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Festool C15 vs C18 Review

Until you’ve used a Festool drill you won’t know what you’re missing. This manufacturer is gaining fans across the world with the quality, elegance, durability, and flexibility of their drills. Let’s look at their C15 and C18 sets to see which one will be the best for you.

Festool C15 Li 5.2 Set 564558 Cordless Drill

festool c15

festool c15

The C15 drill is rated for a maximum of 15V but it has no problem keeping up with competitors’ 18V models. Don’t be fooled by its toy-like appearance. It can drill holes, sink fasteners, and even mix drywall mud just like all the big brands. It’s doesn’t just work hard, it works longer. This C15 kit comes with two Lithium-Ion batteries that have 5.2Ah capacity. This means it will keep going long after competitor drills with smaller capacity batteries need a recharge.

Festool put a brushless motor in their C-series drills like this C-15. Brushless motors don’t need user maintenance, they are more efficient, and they have a longer lifetime overall. The C-15 also comes with a two-speed transmission and the option to switch between drilling and driving. You’ve love all the options you’ll have with their selection of chucks in this kit.

Before we discuss the innovative chuck design, let’s mention the other handy features. There is a bright LED light on the front of the drill. Two magnetic strips below the light hold extra bits. The angled tool belt clip holds the drill securely when you need to carry it with you. The drill itself has three ways that it reduces fatigue: it weighs just 3-1/2 pounds and feels nicely balanced in the hand. It also has a two-finger trigger.

Now, about those amazing chucks…the C15 comes with an array of chucks that pop on and off without any tools or adjustments.The eccentric chuck is perfect for drilling and driving in tight spots like corners. TheFast Fix keyless chuck holds bits up to ½” in diameter with no hand-tightening required. The right-angle chuck puts bits at 90° to the motor. Both the right-angle and the eccentric chuck rotate 360° and have 16 detents. The Centrotec chuck is the smallest, lightest chuck. Or, at a minimum, the C-15 drill holds hex bits without any chuck at all! Unfortunately, this C15 kit does not include a depth stop chuck, but Festool has one available for sale separately.

If you’re worried about having to buy a whole new bit system, don’t be concerned yet. The kit includes an adapter so you can use competitor bits with the C-15.

More features of the Festool C15 drill set

  • Festool offers an array of product coverage unmatched by other power tool manufacturers: 36-Month Comprehensive Warranty, 10-Year Parts Availability, 3-Year free shipping for repairs, and a 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
  • Two speed settings are 0-450rpm and 0-1500rpm
  • Chucks hold bits from 1/16” to ½”
  • Maximum drill diameter: wood—1-3/4” and steel—5/8”
  • This kit includes two batteries, a charger, the drill, bit holder, and 4 chucks

 

Festool C18 Li 5.2 Set 564616 Cordless Drill

festool c18

festool c18

The C18 is a step up in power from the C15, making it equal to competing brands’ 20V drills. It runs on an 18V 5.2Ah Lithium-ion battery (and there are two of them in this kit). Just like the C15 we discussed above, this drill does the work of five drills because it comes with 4 different chucks, or it can be used without any chuck at all.

The eccentric chuck is perfect for drilling and driving in tight spots like corners. The right-angle chuck mounts bits at 90° to the motor. Both the right-angle and the eccentric chuck rotate 360° and have 16 detents.The Fast Fix keyless chuck holds bits up to ½-inch in diameter with no hand-tightening required. The Centrotec chuck is the smallest, lightest chuck. Or, at a minimum, the C-18 drill holds hex bits without a chuck in place.

The motor on the C18 is brushless so that it runs efficiently and has the longest life possible. There is a two-speed transmission with one option for drilling and one for fastening. The C18 weighs 4 ounces more than the C15, but continues to have the same balanced feel with a fatigue-reducing two-finger trigger. There is an LED work-light on the front and two magnetic strips to hold extra bits. The included bit adapter makes it easy to use bits from competing brands.

More features of the Festool C18 drill set

  • Festool offers an array of product coverage unmatched by other power tool manufacturers: 36-Month Comprehensive Warranty, 10-Year Parts Availability, 3-Year free shipping for repairs, and a 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
  • The chucks hold bits from 1/16” to ½” in diameter
  • Two speed settings are 0-450rpm and 0-1500rpm
  • Maximum drill diameter: wood—1-3/4” and steel—5/8”
  • This kit includes two batteries, a charger, the drill, bit holder, and 4 chucks

 

Recommendation

The only differences between these two drill sets are the weight and power ratings of these C-series Festool drills.

If you need the most power possible, get the C18 drill set. Its 18V motor matches competing 20V drills. Keep in mind that the C18 weighs 3.75 pounds.

If you prefer a lighter drill and aren’t as concerned about power, get the C15 drill set. The C15 drill weighs 3-1/2 pounds and matches the power of competing 18V drills.

Click here to purchase Festool C15 on Amazon!

 

Click here to purchase Festool C18 on Amazon!

 

 

 

 

 

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