Festool TID 18 Impact Driver - Product Overview

[@chase9558]

Thanks for the review. I have Hilti and what i found was the four lights around the chuck or bit tip keeper..its amazing how often im screwing in dark areas..under cabinets..under homes..and even as a flashlight in a pinch..

[@MrPatdeeee]

Not only do we have the joy of watching "our" Mr Peter Parfitt with his awesome video's; but we also have the joy of listening to some of the best music at the END of the video. Love it. For one of my "pet-peeves" is music on DIY video's, UNLESS, it is to learn to play music! So otherwise, there should be NO music during the DIY; but it is OK before or aft or both, IF, it is pleasant music played at a soft level. Never LOUD and/or obnoxious "noise" called music. Thank you Peter for never doing this, kind Sir.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Pat, Excellent and many thanks for the advice about music. Cheers. Peter

[@joestafford6255]

I believe that the 'T' mode was added for people that do commercial construction. In North America (not sure about Europe) most commercial construction uses metal studs for internal construction and this type of setting cuts down on stripping the screws. I may be wrong.

[@marcosbatista6227]

I love festool Peter, the best Tools in the world for sure, unmatched durability, beatiful Tool congratulations Peter!

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Marcos, You are right and I have bought a lot of them. I think that Tanos deserve some credit as well for their lovely development of the systainer. Cheers. Peter

[@johnfstockland]

That's louder than I expected. Do quiet impact drivers exist? This is way louder than my T18

[@jerrodnewsome1495]

So the bit doesn't move back & forth only the internal mechanism and the impact comes from the rotary impacts from the anvil on the inside behind struck by a hammer.

[@kiwdwks]

Always appreciate your tool reviews! Thank you.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Mark, Many thanks. Peter

[@ngodinhtrung8907]

Festool is the No.1...thanks so much Sir ❤👍

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Ngo, Super, many thanks. Peter

[@nigelsansom2407]

Thx Peter, I have been mulling this tool over for a while and found this very helpful. My basic set up is that everything corded is Festool (apart from the Makita chain mortiser obviously!) and everything cordless is Dewalt (18v or 54v). My Dewalt impact driver is one of their best ones, and has served me well. However, I did some decking jettying out over water at our place earlier this year and dropped my current impact driver in the lake, twice! A couple of hours in the airing cupboard sorted it (and the battery) which is impressive, but I would be totally mortified if I did the same with a precious Festool. Maybe I've talked myself into having a TID impact driver for best...

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Nigel, I can understand that once you have committed to a brand with common batteries that it is hard to break away. I had never had that luxury in the past as my various cordless tools (all drill/drivers) all had different batteries - even ones from the same manufacturer. My current drill/driver line-up is all Festool apart from my aged Hitachi impact driver (which is now 11 years old). The Festool kit uses two styles of battery, the Festool standard 18v shape and the CXS/TXS specific ones. I would certainly consider buying the bare bones TID18 as I have plenty of 18 v batteries that will fit. You will have to buy at least the mid range TID18 option. You could put the Dewalt kit on ebay and start from scratch ! Good luck making the decision.

[@nigelsansom2407]

@@NewBritWorkshop Thank you so much Peter, that's very kind of you to respond. Kind regards, Nigel

[@Size15s]

Perhaps I misunderstood but your explanation seemed more like how SDS moves the bit forwards and backwards along with rotating it, rather than an impact driver which simply rotates the bit via a series of rotational impacts?

[@ryk3899]

An SDS has a liner impact hammer action behind the bit whereas an impact driver has a rotational impact behind the bit.....like hitting your socket wrench round when removing nuts

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Ryk, Many thanks. Peter

[@Size15s]

@@ryk3899 yes but an impact driver doesn't move the bit forwards and backwards - it only rotates it [via a series of impacts]. It's this aspect of the video explanation that I found confusing. The differences between drill drivers, impact drivers, hammer drills and sds drills are well established. I commented in case this new Festool was innovating something new and I wasn't understanding how it worked...

