Author Topic: Why do people so badly want a Festool impact driver? (Read 8327 times)

Jiggy Joiner · « **Reply #30 on:** May 21, 2019, 03:51 PM »

@Alex Hi Alex, the help or assist mode, basically stops screws stripping or cross threading.
This is how Makita explain it.

New impact mode (A-mode): helps to eliminate "screw cam-out" and "cross threading“ by driving at low speed until the start of tightening
T-mode: Tightening mode for self-drilling screw
Electronic 4-stage impact power selection.
Brushless motor Electric brake
Variable speed control by trigger Forward / reverse rotation
LED job light
Compact overall length of 117mm

The four function mode drills I have are the Makita DTP141, I have had mine a few years, they used to do a non brushless version which I think was the DTP140. I was about to buy some when I’d heard a brushless model was available and bought the brushless instead.
Apparently, they have only just become available in some countries but I think those may be non European countries. I’d imagine they are available in Holland though.
Very handy tool in my opinion.

This is the spec on them:

Easier mode selection and higher durability of the selection mechanism obtained by changing the selection mechanism from lever to change ring style
Single LED job light with pre-glow/afterglow functions
Battery fuel gauge
Ergonomically designed handle with rubberised soft grip fits your hand perfectly to provide maximum control and comfort.
More compact and lightweight design achieved by using BLDC motor and electronic clutch mechanism. Compared to model BTP140: • 14mm shorter in overall length. • 4mm smaller in motor housing diameter. • 0.1kg lighter in weight.
4 Operation modes for Ultimate Versatility. • Impact driver. • Percussion drill. • Drill (2 Speed). • Screwdriver able to drive Teks screw.
Electronic Clutch Mechanism: • Features expanded Clutch torque range 1.5-8.0Nm for wide range of applications. • Adjusts rotational speed preset torque in order to prevent over tightening. • Able to drive Teks screw at 1900rpm in high speed mode.

Sanderxpander · « **Reply #31 on:** May 21, 2019, 04:04 PM »

Quote from: Jiggy Joiner on May 21, 2019, 03:29 PM

Quote from: Sanderxpander on May 21, 2019, 06:21 AM
Your son seems incredibly smart for his age.

He is 31

He photographs incredibly well then!

All kidding aside, your grandchild looks super cute. I have a 2,5 year old son myself.

As for the Makita, that's very interesting, I wasn't aware of a machine like that and have often wondered why there wasn't one. The only annoying part, except for it being a little expensive, is that it only has a hexagonal bit holder. I guess that makes sense for the impact driver part but all but a few of my drill bits (and the ones you see in shops everywhere) are round, not hexagonal. Do you just buy everything with a hex mount then?

Jiggy Joiner · « **Reply #32 on:** May 21, 2019, 04:20 PM »

Quote from: Sanderxpander on May 21, 2019, 04:04 PM

Quote from: Jiggy Joiner on May 21, 2019, 03:29 PM
Quote from: Sanderxpander on May 21, 2019, 06:21 AM
Your son seems incredibly smart for his age.

He is 31
He photographs incredibly well then!

All kidding aside, your grandchild looks super cute. I have a 2,5 year old son myself.

That's lovely, cherish every moment, time goes fast and they grow quickly.
Yes the little guy in my avatar is one of my grandsons, he's a real cutie. I have four of children, all grown up now, 11 grandchildren, and I'm about to become a great grandpa at 60!

I love them dearly, and can give them back to their parents when the noise starts haha!
All the best to you and your family

Jiggy Joiner · « **Reply #33 on:** May 22, 2019, 03:54 AM »

Quote from: Sanderxpander on May 21, 2019, 04:04 PM

Quote from: Jiggy Joiner on May 21, 2019, 03:29 PM
Quote from: Sanderxpander on May 21, 2019, 06:21 AM
Your son seems incredibly smart for his age.

He is 31
He photographs incredibly well then!

All kidding aside, your grandchild looks super cute. I have a 2,5 year old son myself.

As for the Makita, that's very interesting, I wasn't aware of a machine like that and have often wondered why there wasn't one. The only annoying part, except for it being a little expensive, is that it only has a hexagonal bit holder. I guess that makes sense for the impact driver part but all but a few of my drill bits (and the ones you see in shops everywhere) are round, not hexagonal. Do you just buy everything with a hex mount then?

That’s a good point about the hex fitting, with our impact drivers, they are only used for screw fixing and removing, so the hex is fine. With the four mode drills, we often use them for normal drilling as they have a fast speed option. So we have a few hex fitting drill bits etc but, more conveniently, we have keyless chucks that have a hex fitting. So we can use any bits we want up to a certain size.
The only drawback with adding the chucks is, it extends the overall length. Not normally a problem for us though.

Although we have a lot of drills in various types, the four mode is probably the most versatile in it’s class.
And the DTS170 and 171 impact driver are probably the best I’ve ever used, and I’ve used a few.

mrB · « **Reply #34 on:** May 22, 2019, 02:05 PM »

I'm not at all desperate for an impact driver, I hate their loud noise. But if a festool one had been available over the last 3 years I would definitely have bought it, as some projects would have been easier with one.

