Festool T 18 E 18V Cordless Drill Review

Festool T 18 E compact cordless drill helps you find balance and control

Looking for more balance and control in a world where cordless drills are getting faster and stronger? The number of Festool T 18 E compact cordless drills may seem underwhelming. However, the reality of its performance is far greater than the simple numbers on the packaging. When quality results are your highest priority, this is probably one of the most important exercises on your list.

advantage

• Electronic clutch with audio feedback
• Unique collarless design places clutch dial on back
• compact design
• excellent balance
• Unique magnetic drill holder above the battery
• Kit includes two compact Li-HighPower 4.0Ah batteries (NEW!)
• Comes with Systainer

shortcoming

• Premium pricing
• Heavy Duty Compact Drill
• Drilling speed is slower

Festool T 18 E cordless drill performance

speed and power

With a top speed of 1500 RPM (450 RPM on low range) and a maximum hard torque of 442.5 in-lbs, this Festool drill doesn't blow your mind with its power and speed. It's designed to give you tight control.

That doesn't mean you should dismiss all but your twisted bits, though. Our tests proved the Festool T 18 E to be a powerful asset.

With our standard bonded 3/4 in. OSB subfloor layer ready for us, we put the rig through a standard series of tests. We like using OSB because it's a stable material that helps us benchmark against other drills more easily.

high speed test

We started drilling with a 3/4 inch Bosch Daredevil high speed auger bit. Then we follow up with a 1 inch drill bit.

Festool tools had one of the lowest average speeds in these high-speed tests. However, there is some context to keep in mind.

Just looking at the no-load speed on paper, we expect this Festool drill to be one of the slower drills in its compact class. Its efficiency score tells us that its brushless motor doesn't have to work as hard. In fact, only the DeWalt DCD797 had a higher efficiency rating in our tests.

Even with the larger auger bit, the Festool posted a steady 1183 RPM, maintaining an 82% efficiency rating.

low speed test

To make things tougher, we switched to a 1 1/2-inch Milwaukee Switchblade self-feeding drill and dropped it into low gear. Festool performed similarly to its high-speed tests. It maintains 385 RPM and achieves 87% efficiency.

We don’t normally use compact drills longer than 1 1/2″, but the efficiency score was so high we decided to see what the T 18 E could do with a 2 9/16″ self-feeding bit.

With an average speed of 344 RPM, its 78% efficiency rating is well ahead of what many of our compact drills achieve with smaller 1 1/2 inch bits.

The biggest takeaway for our team is that the Festool T 18 E has a lot of power to back it up. Its ability to continue drilling wells outside the specified range is impressive. Yes, it's slower, but it delivers smooth, confident drilling performance.

a heavy topic

There are a few trade-offs in the design of this Festool compact drill driver. On a positive note, it has a fairly compact footprint.

With a head length of 7.6 inches, it's in the longer half, but still below the bulky Hilti SFC 22-A (8.3 inches). Interestingly, its height is the shortest of the group. Barely, it's only 7.3 inches tall. Since the 4.0Ah battery in the kit is a slim battery pack, it's still pretty compact even with solid-state power.

On the other hand, the Festool T 18 E cordless drill is one of the heavier models in the compact category. Barely, it's the heaviest at 2.74 pounds. The 4.0Ah Slim Pack adds over a pound to 4.08 lbs.

Despite its relatively high weight, the weight is well balanced, making it work lighter than it appears on paper.

Festool's typical sturdy handle ergonomics work together with a comfortable overmolding that protects its handle and is ideal for medium to large hands.

Control freak

Festool moves away from traditional collar-based controls with a completely different system. Instead of a single or double collar design for modes and clutches, Festool uses simple switches and dials.

Just behind the 2-speed transmission switch, a second switch lets you toggle between drill and drive modes. On the rear of the tool, the clutch setting is located on a green dial.

I like having the mode switch on the top next to the transmission switch, but I'm hesitant about the clutch dial. It doesn't seem to be more or less convenient than a clutch.

The fundamental difference is that it is an electronic clutch rather than a mechanical one. Its load sensing design simply stops the motor instead of continuing to spin and slip through the clutch mechanism. There's even audio feedback when you let go of your hand.

Other Noteworthy Features

bit holder

The compact impact driver from Festool has our very favorite magnetic bit holder on the side. The T 18 E is also different from the traditional, but slightly different from the impact.

Above the battery are two magnetic slots that are perfectly sized to hold 1-inch and 2-inch bits. It's possible to knock them out, but if you slide the drill in just enough to hold the hex shank in place, it won't let them go until you pull them out.

price

Festool tools usually command a high price. While there's a premium to the Festool T 18 E, it's not as big as you might expect.

It costs $199 bare-bones and $299 for a kit with two 4.0Ah batteries.

the bottom line

If control is what you value most, the Festool T 18 E is the perfect compact drill for you. It drills slower and weighs more than similarly sized models, but has enough confidence to keep the bit moving forward, even in hardwoods. Add in Festool's electronic clutch system and you can drill and steer as much as you want.

• Model: T 18 E
• Motor: Brushless
• Speed range: 0-1500 rpm
• Maximum Torque: 398 lb-in.
• Chuck size: 1/2 in.
• Drilling diameter, wood/steel: 1-3/4″ (45 mm)/1/2″ (13 mm)
• Weight: 3.97 lbs.
• Warranty: 3 years
• Kit Price: $299