T18+3 selector switch loose

[ldhwc3]

Does anyone know if Festool has a fix for the loose drill/drive selector switch on the top of the drill?  I am in the market for a new drill and notice a lot of videos online people accidentally switching the selector switch when drilling or driving hardware by placing their hand on top of the drill.  The T 18 E Festool Live Episode 10 video, Sedge switched it on accident numerous times starting at the 7:20 minute mark.

It looks like it is a simple piece of formed metal I saw in a tear down video.  I wonder if they could put a thicker piece of metal in there to strengthen it up.

 

[AlexThePalex]

I don't think it is known fact that this is a much occuring problem, so no fix either. I didn't know this was a problem.

Maybe not drill with your hand on top of the drill.

 

[Paul_HKI]

That's the same spring detent bit that's been used on the C/T drills since at least the C-12 models, as I've only recently rebuilt two of those and recognise it well.  It's used on the rotary torque setting for the clutch, and the same part is used for the forward reverse control on the trigger.  It's not a problem with that part, that's for sure.

Looking at my well used T18+3 and a very new C18, neither have any problems with a degree of 'latching' to either screw/drill sides.  The selector is easy to move, but that's very much by design.I suspect it could be operator error to be fair.    If you don't move it with your hand as Sedge did repeatedly, it will stay to whichever side you've put it.

 

[ldhwc3]

Alex,

Maybe the drills that I've been seeing in videos have been well used and it has loosened up. 

I kind of chuckled with the don't put your hand on the top of the drill comment because I was thinking someone might say that.  ;D

Thank you for the input.  Once I get mine in hand I will be sure to verify it's strong enough.

 

[ldhwc3]

Paul,

Thank you for you knowledge on the selector.  I am looking forward to getting mine to test it out.

If you could choose, would you go with the T18 or C18?  Now that you have a C18 do you like it more than the traditional T-handle?

 

[Paul_HKI]

I can't say I like it more, it's just different to the traditional T drills.  I'm 'only' a free-time woodworker and a self-admitted Festool junkie at this stage, but one thing I'll say is that I held out on getting Festool drills, for years.  I just couldn't see the point. 

I had a couple of Metabo 10,8's and some Panasonic EY 14,4's for 'heavier' work, and they got regular use for years doing all sorts of work.  They were really good tools and I liked them, but I spent a few hours using a friends C-15 and liked it so much I picked up a couple of used C-12's the next week.  I found the C handle and the difference in balance to be more comfortable when working on assembly work in particular.  That was the most noticeable thing, when working over a piece or when working over my head the C handle just felt 'better'.  Hard to describe but maybe you get the idea, or someone else can help by sharing their thoughts.

Over time I added the CXS and TXS when I got rid of the Metabo and Panasonic drills, then changed everything for 18V Festool drills to have a single battery type for every tool, basically.  I didn't really need the compactness of the C/TXS models, although they're very capable and easy to recommend too.  These days it's actually the C-18 that gets most use, which is a bit strange when I think of it!

 

[ScotF]

I would say try them both. I like both styles, but if I had to choose one it would probably be the T style. I have 3 T18 drills that see the most use. I have a C18 that s really good at driving screws and I very often set up the T for drilling. I think the T and C are the best drills Festool makes while I know others would argue the CXS or TXS style drills or even the PDC. They all have their place in my drill/driving workflow.