[@NewBritWorkshop]

The axial force is not intended but is there and must be mentioned. It is much weaker than the radial force but does contribute to the easy work of driving a screw. The flywheel rotates and moves forward. The forward motion, when stopped as the flywheel hits the plate, creates a force that is transferred to the tool tip. I agree with everyone who says it should not be there but it is and has to be mentioned. If you need absolute proof, get your impact driver out and use it to put a reasonably large screw into the end of a long piece of wood. Before you pull the trigger of the drill push it against the wood with the amount of force that you would need to do the work. You will find that you can react that force and keep the wood still on the bench top. Now repeat but drive the screw in. You will find it almost impossible to stop the wood from moving in the axial direction.

[@Size15s]

@@NewBritWorkshop interesting - I'll give that test a go - thanks for the detailed explanation

[@AB-nu5we]

I noted below that I'm in the US and have one. Need to do the 6 inch long 1/2 diameter lag screw in a 6x6 piece of treated lumber test. We'll see how much torque it has then.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Great, go for it. Technically a lag screw should have a pilot hole due to the large diameter. Try it anyway - speed 3 should do it. Peter

[@ossilong]

Thanks for the good presentation! Love my impacts. I really dont get Festools pricing though. Their impact as a bare tool almost costs as much as the industry leading Makita with charger and two 5,0 batteries. While having less features etc.

[@yehnah5891]

some people dont want chinese made

[@topdigitalphoneroman2000]

Gracias Piter,un saludo desde España.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Many thanks. Cheers. Peter

[@ianrose2823]

Got one Peter and love it !

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Ian, Excellent. Do let me know if you have any ideas for improving it. Cheers. Peter

[@jontownsend2045]

I agree Peter. It should come supplied with a bit holder at the very least.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Jon, I think they should do that. Cheers. Peter

[@SinkLikeStone]

Knowledgeable, informative.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Glad it was helpful!

[@khansk36]

Do a review on the tpc new drill driver

[@NewBritWorkshop]

I will try. Peter

[@khansk36]

@@NewBritWorkshop kindest regards look after urself may Allah keep u in the best of health Khan

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Sadaqat, Thank you so much. Cheers. Peter

[@khansk36]

@@NewBritWorkshop your welcome brother all the best take care

[@stakwalderbak5331]

Peter, great review as always. I have the Makita DTD171. As others have mentioned it is a great impact driver with 4 functions including an auto mode. When I got mine it was a package deal with: the DHP481 impact drill, three 18V 5.0 aH batteries , dual charger, plus a blower by redemption. All for $AUD700 odd. That was an offer too good to refuse. I didn't really need the drill given my collection of Festool drills but the impact driver is almost too powerful. I have torn the ends off standard Phillips head bits. It's a pity we don't get Torx head screws here in Oz. Regardless of the brand, these impact drivers are a useful addition to anyone's tool kit

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Stephen, If it has 4 speeds and an auto mode how come you are damaging screws so often? Otherwise it sounds like a reasonable deal for about £400 UK. Peter

[@JW-mx3qg]

Have many tools from FT and like their tools, but given how long it took to get a proper impact, I cannot now justify purchasing one since the metabo I have is doing just the same and it isn’t as expensive. If I needed one, sure why not.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi JW, Yes, it has taken them a long time to perfect this tool which is a pity but, in my view, it is worth the wait. Peter

[@andyfann01]

Hi Peter, I suppose you cannot using right angle chuck with it because impact force might damage it?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Andy, There is no right angle adapter with it and never will be. Peter

[@andyfann01]

New Brit Workshop So I guess it means its not suitable for impact driver even the after market chuck, thx Peter!

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Andy, I can see no way of making it work successfully. I would not buy one even if it was made by Festool. Peter

[@stakwalderbak5331]

I have the 18V Makita right angle impact driver. Works well but I've hardly used it. There are always those few oddball jobs where nothing else will do.

[@GreatKingMidas]

Dear Peter, your explanation about how the impact driver works isn't right. There is almost no movement back and fourth. The impact actually forces the spindle to turn - its like hitting a lever with a hammer. Have a nice evening! Greetings from Germany!

