Thinking about a Festool Drill

[Sourwould]

Hey Y'all,

I'm pretty disappointed with my last Makita drill purchase and have been window shopping Festool drills.

I've mainly been looking at the PDC/DRC and T18. The T18 looks like it's a nice size, but I run augers and forstner bits fairly often and am unsure if it would welcome the abuse.

The PDC looks good for that work, but maybe too bully or heavy for fine stuff. I'm wondering if someone has both and could comment on this. Also wondering how much the PDC belt hook sucks, because it looks awful.

I've also been looking at maybe getting a DRC from Europe. I don't need the hammer function and any weight or length I could cut would be great.

One more thing. Is the Protool PDC 18/4 identical to the Festool?

 

[Birdhunter]

Festool has a new drill coming out in the USA in July. From the ads, it looks really good for heavy duty work.

 

[AstroKeith]

I've had the PDC for a couple of months now and find it really good. Its well balanced in the hand and I havent found a job it hasn't been more than up to.

You wont save much my leaving out the percussion. (which BTW is really effective!)

I have a T18 which I use solely for driving, and it is superb. Really fine control and again the balance is good. Having both I couldn't imagine relying on the T18 as a drill, but perhaps I've been spoilt now.

I've used the T18 on its belt hook a couple of times, but havent felt comfortable, but then I'm not that kind of user!

 

[CO_JCD]

I think you summed it up well in your initial post, that is:

PDC / DRC good for power and increased speed - useful for augers for forester bits.

T18 good for fine control and driving screws to a precise depth - also very good for the majority of drilling tasks, only need PDC/DRC for large diameter holes in tough wood.

DRC has a shorter body and is slightly lighter but you probably would not notice much difference - slightly less in-out chuck movement (play) with DRC but again only marginal differences.  Don't even think about PDC for masonry unless as a one off emergency last resort. In some ways PDC is slightly better balanced as it seems as though the weight distribution of the PDC/DRC was set for the PDC and then DRC just shortened, again this is marginal.

I have all three drills, hence the above is from my direct experience.  In my view T18 and PDC/DRC are for very different tasks albeit they overlap in the middle in their capability.

John

 

[vkumar]

This T18 drill being discussed is this the  T18 E Easy or the T18  impact?  Any thoughts on these 2?  Also how well will the T 18 impact work as a general purpose drill including installation of small screws ?

 

[CO_JCD]

This T18 drill being discussed is this the  T18 E Easy or the T18  impact?  Any thoughts on these 2?  Also how well will the T 18 impact work as a general purpose drill including installation of small screws ?

Neither, I am talking about the standard T18, the Impact drill is TID 18 and the T18 Easy is very new and lacks the flexibility of the T18 in terms of handling different chuck types as I understand it.

I have not experienced the TID 18, however, from use of another brand impact - an impact would not be my choice for small screws. 

 

[RKA]

Someone here will disagree with me, but I think of the T18 as a medium duty drill.  For woodworking type tasks, it handles anything the CSX isn't up for.  And for some construction type work, it holds it's own.  Half the time I have a centrotec chuck on it, the other half the jacobs style chuck.  But if I want torque, a PDC or M18 drill is what I'll reach for.  I leave the jacobs style chuck on the PDC all the time.  Both are bigger and/or heavier than the T18, and my preference is to use the lightest drill that will do whatever task I have in mind. 

If you want I can get you a few weights and measurements of the above combinations for comparison. 

 

[Sourwould]

This T18 drill being discussed is this the  T18 E Easy or the T18  impact?  Any thoughts on these 2?  Also how well will the T 18 impact work as a general purpose drill including installation of small screws ?

Neither, I am talking about the standard T18, the Impact drill is TID 18 and the T18 Easy is very new and lacks the flexibility of the T18 in terms of handling different chuck types as I understand it.

I have not experienced the TID 18, however, from use of another brand impact - an impact would not be my choice for small screws.

Thanks for the info John.

