Ti15 or Makita impact?

[lino-man]

Guys, need your help and input on my next purchase, which is a new impact driver. I've done a lot of research trying to find reviews on both the new Festool impact driver as well as the new Makita model (lxtd06). While I don't do a lot of impact driving for hours on end, I do find that it's my go to tool for driving screws. I love the idea of being able to drill with it as well. With the current refurb sale, its probably the ideal time to pick one up.
There have been a number of negative reviews on the ti15. But it would be a mistake for me to pass by a tool if I am being influenced by a vocal minority. I guess what I'm asking is this: do you love your Festool impact driver and why? If not, where does it fall short?

Thanks

 

[Davej]

Cant comment on the festool but it does seem a compromise as its not a dedicated impact  , i do have the makita and its a very good impact drill , loads of grunt and a whole lot cheaper .

Dave

 

[jmbfestool]

Go with Panasonic impact!

I have voiced my opinions on TI15 enough on fog lol. So ill say no more.

 

[Captainwrinkles]

If money isn't an issue, Buy a Hilti Impactor

 

[erock]

I've been using the Makita 18v lithium-Ion compact combo kit from Home depot.  2 batteries, charger  for $199.

I never used the Festool impact.  But honestly the Festool CXS has been my go to drill since I bought it.  But if you're tight with cash, check out the Makita.

I've had the combo going on 3 years I think.  With no problems.  Plus the Makita batteries charge in 15 minutes.

Eric

 

[pugilato]

It pains me to say that my Ryobi impact is the bomb... Been meaning to buy something more upscale, and the Ryobi keeps on keeping. The hammer drill is not bad... 10 years and counting of constant use and abuse.

 

[Paul G]

If you don't mind other options I would suggest taking a look at Milwaukee M18 fuel line, they have been serious performers for me.

 

[lino-man]

Thanks guys, I do appreciate the freely made comments. But I've noticed no one has come forth in support of the Ti15. Anyone??

 

[Kev]

I have the Ti15 and I feel it's an ok medium power impact (it's certainly not the most powerful on the market). I also don't use it for drilling - with other Festools at hand I don't have the inclination.

To me the Ti15 shines when it's purchased in combination with other Festool drills - then you have common batteries, chargers, Centrotec, Systainers ...

Best combo is a T15 or C15 set and a bare Ti15 ... plus a CARVEX and a Syslite  [wink]

 

[peter halle]

I have had a loaner Ti-15 for a while and I like it.  I also have three Festool drills (TDK12, C12, T-15).  For driving screws up to 3 1/2 inches in length I think that the Festool drills are quicker than the Ti-15.  That is the majority of the work that I do.

I had to drive some 6 inch lags for a retaining wall and really enjoyed the Ti-15.  I will be doing some deck re-enforcing next week and the Ti-15 will come into play.

I can't compare it to any other brands due to the fact that I have never owned or used another brand.  Part of the appeal is that it would be possible to have two tools in one and if you already have a Festool drill you can reduce the amount of stuff you carry if you already have the batteries and charger for another drill.

Peter

 

[builderbob]

I like my Ti 15...I don't use it all of the time, but when I do, it is handy.  I don't drive long lags so I can't say if that's good or not.  I also know its a hybrid drill...well I don't think it's really good in drilling mode. It seems to torque out quickly. I already have the c15, so the bare tool was the perfect companion. Fits both in one case and its there when I need it!

 

[sakurama]

If you're figuring it out based on cost vs. functionality than I'm sure the cheaper options are probably better. I have one and got it because I needed an impact and already had a C12 so it was the same charger. I also got it with the depth chuck for driving drywall screws. I'm sure for the same money I could have bought two different tools that would work as well or better. But then I'd have three different chargers and those batteries wouldn't work with my Syslite and those annoying cases wouldn't stack with my Systainers so at some point I'd end up buying a Systainer for them and making a custom insert (ala my Hilti hammer drill) and that's just too much trouble.

I like things in a "system" and I like well thought out tools and I tend to pay for that. I've regretted buying Milwaukee tools before when they flake out. I've regretted buying cheap tools when they are poorly thought out, difficult to use or no longer supported. I've yet to regret buying anything Festool and that to me is reason enough.

