Back in 2011, Festool developed the 10.8-volt CXS drill, which was smaller and lighter than any other cordless drill/driver then on the market. Festool has since updated it with the CXS 12, which continues to use a 10.8-volt battery but offers several innovative features. The company’s new CXS 18 drill is similar to the CXS 12 but uses Festool’s 18-volt battery and delivers about 30% more torque than the CXS 12.
Although the CXS 18 is considerably more robust than the CXS 12, it’s still a light, compact drill that measures a mere 8 1/4 inches tall and 6 1/4 inches long and weighs in at just 1.54 pounds. Despite its diminutive size, however, it has plenty of power. It doesn’t have an impact action, but it drives 3 1/8-inch construction screws into framing lumber with ease, and it’s rated to drill 1 3/8-inch-diameter holes in wood. The brushless motor runs smoothly and, in use, it’s well-balanced and feels good in the hand.
In addition to its smooth and powerful drilling and driving operations, the CXS 18 comes with an array of clever and useful features. One of my favorites is the LED light. In the remodeling work that I do, I often find myself driving screws in dark, confined spaces, such as inside cabinets or in bays between joists, rafters, or studs. In these situations, the LED light really helps. It can be adjusted for both brightness and duration via the Festool Work App (which is actuated through Bluetooth). Because the light can be set to stay on for up to 15 minutes, you can use the drill as a makeshift flashlight.
Other Work App functions include changing the trigger to accommodate left-handed users, checking the status of the battery, and ordering repairs. In the area around the light are three magnetized slots about 1/4 inch deep that hold spare bits securely. The drill also comes with a belt clip.
The basic CXS 18 drill comes with a Centrotec tool chuck, which allows you to quickly change hexagonal Centrotec bits without tools. Although standard 1/4-inch drive bits don’t lock into the Centrotec chuck, Festool includes an adapter with a strong magnet that enables their use.
In addition to the Centrotec chuck, Festool offers a variety of interchangeable chucks that can be installed via its “FastFix Interface.” The HPC 4,0 I-Set that I tested includes two of these chucks (along with the Centrotec): an AN-XS right-angle bit holder and a keyless 3/8-inch drill bit chuck. Both click securely in place by hand. The right-angle bit holder can be rotated clockwise to fine-tune its orientation to the drill body, which helps fit the drill in tight spaces.
The CXS 18 HPC 4,0 I-Set includes a CXS 18 drill, two 18-volt batteries, a charger, the three chucks described here, and the belt clip mentioned above. All the components are neatly arranged in a custom Festool Systainer 3 toolbox and held in place by a hard plastic lining that’s molded to fit them.
Festool’s Systainer system is modular. In addition to stacking neatly with other Systainer boxes, this one houses clear bit cases that clip into the lid. Inside the cases, the drill and driver bits clip into magnetized slots. The cases fit precisely in compartments that are molded in the lid and covered by a clear lid. The result is that 40 or so bits can be neatly and securely arranged and clearly visible on the lid of the Systainer. (see photos below)
All this superb design and engineering comes at a price. The CXS 18 HPC 4,0 I-Set costs $500. Is it worth it? To me, it is. This set saves time and makes difficult jobs less difficult. And I find it enjoyable to work with such well-crafted tools. festoolusa.com
