PRODUCT REVIEW
Festool TID 18: Making an impact by being smart
By PETER BRETT
THE launch of any new tool from Festool is always keenly awaited by the so-called Festool Fans. They are usually the users who know and appreciate the Festool System and the benefits that can follow from an intelligent use of all of the capabilities designed in by the R&D team at Wendligen in Germany.
In my experience, users of other brands will also take a close look to see what the competition is up to and make the inevitable comparisons that always come up in conversations between tradespeople.
Straight to the numbers My first impression when lifting the driver out of its custom Systainer case is that it is remarkably compact. From tip of the hex chuck to the back of the motor casing is a mere 130mm. From the top of the casing to the base of the supplied 3.1Ah battery pack, is a fraction over 220mm.
From experience, I know that small is good when working in confined spaces. I couldn’t resist the temptation to compare dimensions with other leading brands of 18v impact drivers and it is as refined and compact as the competition, and looks very neat and sophisticated with its sleek grey
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By adding the expertise of good electronics engineers, you can also have a few other benefits. For example, with the TID 18, users have effectively four gears: three speeds and T-Mode. With first gear giving a controlled 1200 rpm and third gear providing up to 3200 rpm, there is enough scope for a range of impact driving tasks. T-Mode is used specially for setting self-tapping screws through sheet metal into a wooden substrate. A useful addition without losing any of the ‘normal’ functionality of an impact driver, but clearly another function that the R&D engineers have identified as being useful.
Torque to me For many users, the topline number will be the 180Nm of torque available from the brushless EC-TEC motor. A very respectable number indeed, and up there with other top brands. With the TID 18, I found that I had no trouble driving 180mm long screws into hardwood quickly and easily, with nothing more dramatic than the usual clack of an impact driver. Speed selection is the key to efficient driving and the user will soon become adept at it if productivity is an issue.
and black livery. Subtlety is a strongpoint - It doesn’t need the
macho looks of other similar tools.
Size: small is good Compact size has been a trend made possible by the widespread use of EC or brushless motors. They also provide more controllable power, more reliability and a longer service life.
Compact size has been a trend made possible by the widespread use of EC or brushless motors. They also provide more controllable power, more reliability and a longer service life."
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