Gregor

 

[WoodSam]

I just used my Ti15 this weekend and it performed terrifically . I used it to drive a quantity of 10 inch Simpson SDWS structural screws ( a relatively new product that replaces lag bolts for deck construction ) into 3 inches of pressure treated and 8 inch hemlock beams plus another 48 6 inch SDWS screws. There was no difficulty and all of this on one battery charge. I also tried my Milwaukee 18 volt impact driver and it could not complete the last 3 inches on the long screws. The Ti15 will definitely be my go to impact driver from now on.

 

[The Next Level]

I would love to hear positives on the Ti also! I own the makita 18volt impact and drill but totally lean to my C15 for lighter work. The ergonomics and controlled smooth operation is way better than the mak. I would buy the set for the batteries over the basic in my case. Just need more positives on the Ti!

 

[mike68au]

I've been using the Makita 18V 3 Speed Brushless model for the last 2 years and find it the best impact i have had yet.... (previous Hilti & Makita 4 Mode). The size is perfect and i also have a Makita drill as it's companion....  and now also use my little CSX. (best purchase ever)

I have been considering buying the Ti-15 to possibly condense down to one unit, but I'm holding of mainly because I'm invested in the Makita 18v System, and the concept of having to constantly change chucks or bits to go from drilling to impact could be come tedious.
Having my drill set with the drill bit and the impact with the bit i need,  helps me keep a faster work flow.

All that said there are some great benefits to the Ti-15 in all the different chucks you can use.  ( I also have the Makita 90 degree Impact for those tight corners .. but now i'm up to 3 drill casings )   It can get you out of that problem install, but how many of them do you get?
One thing i don't like about the Ti-15 is it's size, thats were the other brands win with their more compact size.

 

[Paul G]

I just used my Ti15 this weekend and it performed terrifically . I used it to drive a quantity of 10 inch Simpson SDWS structural screws ( a relatively new product that replaces lag bolts for deck construction ) into 3 inches of pressure treated and 8 inch hemlock beams plus another 48 6 inch SDWS screws. There was no difficulty and all of this on one battery charge. I also tried my Milwaukee 18 volt impact driver and it could not complete the last 3 inches on the long screws. The Ti15 will definitely be my go to impact driver from now on.

Curious if that was a M18 fuel?

 

[KorDes]

As much as I love Festool tools, the Ti15 doesn't stand up to the standard of the rest of the Festool lineup.
Hopefully the Festool engineers are revising the current model, like they did with the Carvex 400, with which they released the 420.

 

[Kev]

As much as I love Festool tools, the Ti15 doesn't stand up to the standard of the rest of the Festool lineup.
Hopefully the Festool engineers are revising the current model, like they did with the Carvex 400, with which they released the 420.

Yes probably ... we'll see a grunty impact on the other side of the Festool+Protool blending - then I'll have two Festool impacts, just like I've got two CARVEX (is CARVEX the plural of CARVEX ? ... CARVI ?)  [embarassed]

 

[GregBradley]

The OP referenced the high end 3 speed brushless Makita. If any of you like the low end Makita impact in the drill/impact kit for around $200, you would be completely blown away by the 3 speed brushless.

I have 4 different versions of Makita LXT impacts. The 3 speed brushless is far and away the one to have for serious work. On low, it replaces a 10.8/12v impact. On medium, it matches the regular LXT Makita impacts. On high, it rocks. The Hilti version does have more power for very, very heavy work. It should since it has an extra cell and is actually a 21.6v impact. It only does heavy work well.

 

[awil66]

I have the Ti15 and also really like it. I was moving my truck one day and fortunately ran over my c12 systainer. So since I was going to have to buy a new systainer and insert, I thought I would give the basic a try. It's great for what I need it for.
I also have the Hilti SID 121-A and it is a great little driver but a little underpowered for some tasks and the batteries don't last as long as I would like. I also have access to the Hilti Sid 18-A and it is very powerful but no finesse. Likes to break screws and sometimes the spax lags.
I find the Ti15 more responsive to a lighter touch than the others, if that makes sense. And it drives the Simpson screws in LVLs great, and the batteries, just the C12 NiCads, last a good while.
One final point, though not for everyone, the basic systainer setup is great. I have the C12, Ti15, batteries, charger, the stubby set of Brad points, various torx and P2R2 bits, and 3-5mm HSS centrotec drill bits in there. Never hunting for anything.