I'm only in the Festool 18v battery platform, and as much as I respect Makita, I never could quite justify the £200+ it would take to buy an impact, batteries and charger, to then have a tool that needs it's own batteries and charger every time I take it!

I like the fact that my T18 SYS1 goes on every job, and that has a charger and two batteries in it. . so the BHC (or theoretical impact driver) can just be thrown in another tool box on it's own. Having a whole new tool box with batteries and charger just for an impact driver. . . well I never bought one.
Assuming this festool impact finally arrives, and it's 'bare' price is similar to the T18/C18/PDC then I'll pick one up the next time I have a decent paying project that could do with one.

I disagree with the sentiments that an impact driver can do things a drill can not do. They're easier sure, but I can drive any screw faster with a drill than with an impact. But be careful, decades of doing this has given me some muscular problems in my forearms

demographic · « **Reply #35 on:** May 22, 2019, 02:45 PM »

Nah, sorry. A BHC isn't an impact driver. Its just not.

Its a drill that does masonry, the impacts go in the other direction than an impact drivers.

mrB · « **Reply #36 on:** May 22, 2019, 03:03 PM »

Quote from: demographic on May 22, 2019, 02:45 PM

Nah, sorry. A BHC isn't an impact driver. Its just not.

Its a drill that does masonry, the impacts go in the other direction than an impact drivers.

Was that for me? I think you miss-read or miss-interpreted what I said.
If you're suggesting I think my BHC is for hammer drilling screws into wood, then I'm almost offended.

And it's not the other direction (that's reverse) it's another plane of movement.

demographic · « **Reply #37 on:** May 22, 2019, 04:33 PM »

Quote from: mrB on May 22, 2019, 03:03 PM

Quote from: demographic on May 22, 2019, 02:45 PM
Nah, sorry. A BHC isn't an impact driver. Its just not.

Its a drill that does masonry, the impacts go in the other direction than an impact drivers.

Was that for me? I think you miss-read or miss-interpreted what I said.
If you're suggesting I think my BHC is for hammer drilling screws into wood, then I'm almost offended.

And it's not the other direction (that's reverse) it's another plane of movement.

Aye, sorry about that, I saw the part where you said theoretical impact driver and mentioned the BHC and thought you were thinking they were interchangable.

Jiggy Joiner · « **Reply #38 on:** May 22, 2019, 05:32 PM »

Quote from: mrB on May 22, 2019, 02:05 PM

I'm not at all desperate for an impact driver, I hate their loud noise. But if a festool one had been available over the last 3 years I would definitely have bought it, as some projects would have been easier with one.

I'm only in the Festool 18v battery platform, and as much as I respect Makita, I never could quite justify the £200+ it would take to buy an impact, batteries and charger, to then have a tool that needs it's own batteries and charger every time I take it!

I like the fact that my T18 SYS1 goes on every job, and that has a charger and two batteries in it. . so the BHC (or theoretical impact driver) can just be thrown in another tool box on it's own. Having a whole new tool box with batteries and charger just for an impact driver. . . well I never bought one.
Assuming this festool impact finally arrives, and it's 'bare' price is similar to the T18/C18/PDC then I'll pick one up the next time I have a decent paying project that could do with one.

I disagree with the sentiments that an impact driver can do things a drill can not do. They're easier sure, but I can drive any screw faster with a drill than with an impact. But be careful, decades of doing this has given me some muscular problems in my forearms

An impact driver can do what a drill can’t though, impact! And that can make a noticeable difference when fixing all day, especially with brick and concrete.

Paul G · « **Reply #39 on:** May 22, 2019, 07:53 PM »

Quote from: Jiggy Joiner on May 22, 2019, 05:32 PM

An impact driver can do what a drill can’t though, impact! And that can make a noticeable difference when fixing all day, especially with brick and concrete.

On a few occasions out of necessity/desperation I have switched my M18 drill/driver to hammer mode to drive a stubborn lag and it worked surprisingly well. I know not ideal but sometimes just gotta make things work.

Jiggy Joiner · « **Reply #40 on:** May 23, 2019, 02:31 AM »

@Paul G Yes I get that, sometimes we have to get around a situation the best we can but, nowadays the tools are much better designed and often for specific purposes.
When I first started out, I had a set of chisels from college, a hammer, a pump screwdriver, a Diston hand saw from my grandfather, a couple of planes, a few hand tools and a cheap electric drill and somehow got the work done.

I simply couldn’t function like that now, given the type of work we do. We have various machinery, and a lot of power tools, and I do me a lot. One of my sons and other people that work for me, take it for granted, as that’s what they’ve grown up with. I don’t though, as I remember the good old days, and in honesty, they weren't so good most of the time from a work point of view

So for me, impact drivers? It’s a big “yes please” and As long as it’s a decent offering with good performance and durability, I don’t mind what manufacturer it comes from

mrB · « **Reply #41 on:** May 23, 2019, 04:48 AM »

Quote from: Jiggy Joiner on May 22, 2019, 05:32 PM

Quote from: mrB on May 22, 2019, 02:05 PM
I'm not at all desperate for an impact driver, I hate their loud noise. But if a festool one had been available over the last 3 years I would definitely have bought it, as some projects would have been easier with one.

