TDK 15.6 battery life

[scotthz@yahoo.com]

Just looking back over some of the previous posts. Jay's description is exactly how it was for me. I was similarly surprised that both batteries suffered the problem. Maybe a bad batch of cells got through into a number of batteries coming off the assembly line.

Scott

Then I have 2 bad battery packs??? ???

Here's how it works for me.  I'll put a battery pack in the drill and drive 2 or 3 screws (or some other minimal usage).  Then I'll come back the next day and start drilling 1/2" holes in oak (or some other hard use).  After 2 holes the battery that I drove 2 screws with yesterday is dead.  I put the fresh battery in and drill 10 more holes and drive 15 screws and it never dies.  It is a given that if I haven't put the battery in from the charger that day, it is only going to be good for a small amount of work.  I guess I need to mark the batteries to make sure, but I think they are both the same way.  I'll put a piece of tape on one of them tonight just to be sure.

Maybe they are bad since I've never been impressed with how long they last compared to my old PC 12V.  But, with the other pack ready in 15 minutes I've never been lacking another to plug in (though I'm sure I've come close).  With the PC, I could easily kill a pack before the other was done.

 

[JayStPeter]

Since my last post, I've done some testing.  Both my batteries have the same problem.  They are almost flat within 3 days on or off the drill.  In other words, the drill is running noticeably slow when I pull the trigger on the 3rd day.  Unfortunately my drill was a refurb and over a year old.  They have had the problem since I bought it, but I just figured they didn't last long.  I suspect they don't last as long in use either as I often go through multiple packs during a days use (something that was rare with my old PC before end of life).  At least they charge quickly, so it hasn't been a real problem.

 

[pingvinlakrits]

I am sad to learn about the problems that people have using the battery powered Festools and that it doesn't seem to be a few isolated cases but a rather high percentage, not only judging from the number of entries in this single thread. I was hesitant to post my take on the issue as my recent posts have been about me wishing for Li-ion (or Li-Po) batteries so yet another post would make me look like a Festool basher. I am not - I love my green-black gadgets! 

However, over the years and in my work as a carpenter Festools reputation in the cordless drill sector has been below par - and mostly it has been battery related issues. Enough to make me worry about getting a cordless from Festool and in the end I did choose another brand.

The idea of not implementing the use of Li-Ion batteries due to the fast development in battery technology I can understand to a certain degree - but when other manufacturers are making premium cordless machinery that withstands rigorous daily abuse the Festools just seem even more obsolete. Not that I think Festool MUST jump on the Li-Ion train but the fact is that it left the station quite a long time ago and has reached a point of some maturity. My Makita batteries (14,4V Li-Ion) last well and the life expectancy is approx 500 battery cycles per battery x 2 batteries which will have me covered for maybe two and a half years at this rate. Almost a full year of daily service in sub zero temperatures as well as comfy indoor use has made me trust and appreciate the technology - and know the inherent limitations. Spare batteries are not prohibitively expensive either. Actually I did get a second drill for home so now I have four batteries which means that I am set for quite some time, come to think of it.

Waiting around to see what the future "might" bring while holding on to a range of products that still sell at premium prices - but with obsolete technology - is not really beneficial for the customer.  Festool has come catching up to do. 

best regards, Henrik

 

[Dan Clark]

Overall, I've been exceedingly happy with my C12 (with lots of chuckies).   When I bought it, I got the 2.4Ah NiCds.  But I would much rather have had LiIon batteries.    That said, my batteries are still working fine after thousands of screws - many of them big lag screws.   

I have a new Makita 18V impact driver.  It's a great tool - very light and powerful.  And it doesn't transfer torque to your wrist like a standard drill.  That is its nicest feature.   

I hope that Festool will offer a LiIon battery/charger upgrade package for the C12 drill.  Maybe the size and weight of the smallest current NiCd with the battery charge better than the biggest currrent battery.   I'd buy that INSTANTLY!

While I agree that the Festool battery technology is getting long in tooth, I think the C12 is far more advanced than any other drill that I've seen.   Fixed-chuck drills are antiquated by comparison!   

Regards,

Dan.