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Lennart, Yes, I understand that it is very little but is must be mentioned. Danke. Peter

[@georgedavall9449]

Picking on a Brit, eh

[@GreatKingMidas]

@@georgedavall9449 No, what see is me helping out a fellow craftsman.

[@georgedavall9449]

No worries You are correct

[@Mark_Dee]

Hi Peter, thanks for the well done video as always. To me it is unclear if there is a benefit against a normal drilldriver for smaller woodscrew applications? The general question is what are the benefits of an impact driver against an ordanary screw/drill driver? Kind regards Mark

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Mark, If you are putting screws in by hand with a normal screwdriver you have to put in a lot of forward force to avoid stripping the threaded hole that the screw creates. The impact action overcomes this as long as it is not overdone once the screw is home. The impact action makes all screw driving very easy. Peter

[@katabrontes]

New Brit Workshop Its a lot easier on your wrist as well as the transmitted torque is a lot less.

[@Size15s]

Impact drivers can reduce cam-out - having a variable speed trigger, good impact bits and good quality screws all help. Impact drivers tend to be louder which can be a consideration in some situations like populated domestic, office, school or hospital settings, or simply in a small enclosed space.

[@Mark_Dee]

@@NewBritWorkshop Sorry Peter, I meant what are the pros and cons of an impact driver vs. a ordinary electric screwdriver. I do not use 20cm long screws. So maximum torque won't be needed.

[@ricos1497]

@@Mark_Dee I bought one when lining my garage (studs and dry wall) and I'm glad I did. Not only was it a time-saver, but it was lighter, easier on the wrist and there were less ruined screws. I got a cheap Erbauer one because I don't do that much of that type of work and it was worth it. However, being a cheaper tool, it didn't last and I haven't yet replaced it as most of my screwing can be done with the "multi-purpose" dewalt I have. Basically, if you're putting in a lot of screws on a regular basis (regardless of screw length), an impact is a must.

[@Badgerworkshop]

Looks a great tool. I have been thinking of getting an impact driver

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Matthew, It is good and its 4 settings are very useful. Cheers. Peter

[@CPBuilds]

Nice review Peter. Waiting on mine to arrive with the Pro Kit. How long do you have those tools that they lend you to use if you don’t mind me asking? Will you be able to use that TID in some build videos down the road? Thanks for sharing.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

I doubt that I will have it more than a couple of weeks. Peter

[@OliWarner]

£245 bare with box. I know you're used to a bit of markup, but is T mode is worth two-to-five times the price of an (eg) DeWalt/Makita that does 20% higher torque? There's a lot of competition.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Oli, If you already have Festool batteries then I would not hesitate. It is well made and that T mode is very useful. Peter

[@katabrontes]

Hi Peter, I was particularly interested in your breakdown view and explanation of the mechanism. I didn't know this as I thought the action was more like a hammer applied to the rotation rather than to the axial thrust. Very interesting. I have used my Makita's and DeWalt for various types of screws as well as occasional self tappers with drill points and they work very well. A particular advantage of the impact drivers compared to using a drill driver is that they are considerably lighter. Mike

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Mike, Never be without an impact driver - I am on my third one now. Peter

[@katabrontes]

New Brit Workshop Absolutely agree with that. I have 18 & 10 volt Makita's in France and replaced the 10 volt Makita in UK with a De Walt 18 volt last year (as I had already bought a DW cordless oscillating tool so had the fast charger) which is more powerful and might be even lighter. I like the DW very much and I think the set (impact and drill) was a lot less than the FT(maybe the whole lot might have been less!) I don't use the 18volt Makita's much now as the little ones are powerful enough unless I need to drill into steel or hard masonry (only odd holes and not worth getting the SDS out) or drive a lot of screws or big ones.

