T18 3.1 Ah set worth it now that 4.0 is out?

[squall_line]

I came across a T18+3 3.1 Ah Set (575695) being offered up, still new in the box.  I was surprised that it came with the eccentric/offset chuck as part of the package, which partially explains the higher price compared to the current T18+3 Plus (576457) that is on offer.

The question is, is there anything particular about the old drill body, battery, or chucks that makes it worth getting compared to the new 4.0 set?  Is the drill body the same, just new battery tech?  I don't know if I could talk the dealer into a lower price because the set was discontinued over a year ago or not (I got my RO150 on clearance from them a while back as well, but they had already marked it down).

Here's my current Pro/Con list:

3.1 Set : Pro - Comes with eccentric/offset chuck; NIB with 3/2/1 Warranty
4.0 Set : Pro - $160 USD less than 3.1 Set (eccentric chuck retails $130 USD); longer battery life; higher battery output, higher battery compatibility with TID, HKC, etc.

Input?

 

[ScotF]

There is no longer a battery indicator on the back of the drill since batteries provide that now.

 

[semenza]

Does the 3.1 set you found have both eccentric and 90 degree chucks or just the eccentric?

The 3.1 batteries will do the job on the drill and many tools just fine. Not the TSC55. But the 3.1 are lighter and more compact than the 4.0. They are also my preferred battery on Vecturo.

Seth

 

[squall_line]

Does the 3.1 set you found have both eccentric and 90 degree chucks or just the eccentric?

The 3.1 batteries will do the job on the drill and many tools just fine. Not the TSC55. But the 3.1 are lighter and more compact than the 4.0. They are also my preferred battery on Vecturo.

Seth

Both/the whole gamut: Right Angle, Jacob, Centro, and Eccentric

 

[FestitaMakool]

Agree that the 3.1Ah battery are a sweet spot on the drills. I use them on my Carvex too. Light, narrow, small in comparison to 4Ah and above. It does also make the Carvex (The PSBC model that is) shorter and less back heavy, as Vecturo. This also means that the Carvex feels nimbler and takes tighter curves, just like a Mini [cool] Oh, mine are Bluetooth enabled - if it matters to you too.

 

[mino]

T18 + 3.1 beats a T18 + 4.0 any day.

Only exception is if you wanted the batteries for other big tools like the TSC.

If you do not have a couple 3.1 batteries already, grab it while they are around in the US. Well worth it for have a few small ones for Drill/PSC/OSC use.

 

[slavi.yordanov]

I bought the whole kit for my C18 and it had the 3.1 batteries. I also have the cordless Vecturo. They are lighter and more compact but run out of power way faster. If you are not going to use the drill all day in overhead applications, I don't think the extra weight is going to hurt you. If you need to fit the drill in tight spots all the time, you would appreciate the compactness probably. I have used my eccentric chuck only a few times, when drilling pin holes for my cabinets. If you don't have any 5.2/6.2 batteries, I would suggest getting the 4.0 kit. If you already have some 5.2/6.2, get the compact one (even though I'm not sure it's worth the $160 premium)

 

[squall_line]

I bought the whole kit for my C18 and it had the 3.1 batteries. I also have the cordless Vecturo. They are lighter and more compact but run out of power way faster. If you are not going to use the drill all day in overhead applications, I don't think the extra weight is going to hurt you. If you need to fit the drill in tight spots all the time, you would appreciate the compactness probably. I have used my eccentric chuck only a few times, when drilling pin holes for my cabinets. If you don't have any 5.2/6.2 batteries, I would suggest getting the 4.0 kit. If you already have some 5.2/6.2, get the compact one (even though I'm not sure it's worth the $160 premium)

Ae I mentioned, it's technically only a $30 premium since the eccentric is included, which retails for $130.

I definitely appreciate all of the other details and thought processes that people have offered.

 

[semenza]

I bought the whole kit for my C18 and it had the 3.1 batteries. I also have the cordless Vecturo. They are lighter and more compact but run out of power way faster. If you are not going to use the drill all day in overhead applications, I don't think the extra weight is going to hurt you. If you need to fit the drill in tight spots all the time, you would appreciate the compactness probably. I have used my eccentric chuck only a few times, when drilling pin holes for my cabinets. If you don't have any 5.2/6.2 batteries, I would suggest getting the 4.0 kit. If you already have some 5.2/6.2, get the compact one (even though I'm not sure it's worth the $160 premium)

Ae I mentioned, it's technically only a $30 premium since the eccentric is included, which retails for $130.

I definitely appreciate all of the other details and thought processes that people have offered.

  And the right angle would be another   $130.

