Review of the Festool T15+3 cordless drill, by Brice Burrell
Text and Photos by Brice Burrell, copyright 2009


Festool has released their new T+3 series lithium ion cordless drills and since one of old cordless drills was on its way out I bought the T15+3 to replace it.

This review is of the Festool T 15+3 Li 2,6 Set USA (product # 564 250), it's the set that includes two 2.6 Ah batteries, three chucks, a Centrotec starter kit and the new Systainer 2 with the storage compartment in the lid (for use and sold in the N. America).


Included in the set: T15+3 cordless drill, two batteries, charger, 1/2" keyless chuck, right angle chuck, eccentric chuck, Centrotec starter kit (Centrotec chuck, 4 mm drill bit, #2 Phillips bit, bit holder and allen key), #25 Torx bit, owner's manual (not pictured above) and Systainer #2 with drill inserts.


In the top insert the drill is stored, under the drill there is a place to store the Centrotec drill bit and bit holder (not pictured above). Under the charger is a place to for the right angle and eccentric chucks (also a place to keep the depth-stop chuck, not included with the set.) The top insert lifts out and there are compartments for bit storage.


This is the first tool to be released with Festool's new Systainer with the storage compartment in the lid. The compartment has a clear plastic lid, the two long dividers are fixed and the small ones a removable (nine removable dividers included). With the storage in the lid and inside there is a fair amount of space to keep bits and/or fasteners with the drill. Grab one Systainer and you're ready for to get to work, nice.

Festool has introduced two new features with the T+3 drills, the EC-TEC motor and lithium ion batteries. These two new additions allow the drills to have the torque of competitors drills in the next voltage class up, hence the T+3 name. The EC-Tec, brushless motor has Festool's MMC technology. This electronically controls the motor output allowing constant RPMs under load, monitors the temperature and the voltage out put to optimize performance and protects the motor from overheating. The brushless motor helps give the motor a longer service life and they operate more efficiently. The new lithium ion batteries are light weight and can be stored a long time without discharge (this is a great benefit to the weekend DYIers and hobbiest woodworkers). Oh, and I don't want to forget, the batteries are now covered by the three year warranty.


The drill is quit small and light weight, it measures 6 1/8" wide without a chuck, 9 1/4" tall and weighs 3 and half pounds. I was very impressed with the torque of the T15+3 for it's size and weight.

I'm currently evaluating and testing the drill's performance so this review is on going, be sure to check back for updates.............

__________________
Visit my Festool tips and information site, BurrellCustomCarpentry.com

Looks nice. Now dont be like John and start screwing everything in sight!

One thing I think I would miss if I had this over the C12 is the bit storage on the handle. But the systainer looks nice with plenty of storage for bits and tips.

__________________
Fullerbuilt
Fine Carpentry for Custom Interiors
www.fullerbuilt.com

The bit storage on the new drills fits four bits, that's not too bad.

__________________
Visit my Festool tips and information site, BurrellCustomCarpentry.com

I see two bits stored on the drill's base in your last photo. So, there are two more bit holders?

No, if you turn the bits the other way than in the picture you can put two more in from the other side.

__________________
Visit my Festool tips and information site, BurrellCustomCarpentry.com

Let's not forget the T15's little brother, the T12.

My T12 arrived today, and it's a nice little drill. A little smaller than the T15, a little lighter, and a little less torque. But it can get get into places the T15 can't. They make a nice pair.

__________________
John

1 Toolie, 2 XL Festool Polos

"A nice pair", "screwing everything in sight". Geez John. You just never let up with the straight lines, do you?

__________________
I don't have as many Festools as Fred

I'm having trouble imagining a place that the T12 would fit to drive a screw or drill a hole that the T15 wouldn't since they both have the right angle & offset heads available for tight spots? How much shorter is the T12? I haven't even needed to use my Milwaukee screwdriver since I got the T15.

Amazon.com: Milwaukee 0490-22 4-Volt Lithium-Ion...

__________________
a 2009 Festool® catalog, 2010 Festool® catalog supplement requested.

"In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice there is." - Yogi Berra (1925-)

"Whether you THINK YOU CAN, or THINK YOU CAN'T, You're right!"

"When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals, adjust the action steps." Confucius (551-479 BCE) philosopher

Okay, maybe it was just an excuse to get one. But it IS shorter, and it COULD happen.

__________________
John

1 Toolie, 2 XL Festool Polos

The T12 is no longer than the C12, arguably slightly shorter. I'd like to know more about how that is possible. I have the older CDD 12 and it managed to be short only by putting the motor down in the handle and running a drive shaft up to the transmission.

Since your hand fits under the T12 rather than behind it you can actually use the T12 in tighter spaces though it's kinda funny when you barely fit the drill into an opening across a box and then try to back out a screw. In that case its good to have your hand behind the drill to remind you that the screw will need some space. It's not very funny when you forget.