[@zerblatt3365]

Thank you fore a great review as always Peter! I think Festool Uk should have sent you the Set-version with the new 4Ah batteries They are quite compact and have bluetooth , though I can’t think of an application were it would be relevant to use this function with a TID18

[@NewBritWorkshop]

I agree that it is unlikely to need a Bluetooth battery but the inclusion of those batteries may help sell the tool as they can be used on most of all the other Festool cordless range. Cheers. Peter

[@garyhorton6652]

No reasons for me to go to other sites to check it out, if you give it a thumbs up that’s good enough for me! Thanks for sharing and have a Great Day!

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Gary, The ability to control the tool with those 3 speeds and the T mode really make all the difference. Cheers. Peter

[@frankblack1481]

Given the quality of these videos and the time you take to make them, It’s shocking to me that Festool don’t let you have for keeps a top of the rage kit. They should have you on retainer.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Frank, I have bought all the Festool kit that I need but I still want to tell people about a brand that I have come to respect and whose tools are so very cleverly designed. Cheers. Peter

[@adriaan7627]

The Makita DTD171 has the same features. Festool is not unique in that regard. I have ordered the TID 18 because I already have that battery platform and also because of the free Bluetooth battery action that may end soon.

[@CinematicTutti]

I like my Makita a lot, small and Powerful, but the T mode by Makita is almost useless, because it is not working properly and if you use a short self drilling screw like in the video, the T Mode by Makita just not working at all, because the machine not recognizing the edge, so the the screw went everytime through the Metall with full speed. For me that function was just one marketing idea. But in the video it looks like the TID 18 worked just fine in T Mode. Anyway i will get a TID18 to find out myself.

[@battsy2911]

The action is of a circular hammer action not linear action

[@ricos1497]

Looks like a great tool. I don't do enough screwing these days.... yes, yes... to justify it unfortunately. The additional systainer handle is great, but it always surprises (and annoys!!) me that they haven't integrated a drawer system into them so you can access from the front. I know it would be extra cost, but it would be a fantastic adaption. I stack my systainers, because that's how they are designed, fitting seamlessly into one another, but because I have to remove them one at a time, I pretty much never use them (my tools lie in shelves or in other drawers) and I'm just left with the systainers wasting space. I realise they sell metal racks for them, but it seems like such an unnecessary addition when it could be integrated into the systainer design. Even as an upgrade option it would be great (+£50 for the drawer systainer instead of the classic). The "Parfstainer" has a certain ring to it....!

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Rico, "Parfstainer" - I love it. I have some of the Festool storage solutions and really like them. You are right about the cost of having the pull-out drawer system for the systainers. You can make your own, with or without slides, for much less. Cheers. Peter

[@JamesSmith-dt3yf]

I did. And got one

[@SometimeWoodworker]

You are incorrect on your description of the direction of the impact, you described the system used in a hammer drill where indeed you have a liner impact. However an impact driver has a rotational impact it absolutely does NOT have a linear impact, if it did it would make its use as a screwdriver impossible in anything other than a soft material. I regret that you need to edit or republish this video.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

I know that the axial impact action is not intended nor is it particularly significant but it is there. The flywheel rotates and moves forward to engage with the plate. Its forward motion is stopped and that creates an axial thrust. Failure to mention it would be wrong. Peter

[@MrPatdeeee]

@@NewBritWorkshop You are correct Peter. I am sorry that some thinks they are experts but often prove the old adage: "An ex is a has-been; and a spert is a drip under water!".

[@SometimeWoodworker]

New Brit Workshop Sorry Peter regrettably that is still incorrect, if it were then you would always have the impact function in use. The hammer is held forward against the anvil by spring pressure, once the turning force overcomes the spring the anvil forces the hammer back which allows the hammer to slip to the next opening it gains speed and strikes the anvil again causing rotational hammer action, rinse and repeat 60 times per second. The bit holder is fixed into the tool and allows rotation but not linear movement so the inertia of the mass of the tool is resisting linear motion. If there were significant linear hammer action it would be difficult, to extremely difficult, for an impact driver to cam out, it is not. If there were significant linear hammer action it would be easy to get RSI using them, while possible the risk is small. So is there any forward impact at all?Yes. Is there any significant forward impact? Absolutely not. Try driving screws with a hammer drill set on the hammer setting ;) it’s not going to go well.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