I was referring to the T18 with the interchangeable chucks. I don't use an impact much, mostly for timberloks and screwing down decking.

I can't stand hammer drills, slow and loud. I use a rotary hammer for everything, even for little 3/16 tapcons.

I'm leaning toward the DRC. Looks like it's about 4 lbs. The equivalent Makita is 6 lbs. That's a big difference for me. There's a Protool PDC 18 on ebay.de I was hoping to grab, but the seller doesn't want to ship to the US.  :-\

I was looking at a DRC kit with the non Airstream batteries. Does anyone know the charging time (roughly) for a non airstream 5.2? I tried looking at the difference in charging times between the airstream and the non airstream batteries, but can only find "60% faster!" 60% of what?

Edit: Oh, and I was talking about the belt hook on the PDC/DRC. It points toward the front of the drill and not the top?? How does that work?

 

[CO_JCD]

Re the PDC/DRC belt hook - in my view it seems very flimsy and does not hook with any degree of confidence.  It will do the job on the rare occasion one really needs to hook the tool, however, it is not a secure as the metal hook on my older T15.

 

[Hawkeye0001]

Whatever drill you go for pick up a pair of small 3.1Ah batteries, they are SUCH a relief to use in the drill line up. Still goes all day but reduces the overall weight considerably.

I can fully recommend the DRC. It's the exact same as the PDC minus the percussion function (which imho produces tons of noise and heat while holes are a mere byproduct of this action when you compare it to a hammer drill). The way I see it is if you're in a pinch it may be helpful, but 99 out of 100 times it just adds several ounces of weight for no good reason.
For me it completely replaced my T18 because its footprint and weight is nearly identical for a lot more power but the same handling and finesse.

My biggest pet peeve about it is the gear selector which is quite stiff and requires a bit of finesse to get into 2nd and 3rd.
As far as the belt hook goes: it's not quite as bad as it looks and still holds the tool secure enough to walk around with it. Only problem is if you inadvertently close the belt hook shut... THAT is a bit annoying.

 

[elfick]

I could be wrong, but I don't think the DRC is available in the US.

 

[Samo]

I could be wrong, but I don't think the DRC is available in the US.

You are correct.

Recommend trying everything you are interested in first.  I really like C handles now but to each they're own.

 

[six-point socket II]

Hi!

I'm a big advocate for the DRC/PDC (especially PDC).

It's an incredible versatile drill/driver and has become my absolute go to drill/driver for tons of different stuff.

Most important to me is really the 4-speed gear box it comes with, drilling small diameters at 3800rpm is the best thing since sliced bread. And if paired with the right accessories, like the CE Stone drill bits - it just drills into stone like a hot knife goes through butter. The percussion mode that comes with the PDC is sometimes handy when you want to overcome a snag embedded in the stone/masonry. (This is not for concrete, mild concrete maybe/ can be drilled, but never ever use it on reinforced stuff!)

This brings me to another point, a lot of people argue that percussion drills are out-dated, rotary hammers so much more powerful. Now the only point I want to bring up/make is that some manufacturers of certain type bricks expressly prohibit the use of rotary hammers on their bricks because it will cause far too much internal damage. This holds especially true for all hard-burned bricks that come with "hollow chambers". I know from experience many don't know and don't care - but long ago I made a video to demonstrate this - and the damage to this type of bricks, when rotary hammers are used, is real. And it doesn't matter if they are already laid/encased by mortar.

So normally you won't have any trouble drilling these with the CE Stone drill bits at 3800rpm, but if you happen to come across a stubborn one, it's only the flip of the selector to go into percussion mode, overcome the hurdle, and switch back. I never start a hole in percussion mode, I never leave it on if I don't need it. But when I need it, it is there.

Talking about power, it certainly can drive a 68mm hole saw into oak hardwood flooring, in 1st gear. I haven't come across a screw it couldn't drive and sink.

To me the PDC is perfection speaking of an "all around"- drill/driver. If you think you can live without the percussion mode, the DRC will serve you likewise very well.

