Thread: Festool Centrotec bits

I think you are barking up a dead tree Derek, I can't see where any adaptors for any drills can be bought without the bit. You can buy this Centrotec adaptor Festool – F&K POWERTOOLS PTY LTD which accepts generic 1/4 hex bits and then a set which use a proper chuck system like this which I have found works very well and the chuck does not loosen in service. P&N 6 Piece Quickbit Metric Drill Bit Set | Bunnings Warehouse It has drill bits but is a whole lot cheaper by about $150.

Hi Chris

Thanks for the reply.

I have the Centrotec adapter. I also have a (now used) set of the P&N bits. I have used them for years. The problem is that (1) they do not match the Centrotec system, and (2) the holder is attached permanently to the bit, which means that they are throwable when the bits wear down with sharpening. The Centrotec system is different - far, far better - as the bits can be replaced in the holder. Simply loosen the set screw and pop out, and pop in, the replacement. The thing is I have lots of good drill bits I can use, but just a single 4mm Centrotec bit. I have tried out this system, and like it!

A bit of background for interest: I have had a Festool C12 drill for about 5 years. 10.8v is enough for furniture building. I have a 25 year old Panasonic 12v drill/driver, which has given fantastic service. You may recall the fun I had converting (receiving) new metal batteries for it. The drill works and works ... It, too, is great for the workshop building furniture. A little heavier than the C12, but has noticeably more oomph.

Yesterday I managed to pick up at a decent price a little-used Festool PDC 18/4 drill/driver in skin. This is a hellava drill! I am getting a 3.1 battery rather than the 5.2 or 6.2Ah batteries. This is to keep the weight down. It makes a significant difference. The basic PDC weighs the same as my Panasonic, and both are about 200gm heavier than the C12. What also makes a huge difference in weight is to use the Centrotec system in place of the chuck. Oh man, it turns the PDC into a light (same or less than C12) and VERY powerful drill/driver. And that is my aim now. Just that I did not wish to lash out $205 for 10 bits (3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 8 & 10mm).



Thoughts on any of this?

Regards from Perth

Derek

Derek, The P&N set I linked to has a chuck in each holder and can be opened as in a drill chuck can be opened and the bits replaced. I too have the C12 and agree you don't need anymore but I mostly use a 10V Bosch driver just because it is smaller. The adaptor I linked to is a Festool item which converts the Centrotec to the generic 1/4" hex drive which everyone in the world except Festool use. I looked at the small PDC and bought the Bosch.

Chris, I would rather convert to Centrotec than Centrotec to hex, as the chuck is so much smaller and lighter.

Here is one other alternative (or addition, as it is screw-friendly): 93052 – Festool Centrotec Compatible 4 Pc Countersink Set with #2 Square Driver Bit – Make it Snappy Tools

This was the Snappy set I referred to earlier: Festool Centrotec Compatible Accessories – Make it Snappy Tools

Similar price to the P&N.

Regards from Perth

Derek

I found this thread. Could be problem solved: Centrotec-ing standard bits

And why Centrotec are better than the others:



Regards from Perth

Derek