Seth

 

[slavi.yordanov]

I bought the whole kit for my C18 and it had the 3.1 batteries. I also have the cordless Vecturo. They are lighter and more compact but run out of power way faster. If you are not going to use the drill all day in overhead applications, I don't think the extra weight is going to hurt you. If you need to fit the drill in tight spots all the time, you would appreciate the compactness probably. I have used my eccentric chuck only a few times, when drilling pin holes for my cabinets. If you don't have any 5.2/6.2 batteries, I would suggest getting the 4.0 kit. If you already have some 5.2/6.2, get the compact one (even though I'm not sure it's worth the $160 premium)

Ae I mentioned, it's technically only a $30 premium since the eccentric is included, which retails for $130.

I definitely appreciate all of the other details and thought processes that people have offered.

  And the right angle would be another   $130.

Seth

The right angle head is included in the T18 kit that sells for $499 (4.0 batteries).

 

[mrboult]

I significantly prefer my 3.1 batteries on the drills over the 4.0. But they’re slightly less powerful. They’ll run my HKC fine, just don’t last too long.

If they were to be your only two festool batteries then I’d say 4.0. If you sheet have some 5.2s I’d say get the 3.1s you’ll love the combination of both.

 

[semenza]

I bought the whole kit for my C18 and it had the 3.1 batteries. I also have the cordless Vecturo. They are lighter and more compact but run out of power way faster. If you are not going to use the drill all day in overhead applications, I don't think the extra weight is going to hurt you. If you need to fit the drill in tight spots all the time, you would appreciate the compactness probably. I have used my eccentric chuck only a few times, when drilling pin holes for my cabinets. If you don't have any 5.2/6.2 batteries, I would suggest getting the 4.0 kit. If you already have some 5.2/6.2, get the compact one (even though I'm not sure it's worth the $160 premium)

Ae I mentioned, it's technically only a $30 premium since the eccentric is included, which retails for $130.

I definitely appreciate all of the other details and thought processes that people have offered.

  And the right angle would be another   $130.

Seth

The right angle head is included in the T18 kit that sells for $499 (4.0 batteries).

Must be a different set?  No RA chuck i this one.

  https://www.festoolusa.com/products...ng/cordless-drills/576457---t-18-plus-3-hpc-4,0-i-plus-us#Overview

Seth

 

 

[slavi.yordanov]

https://www.festoolproducts.com/fes...rill-highpower-4-0ah-set-kit-w-systainer.html

That’s the one I was looking at.

 

[semenza]

OK, it looks like vendor site descriptions show and list it including the RA chuck. But the Festool USA site does not. Same SKU #. I would check that carefully with the dealer before ordering?

Seth

 

[FestitaMakool]

Always check the official (national) website before ordering, or even before discussing what might be.
FT USA is not a distributor, and presumably order in batches from Festool/TTS (Think STM 1800)
There may well be quite different specifications on the items as well as kit specifications.
For Europe it is mainly what’s dictated from Festool Germany, but not necessarily if an agreement with a distributor to deliver a specified amount to that specific distributor. Dealers are no where near being good at updating their own websites.
How many of you who have bought FSK rails (or even a HK saw kit with FSK rail) did find a FSZ 120 clamp inside the box for the rail? Of the different websites I checked, all proclaim that a FSZ 120 is provided with each rail. I received 1 of 3 for my rails. The dealer said no (they do not state that a FSZ 120 is included either), although their Festool nationally official website states that the clamp is included.. Are you unsure, call or email to have the specs checked.
Part no’s should be a quality check enough, but the FSK case shows it’s not.  [mad]

 

[squall_line]

Always check the official (national) website before ordering, or even before discussing what might be.
FT USA is not a distributor, and presumably order in batches from Festool/TTS (Think STM 1800)
There may well be quite different specifications on the items as well as kit specifications.
For Europe it is mainly what’s dictated from Festool Germany, but not necessarily if an agreement with a distributor to deliver a specified amount to that specific distributor. Dealers are no where near being good at updating their own websites.
How many of you who have bought FSK rails (or even a HK saw kit with FSK rail) did find a FSZ 120 clamp inside the box for the rail? Of the different websites I checked, all proclaim that a FSZ 120 is provided with each rail. I received 1 of 3 for my rails. The dealer said no (they do not state that a FSZ 120 is included either), although their Festool nationally official website states that the clamp is included.. Are you unsure, call or email to have the specs checked.
Part no’s should be a quality check enough, but the FSK case shows it’s not.  [mad]

I'm glad you pointed this out because that right angle chuck was part of my value calculation between the two, for sure.