Festools 12V. CordlessI've been so pleased so far with Festool quality and dependability I decided to try their cordless. I've eye balled it for a longtime to justify the cost as with the rest of the line, but realized the engineering and thought that go into their tools surely will equate as I discover more about it the longer I have it. Several features and reason for the equation that went into this purchase. For openers, I have a tool drawer that's just plain filled and my power tools get knocked around as I shift through the pile to get what I want. I really love the box storage system they've come up with, that inter lock with one another and I can fit more tools in a small footprint in my small shop, with everything in its place. I don't know how many carrying cases that I've accumulated that just soak up space for nothing, and just can't be stacked or worth their salt and get thrown out. First thing you know, the tool gets mingled in my tool drawer. Heading to a jobsite, now its grab a drill, extra battery, bits, charger and the floorboards in the truck are loaded with loose tools. Now I can just grab a stack of boxes and everything I need is right there. To most, this is no big deal, but to someone who installs and does allot of on site work it sure is nice. I can free up space inside the truck, leaving tools like this in the back and not have to worry about getting caught in a rain storm in route.
The drill comes with a quick charger and I mean quick! Takes about 15 min, and is good to go. One nice thing I like is the balance. I love a tool that just fits right in the hand, and one that has a good comfortable grip. The thing that sets Festools cordless apart from the others I've seen are the attachments, and that's what I was looking for!
I had a project a while back where I used some pocket screws in corner blocks that just were a real pain to get at. The only thing I could find real quick was this makitta. It gave me the room, but it also was awkward to use. Thick handle was hard to hold right, and the battery seems to be always dead when I reach for it after being stored for sometime. Its like I have to plan its use, and charge the battery long before I use it. Festool engineering came up with a chuck and angle attachment that is so unique and takes on every conceivable angle. In my case, the desk components I built had at least 50 offset screws to pop in, and I can't tell you how many I stripped because of having and inadequate tool. It has a 1/2 chuck, and comes with a quick release bit holder (extra) that makes changing over a breeze.
Sure there are cheaper cordeless drills, and that Makita is an alternative, but its not a variable speed and putting in off set screws, it doesn't take much to strip the screw trying to get it in. Not only that but you end up having 2 drivers soaking up space along with extra batteries and chargers!!!!!!!!!!!!
The change overs are a snap with a slide on, and turning of the locking ring
Another attachment they offer allows placing screws close to inside corners or edges.
When its all said and done, I wished Festool would have been around when I needed all this for all these other Applications. Expensive?........ well, I guess one could say that until you weigh getting that Makitta and it would be one tool less in my tool drawer
http://festool.safeshopper.com/
