Talk Me into a C15!

[3PedalMINI]

I Do Custom Audio Video Installations and My Trusty makita Drill/Driver combo is starting to show their age and its time to retire them. SR Semenza Posted the other day about the Right Angle Adapter and The Thing is i know it has some amazing control and some really cool features, But I do alot of retrofit and use alot of different drill bits from a 6ft 1" Drill rod to a 1ft auger bit and everything inbetween. Is it criminal to use this drill for these types of tasks? Can it even do what I need it to do power wise? I Use my Hole Hawg for new construction pre-wires so this is strictly mostly used for retrofits.

Or should i save my money on the drill, buy another Makita Kit?

Thanks Guys!

 

[jimbo51]

If possible, you should handle a C15 and a T15. I find the T15 more comfortable to hold. On the C15 my index finger/first finger is on top of the reversing switch and the grip feels a bit cramped.

Maybe you should also consider the T15 impact.

 

[3PedalMINI]

If possible, you should handle a C15 and a T15. I find the T15 more comfortable to hold. On the C15 my index finger/first finger is on top of the reversing switch and the grip feels a bit cramped.

Maybe you should also consider the T15 impact.

When i was down at woodcraft a month ago I was playing with them and I really liked the C15, not to mention it would be perfect size for getting into tight areas but the guy there couldn't answer whether or not it could handle a 1" Auger Bit or the occasional hole saw through 2x Lumber.

I Really want a TI15 but that will be next on my list as i need a new drill right now

 

[tbellemare]

It can handle it.

Tom

 

[3PedalMINI]

It can handle it.

Tom

Cool! I assume ill have to put it into Low Gear just like i do now with my current drill? Any Immediate accessories I should get? I plan on getting the set.

 

[tbellemare]

With a big bit, low gear is the way to go. I recently drilled a bunch of 40-year old pine studs with a 3/4" self-feed bit and a C 15. It had no problem. The biggest thing to worry about is your wrists or getting pinched as the body swings around when it gets stuck.

I've run the NiCD C 12 with a 3/4" ship auger (that I inherited) through studs without any troubles. I've run big paddle bits and hole saws also. It's a quite powerful drill. I also have a 3/4" x 6' long flexible installer's bit that I've run with the older C 12 and the newer C 15 through plates (from holes in sheetrock) with no problems.

With the set, you'll be set.

I'm quite fond of the Centrotec system and have a lot of it. The installer sets that appear occasionally on this side of the pond are nice. I've sort of made my own various mini-sets, one in a Sys Mini.

Tom

 

[epicxt]

I've used/abused my nicad c12 for probably 6 or 7 years now. I initially babied it (because of the cost) but soon came to realize it could handle pretty much anything I could reasonably expect from it.

Fast forward to the present and my c12 is still my go-to tool for general drilling/driving tasks. I now have the ti15 for driving larger or more stubborn fasteners which is awesome.

I second the suggestion of getting a chance to handle both models. I work with both designs but prefer the c shape and would have bought a impact driver in that configuration if it were offered. Not sure if this is predisposition, or if its just conditioning from my time with the c12.
Good luck! You'll have a fantastic experience either way, I'm sure.

 

[tjbnwi]

I have a T15. Being from the land of EMT, I drill a lot of 7/8" holes. My T15 with the 90° head out performs all of my small angle drills. The only right angle drill I have that is better is my Hole Hog. You won't regret the 15 volt drill. Handle preference is up to you.

Tom 

 

[3PedalMINI]

Wow Guys! thanks for all the info! sounds like it will do the job  [big grin]  Still Questioning my sanity for dropping over $500 for a single drill but I assume this will last a while and hold up to the daily abuse  [scared] Im also sure that ill forget about the price the first time I use it in the field  [smile]

Also, Just to verify...Does the SYS Light use the same batteries as the C15?

 

[tbellemare]

Does the SYS Light use the same batteries as the C15?

The SysLite uses the C 15 batteries (and others).

for a single drill

It's actually more like 5 different drills.

Tom

 

[3PedalMINI]

Does the SYS Light use the same batteries as the C15?

The SysLite uses the C 15 batteries (and others).

for a single drill

It's actually more like 5 different drills.

Tom

Good Point  ;D

 

[tjbnwi]

As Tom said, you are getting far more than one drill. I wish I could get the money back for the unused angle drills I own. As I've always said, the most expensive tools I have ever purchased are the cheep ones that don't work well, if at all.

Tom

 

[nehardwoodfloors]

I own a c15 and LOVE it. But I second the opinion about getting the t15 instead.
I liked the idea of the C but in fact the T IS more comfortable.

 

[MAK]

I took a while to get a festool drill/ driver, was worried about the abuse it would get. But got c15 set, love it! Had for couple of years no problems, fell off steps few times still working. Then brought t15 older model without light, was on offer at dealers. To be honest don't know which I prefer. The t shape seems to have a bit more power for some reason. When doing full fit of kitchens, use c for drilling and t for screwdriving.

You won't be disappointed with either one and I think it will be with you for long time.