I'm only in the Festool 18v battery platform, and as much as I respect Makita, I never could quite justify the £200+ it would take to buy an impact, batteries and charger, to then have a tool that needs it's own batteries and charger every time I take it!

I like the fact that my T18 SYS1 goes on every job, and that has a charger and two batteries in it. . so the BHC (or theoretical impact driver) can just be thrown in another tool box on it's own. Having a whole new tool box with batteries and charger just for an impact driver. . . well I never bought one.
Assuming this festool impact finally arrives, and it's 'bare' price is similar to the T18/C18/PDC then I'll pick one up the next time I have a decent paying project that could do with one.

I disagree with the sentiments that an impact driver can do things a drill can not do. They're easier sure, but I can drive any screw faster with a drill than with an impact. But be careful, decades of doing this has given me some muscular problems in my forearms

An impact driver can do what a drill can’t though, impact! And that can make a noticeable difference when fixing all day, especially with brick and concrete.

Totally - impacts are so much easier to use for big fixings. Never gonna dispute that just that, they're not as essential as some make out..
But if all you're doing is driving big screws all day... Well that's exactly the times I've considered buying an impact

Doug S · « **Reply #42 on:** May 23, 2019, 04:53 AM »

Quote from: Jiggy Joiner on May 23, 2019, 02:31 AM

When I first started out, I had a set of chisels from college, a hammer, a pump screwdriver, a Diston hand saw from my grandfather, a couple of planes, a few hand tools and a cheap electric drill and somehow got the work done.

Lol, I remember those days, imagine some of the youths of today trying to work on site without a mitre saw, track saw or any cordless tools

Distinctive Interiors · « **Reply #43 on:** May 23, 2019, 01:53 PM »

I can remember the first battery drill I ever owned. It was a Black & Decker that had a permanently mounted battery in it and when flat, you had to plug the complete drill onto its charger and wait whilst it recharged....! That must have been in the late 70's if I remember correctly.

Prior to that, it was ratchet & Yankee screwdrivers....and cutting mitres with a Nobex saw.

Jiggy Joiner · « **Reply #44 on:** May 23, 2019, 02:00 PM »

@mrB Yes, it’s like anything, all about what an individual actually needs for their situations regarding tool use.
I thought of this thread today, there were three of us on a job, and we had all cordless brushless, four impact drivers with different bits in, two four mode drills, two drivers and an 18 volt SDS drill. Also a 36 volt reciprocating saw, a 36 volt mitre saw, an 18 volt grinder and two 18 volt circular saw, and a 110 volt table saw.

We could of possibly got the job done minus the said tools tools but, would probably of worked through the night, and tomorrow

@Doug S

Too true Doug mate, I was explaining to them how we used to work, and what with, and they looked a little shocked! Haha!

I remember saving hard to buy my first cordless drill/driver and that tool made my life so much more comfortable when working. When I finally moved up the ranks and owned mitre saws, electric planers and circular saws, it was a real turning point.
I can only imagine how hard those poor tradesmen must of worked 100 plus years ago, and some still turned out top class work.

Jiggy Joiner · « **Reply #45 on:** May 23, 2019, 02:07 PM »

Quote from: Distinctive Interiors on May 23, 2019, 01:53 PM

I can remember the first battery drill I ever owned. It was a Black & Decker that had a permanently mounted battery in it and when flat, you had to plug the complete drill onto its charger and wait whilst it recharged....! That must have been in the late 70's if I remember correctly.

Prior to that, it was ratchet & Yankee screwdrivers....and cutting mitres with a Nobex saw.

Wow! Yes I remember those drills very well.
I remember buying a cheap Black & Decker hammer drill, and thought my then boss would be impressed.
When I showed him, he said take that paperweight back, get a refund and put it towards a decent drill.
It was great advice as usual, and I never bought another cheap and cheerful tool to this day.

Author Topic: Why do people so badly want a Festool impact driver? (Read 8327 times)

Jiggy Joiner

Re: Why do people so badly want a Festool impact driver?

Sanderxpander

Re: Why do people so badly want a Festool impact driver?

Jiggy Joiner

Re: Why do people so badly want a Festool impact driver?

Jiggy Joiner

Re: Why do people so badly want a Festool impact driver?

mrB

Re: Why do people so badly want a Festool impact driver?

demographic

Re: Why do people so badly want a Festool impact driver?

mrB

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demographic

Re: Why do people so badly want a Festool impact driver?

Jiggy Joiner

Re: Why do people so badly want a Festool impact driver?

Paul G

Re: Why do people so badly want a Festool impact driver?

Jiggy Joiner

Re: Why do people so badly want a Festool impact driver?

mrB

Re: Why do people so badly want a Festool impact driver?

Doug S

Re: Why do people so badly want a Festool impact driver?

Distinctive Interiors

Re: Why do people so badly want a Festool impact driver?

Jiggy Joiner

Re: Why do people so badly want a Festool impact driver?

Jiggy Joiner

Re: Why do people so badly want a Festool impact driver?