have got the 15.....

 

[Bob Marino]

Yes, I have them both, but if I were to get only one, or recommend one to a customer, it would be the 15 for the reasons mentioned.

Bob

 

[bonesbr549]

Well first thanks to all for the feedback.  While there is no way I can justify either, I'm going to get the 15.  What the hell life is short and I'm doin my part for the economy.

 

[jrs]

As a note, this timely thread is what made me buy my now-favorite drill, the T15!

 

[David Makseyn]

Bob,
Am I mistaken or did I hear that the new batteries will fit into the TDK 12 and use the same charger as the one for the Ni-Cad's!
Sounds to good to be true but you never know!
Thanks,
Dave

 

[tbellemare]

Dave:

The old batteries fit the new drill and new charger, not the other way around.

Tom

 

[Bob Marino]

Dave,

Tom's nailed it right. Still a nice advantage with the batteries.

Bob