Thread: T or D handle preference for Festool cordless drills.

My favorite is the CSX, when I need more grunt, reach for the PDC-18.

As my Nanna used to say, it's what's on the inside that counts!

I've got a CXS and love it, it's become my go to drill for most stuff, I've only used the bigger Festool D handled drills a little bit and find them weighted differently than T models. It'd be a bit of a leap of faith to get a D over a T if I was to buy one.

and no Anthony I'm not about to buy one, Divorce is looming faster than your shipping times (Lismore. NSW excepted) if I get more from you

Originally Posted by MatMann

and no Anthony I'm not about to buy one, Divorce is looming faster than your shipping times (Lismore. NSW excepted) if I get more from you

Originally Posted by MatMann

I've got a CXS and love it, it's become my go to drill for most stuff

Hi Matt - I agree the CXS is sweet.

Originally Posted by MatMann

It'd be a bit of a leap of faith to get a D over a T if I was to buy one.

Yes indeed - It was this need for a leap of faith that was on my mind and being discussed with someone else that inspired me to pop up the poll and start this discussion.

I have a personal view and prefer the D handle, maybe because my first Festool tool is my 11 year old CDD-12 D handle drill (which I still use ever other day). But I am wary not to let my enthusiasm get out of control... and recognise T handle drills feel just right for many others.

Hopefully after a few weeks we will have enough votes on the poll to maybe draw some conclusions.

I have both the D & the T handled drills .I have voted for both as I have no particular preference for either one its usually whatever one I grab when the need arises.

Cheers

I voted for T handle, but ...I've actually got a D handle and love it. Must have been the bollocking I received her e last night rattled m' brain.

Rob

Well i started this festool journey 12years ago with a CDD 12 volt drill.
The batteries have been replaced with after market ones and i have given the drill to my dad. I Moved to C 12 in 2007 that IS awesome and is still On Same batteries.
I also have a protool Pcb 18v drill this was My first T handle drill it must be 4 years old and is Still great l use it everyday.

I Love the D Handle drill but the Speed RPM of them is Lacking compared to the festooI and protool T handle drills and this is why I now use the new impact drill and protool PCB 3800 RPM and2600 Rpm for Impact.

If they bought these drills out in the D Handle l would use that for Sure Love the D Handle

cheers Bryan

I have an old 9.6 volt Festo with a 'D' handle, just needs a repack of the battery. Then I bought one of the dinky CSX 10.8volt drill/drivers. Both have proven excellent, and have saved my knuckles a few times when I got over enthusiastic and bits went everywhere.

I've had both too. A CDD12 & a TDD14.

Can't say which I preferred as it's been quite some time since either was last used.

D handles are good for fine work, although they can become nose heavy with large or heavy bits fitted. The grip is closer to the tool's axis of rotation, meaning that it can be harder to control the twisting torque when an auger bites.

T handles place the hand a bit further from this axis, which makes for a firmer grip when the going gets tough. They are also better to apply pressure with the "off" hand (left in my case) behind the tool. Great for slow speed, large diameter steel drilling.

I also have a couple of T handled Atlas Copco electric drills, which are superb for getting between studs or joists.

Personally, I'm rather unimpressed with cordless Festools. Just too gutless and slow for my line of work.

Currently I'm using T handled cordless drills, and D handled Cordless SDS hammers, which seems an ideal design for each respective tool.