My Favorite Drill - The Festool CXS
Sometimes bigger is not better. Sure having a big hammer drill that can bust through concrete, drill 2” holes with a Forstner bit is great, but why lug that beast around for installing delicate cabinet and furniture hardware.
This is where the Festool CXS Shines. It’s only 2 lbs, feels amazing in the hand and does exactly what it’s designed to do: small woodworking drilling and driving operations.
Watch the Full Video Review of the Festool CXS Compact Installation Drill/Driver
The unique thing about this Festool Drill are the interchangeable heads. The full Festool 564535 CXS Compact Drill Set includes your standard drill bit chuck, a right angle chuck, and a Centro-Tec Bit Holder (Similar to a 1/4 bit holder) These interchangeable heads make working inside of a cabinet box much easier.
What I like about the Festool CXS
Light-weight - It’s literally 2lb 1.5oz. For comparison my Impact Driver is 3lb 8oz that’s a big difference for something thats in your hand all day.
The Belt Clip - Most of the time these are essentially useless. Not here. The belt clip is large and easily hooks on your belt or pocket. This makes working on a ladder very nice
Interchangeable heads - This is the key selling feature of a tool like this. One tool with quick connect heads means I can quickly change from a drill to a driver with the same tool. This means I can have one drill motor and the bits set up in my belt and not deal with two tools. The extremely well made right angle head can accept both the standard Jacob’s chuck and the Centrotec chuck for more versatility.
Ergonomics - I love how this tool fits in my hand, it gives me control and it’s very very comfortable.
What I don’t like about the Festool CXS
Centrotec Bits- A minor inconvenience is the proprietary Centrotec bits you’ll need. Through the power of the internet you can order any Centrotec bits you need but you’re standard 1/4 hex bits available literally everywhere wont work without an adapter. I have a few special Centrotec bits and bought the 1/4 Hex Adapter for everything else.
Battery Life - Compared to my 18v tools the batteries don’t last as long as I would like. Perhaps this is because I use the CXS for the same tasks that I use my 18volt tools for. It’s not bad, the set includes an extra battery, so it’s never down, but it would still be nice with a little longer battery life.
Power - Power is a little on the low side. Again this is a 10.8 volt tool (12v) not the 18volt we’re all used to. I like the drill so I tend to over use it for tasks bigger than intended.
Light - There is no delay on the light. When you squeeze the trigger it comes on, when you let go it goes off. One thing I loved about my Ridgid tools is the secondary “pinky trigger” that keeps the light on while you get everything in place.
Would I buy it again?
Yes I would. I’d also consider the Milwaukee 2505-22 M12 FUEL Lithium-Ion 3/8 in. Cordless Installation Drill Driver Kit. While I’m an admitted “Festool Fan” I’d admit the Milwaukee may be a better buy. I just didn’t like how it felt in my hand (personal preference). Given Milwaukee’s extensive M12 line it may be the better choice to limit your battery platforms.
Overall the Festool CXS is light, comfortable, great quality, and does the job it was designed to do very well.