I did say that it was not particularly significant. But try this - get your impact driver out and use it to put a reasonably large screw into the end of a long piece of wood. Before you pull the trigger of the drill push the drill tip against the wood with the amount of force that you would need to do the work. You will find that you can react that force and keep the wood still on the bench top. Now repeat but drive the screw in. You will find it almost impossible to stop the wood from moving in the axial direction. Peter

[@williamsmith9026]

I assume this is new? Available in the USA? have been sticking with my old craftsman impact driver forever. I have wanted to make the leap into festool drills but, the lack of an impact driver has been the reason I haven't. Edit: Just looked. Comes in a set with the pdc18.. the scamdemic is crushing my customer base currently. This item is on my radar though.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi William, Yes, it is available but I did not know that it could come in a set with the PDC - perhaps that is a local (US) thing. Cheers. Peter

[@AB-nu5we]

I'm in the US and have one. Like it also as it's noticeably lighter than my older DeWaukee. I got the kit with charger, 2 4 Ah batteries.

[@rolfeppler7573]

Greetings from Germany, I'll buy these great machine; Thank you.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Rolf, Well done. Cheers. Peter

[@SammyInnit]

Certainly looks good but it's no Makita DTD171.

[@pkpropertysolutionsltd701]

I’ve had all sorts of impact drivers over the last 20 years, ultimately they give you more power in sinking screws but the pdc 18 you showed is much more powerful and versatile and if your using them 6 days a week like I do then the impact noise just becomes annoying as it operates almost all the time. I’d take a drill with more power that only impacts at the end of its power band any day but this one seems just like all the others.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Find a dealer with one that you can have a go with - you might change your mind. Peter

[@am11744]

Great impact driver good size and weight i was worried it might be too heavy duty for kitchens but its perfect for that kind of work and also has enough power for general carpentry too. Highly recommend. See "Manor wood "review as he sums it up well also.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Excellent. Cheers. Peter

[@jamesbailand4311]

Your bit holder isn't impact rated either.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi James, It was sold to me as one. Never mind. Peter

[@frankblack1481]

Impact drivers belong in the hands of professionals only.... from a purely noise pollution point-of-view. They’re starting to get up there w leaf-blowers.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Frank, We live in a semi wooded area and every now and again the residents come out for their leaf blower wars - the noise is awful. I would not discourage anyone from buying an impact driver - they save time, are good on the wrists and do a great job. Peter

[@mauricecasey5556]

Makita make a hydraulic impact and it is much less noisy than the others.

[@gordonclark7632]

Th only problem with Festool is that you run our of kids to sell to buy their tools.

[@williamsmith9026]

I find that people that make this comment are usually bitter that their tool collection is built of box store mediocrity.

[@mauricecasey5556]

Has the colour of a tool ever influenced your purchase!? Festool are so over priced and over rated but the fan boys just can't help themselves.

[@alansimpson596]

I have been a huge fan of Festool for many years and hold quite a collection of their power tools. They are notoriously expensive but as I'm in retirement I believe in buying the best. However, after watching this video I've suddenly gone off them. If they are so miserable as to not provide a battery and accessories to someone who is promoting their products then it's a bridge too far for me. I would have been interested in a compact driver but I'm now determined to get by without one by simply drilling pilot holes. And as for their incredible invention of a suitcase handle for their sustainers, well that is something a child could have created. I have never been in business as my career was directed towards other matters but this promotion from Festool is a complete turn-off for me.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Alan, I did not want them to lend me the full kit as it makes life simpler for me - I have the batteries and also the bits but I needed to mention the point in my summing up. It is no big deal from my perspective. Cheers. Peter

[@alansimpson596]

@@NewBritWorkshop Thank you Peter. On reflection, my comment was a bit harsh. I presume you requested that the battery is not required as it keeps down the weight and therefore postal charges. I'm now back on good terms with Festool.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Cheers. Peter