The plastic clip takes some time getting used too, the first times using it I was constantly checking if the PDC was still there, as it feels really flimsy/ not up to the task of holding the drill. I would have preferred the clip(s) they use on the DWC series. But these are not as streamlined/ seamlessly incorporated into the tools design/body. But I can confirm that the plastic clips work, and I also didn't mange to break one off yet.

Kind regards,
Oliver

 

[harry_]

I can't really speak for the T18, but assuming it's just heavier duty version of the T15. It should be all the drill you need. Mine sees a 6-1/4 hole saw on a regular basis. Forstners.. no problem. Paddles? If they are big paddles I would advise 'screw mode' so your wrist gets some protection,... same for hole saws.

 

[Holzhacker]

A couple different thoughts here I guess.
I have a T15, essentially the same as the 18 just less power. I use it for auger, forstner and hole saw bits from time to time. Its fine, works great. If I were using it day in day out for that I'm not sure how well that would go. I haven't tried it since for repeat large holes I use one of my corded 1/2" drills.
Recently I was debating between the PDC impact drill or the BHC hammer drill. I decided on the BHC because it was more of what I needed. However, I also didn't like the PDC all that much. Reminded me too much of my old Ryobi PDC type drill. Great drill that always did its job but heavy and a PIA.
I realize corded drills are not in favor these days. For me though if I'm doing lots of repeat big holes you can't beat the reliability of a corded 1/2" hole hawg or such. If it were me I'd buy a T18 and a 1/2" corded drill.

 

[Euclid]

Thank you all for sharing your “drill thoughts” which I, too, am finding interesting and useful.

I’d been weighing up whether to spring for a PDC… problem is that apart from the CSX and a pair of KAL lamps, all of my Festools are corded (does that make me odd?), including the DR18-4 drill which I really like a lot despite its relative bulk.I’ve always fancied a C18 too, but don’t strictly NEED one right now… But I’m also seriously considering a ETSC sander and am reluctant to dive into TWO more battery platforms!

I have a nicely compact corded Bosch SDS drill and a cordless Bosch SDS drill/chisel which works well, but it’s pretty big and a bit unwieldly — and a couple of other oddball cordless drills - but from the comments here I’m seeing that the PDC wouldn’t really replace anything I already have, just give me an additional and versatile jack of all trades. Considering the price tag, I think it’s slipping down my list of needs/wants for now… 

 

[Sourwould]

Thank you all for sharing your “drill thoughts” which I, too, am finding interesting and useful.

I’d been weighing up whether to spring for a PDC… problem is that apart from the CSX and a pair of KAL lamps, all of my Festools are corded (does that make me odd?), including the DR18-4 drill which I really like a lot despite its relative bulk.I’ve always fancied a C18 too, but don’t strictly NEED one right now… But I’m also seriously considering a ETSC sander and am reluctant to dive into TWO more battery platforms!

I have a nicely compact corded Bosch SDS drill and a cordless Bosch SDS drill/chisel which works well, but it’s pretty big and a bit unwieldly — and a couple of other oddball cordless drills - but from the comments here I’m seeing that the PDC wouldn’t really replace anything I already have, just give me an additional and versatile jack of all trades. Considering the price tag, I think it’s slipping down my list of needs/wants for now…

I pretty much have all corded tools too. They last a lot longer, in my opinion.

The C18 looks like it would hurt my wrist.

I don't see the appeal of a cordless sander, especially from Festool. I feel like you're going to be hooked up to a vacuum most of the time anyway.

 

[Euclid]

I don't see the appeal of a cordless sander, especially from Festool. I feel like you're going to be hooked up to a vacuum most of the time anyway.

I agree, for the most part, and for me an ETSC would be most usually used with powered DC and the mains adapter - but I have a few tasks in mind where accessing a power supply will be very awkward (unless using a generator). I'd just be resigned to emptying the little collector bag frequently.

Anyway, back to drills...!