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PRODUCT REVIEW
It would be quite easy to think that the Flex PD 2G 10.8-EC Combi drill looks like a ‘grown-up’ 18v tool, but a quick comparison with a couple of other 18v, 12v and 10.8 v drills proved that it is indeed compact enough to be in the ‘smaller’ category."
The relentless march of brushless Brushless, or ‘EC’ (electronically controlled), motors are really coming into their own for cordless tools because of the advantages they bring in terms of power, reliability and extra torque. It has almost got to the point where EC is a ‘must have’ rather than an option.
EC motors also mean that 10.8 or 12v tools are nearly as powerful as their 18v siblings while being considerably smaller and are eminently suitable for tasks where small size matters. It is much easier to work up a ladder or overhead with a smaller driver that can fi t easily into a tool pouch or even a work trouser pocket.
L-Boxx presentation Flex has used the L-Boxx system for some years now so there was no surprise at lifting the lid of it to find a custom fitted insert with space for the driver, a spare battery and the charger. There was also a compact driver holder, with the option of having an angled driver too. Tucked away is a bright chrome belt hook that can be attached to either the left- or right-hand side of the base of the drill handle. There is also a space for a wrist loop to be attached, although it is not supplied as standard.
It would be quite easy to think that the Flex PD 2G 10.8-EC Combi drill (to give its full title) looks like a ‘grown-up’ 18v tool, but a quick comparison with a couple of other 18v, 12v and 10.8 v drills proved that it is indeed compact enough to be in the ‘smaller’ category.
In design and operation, the Flex follows the regular and established pattern of controls etc that most modern cordless drills have. This means that using it soon becomes second nature.
Taking a quick look round the combi, it is clear that it is well made with precision moulded plastic parts well screwed together. There is no fl exing of the parts when under load. The rubber ‘bumpers’
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placed strategically around the body will ensure that it is protected when put down and the rubberised grippy stuff around the handle and rear of the motor casing is well placed and not overdone. In fact, I would go so far as to say that the designers have made a special eff ort to ensure that the main handle is comfortable and ergonomic with the trigger, reverse/lock/forward switch in prime position for operation with forefi nger and thumb. This does not feel like a combi that has been designed by a committee with a close eye on a limited budget.
With the plastic-bodied keyless chuck in place, the length of the drill is 21cm, and will therefore fi t inside a 30cm-wide kitchen cabinet, even with a driver bit fi tted. However, if you remove the chuck by pulling back the red plastic collar, the length of it becomes a mere 16cm. A hex shaft will take a standard driver bit securely so working in small spaces becomes quite easy.
As I know, due to my aged eyesight, working in cabinets can also be a dark business, so the bright trigger-activated LED light just below the chuck is perfectly placed to enable people like me to see well.
There is also the option of fi tting the ‘quick chuck’ (supplied) that will securely hold standard 6mm hex accessories like twist drills and spade bits.
I am happy to tell you that the 24-position torque collar works easily, as does the drill/screw/hammer selection collar – there is actually room for your hand to fi t to make easy selections. Two speeds (0- 450 and 0-1700) are selected by the sliding switch on top of the housing and the stated drilling capacities prove that the Flex is no slouch – 25mm in wood,13mm in steel and 13mm in masonry. When I tried these they all performed as stated, but I will always dislike 'hammer’ mode because it is noisy and puts my teeth on edge. Masonry drilling is always done best with an SDS drill, in my opinion, and Flex makes a very good 18v SDS drill that I use regularly…
Torque and brake As I have said, extra torque is one of the advantages of EC motors and this 10.8v motor manages a cool 58 Nm. This really is enough to easily drive 70mm screws into softwood quite easily. In fact, it is sometimes the screws that give up rather than the drill. It is also good to have a motor brake so that the drill stops within half a second of releasing the trigger. It may be a small point, but I like a motor brake, especially when drilling into delicate materials like plastics and thin sheet metals.
Sound motor levels are well controlled, coming in at about 71dB(A) in normal drilling and screwdriving. As befi ts a compact tool, the weight is also well controlled – with a ‘standard’ 2.5 Ah battery pack the weight is about 1.5kgs, but not much more with the 4 or 6 Ah ones.
I look upon this Flex PD 2G 10.8-EC as a site or workshop workhorse. It is powerful and capable enough for a wide range of tasks, it is well built and comfortable in the hand and looks like it could take a knock or two. The battery charger is a good one – using a system of lights to inform the user about state of charge and it is relatively quick too, – a full charge on a 10.8 pack takes only about 40 minutes.
Lots to like indeed. www.fl
ex-tools.com
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