Is the Festool CXS still worth it in 2023?

When the Festool CXS Installation Style Drill Driver first came out, it was revolutionary. Now there is a similar product from several of the major brands. So is there still a reason to consider it in 2023, or should you consider it a relic at this point?

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#festool #milwaukee #dewalt #bosch

[lowellsmith]

I have two CXS and one TXS. You can’t beat the control, smoothness and finesse of these drivers and they are my go to for all sorts of applications. I have larger 18 V drivers for driving 3 inch plus screws but most of the work I do is 2 inch and smaller. In my opinion, the best in it’s class.

[carbb]

Big fan of the cxs, one of my favourite festool offerings. Could it use an update, maybe. For me it’s significantly better than the Milwaukee installation driver. Better does not always mean more power…

[MORGANSMaintenance]

I don’t own many Festool tools, but have used several. I have used their tracksaws… they are nice but I ended up going with Dewalt for Track Size prices, and the ability to use with my router.

I own one of their Dust Extractors and I love it… but like the CXS there are way more options for that now than there were at the time I bought the Festool.

Festool tools are quality made… I will pay more money for a quality tool over a subpar tool, but I will also pay less for a quality tool over a maybe slightly more quality tool. Especially if it’s significantly less.

Thanks for the video. I love the M12 Installation Driver and have never used a CXS… so this was interesting.

The bits would be the biggest thing that would make it a “No” from me.

Happy New Year 👍

[cliffsteinberg]

As a CXS owner it is a phenomenal tool for certain kinds of work. Usually delicate jobs like assembly, finishing carpentry or install work. If you need grunt and power from a smaller drill it is not the one. Personally I do fiddly work like picture hanging, home repairs and flatpack assembly. If it is control and precision you need in a small package it can't be beaten.

The most important distinction about Festool CXS or TXS is that the Centrotec system with their tiny Centrotec chuck gives extra precision and smoothness because the end of the bit that inserts into the chuck seats right into the heart of the drill so there is next to no rattle or movement and all the power drives directly to the tip. None of the competitors have this feature. It also makes the whole head of the drill moving back from the drill bit slimmer than most

I always wanted to get a TXS to work alongside my CXS but have numerous Makita 12v tools including the drill driver DF032DSAJ which is excellent. I am very interested in the new CXS/TXS 18v announced and will almost certainly pick up the TXS18 when it arrives as already have one Festool 18v tool with charger and batteries.

A brushless even smaller 12v drill with a bit more power would be good though too 😀

[Griffinwoodworks]

Yes. Drink the green kool aid. It’s delicious. 😂 Seriously, you’re absolutely right, any Festool tool isn’t about power, it’s about finesse and finish.

[charleselkins]

I like Festool. I own several tools that are unique to Festool, e.g., the Domino, the mid- range router to use with the Festool line boring LR 32 system, and a fine CT36 dust extractor. The details built into their tools make them very useful at times. That said, I find the drill offerings underwhelming and have so far resisted. I have enough Milwaukee cordless drills which I find very well made and cost effective.

[psykr]

Just in case anyone reads this (it is a bit late). Festool are launching an updated CXS and TXS this year (2023) which will be 18v. This is in Australia but I assume everywhere will get them.

[chuckgrumble]

i have tons of drill/drivers and im about to buy a second cxs, its that good.

[tomhammond]

What i feel like everyone misses about festool is how nice the centertec drill bits operate. It is a drill press precision alignment. And i wish everything would switch over to centertec. Snappy does make bits for them, but in the end i think festools bits are far better, and i don't mind the price. But i do wish they would make a more compact and powerful drill to stay competitive. Especially since Milwaukee has the high output batteries, which makes their 12volt feel like an 18volt.

[hrundgren]

I have two of them, great but a little lacking in second gear in grunt. The lack of power is actually handy at times. Heads up for the new 18V CXS which is released in May 2023. Slimmer and lighter than the C18, brushless motor and significantly more power than the CXS. Larger than the CXS though.

[OCREPIPES]

Thank you for review! How you tried to put the Dewalt Hex head on the Festool? Might need some modification I assume, but more importantly is the shaft the same diameter?

[JoeDeGuidopastorforchrist]

So the CXS is great in its category. It’s an installation driver. Meaning that this is great for a handyman or maintenance worker. I love it.

[dfs]

So I have been on a Festool kick for a while now. I started with the new CT MIDI vac and was so impressed with the fact that dust doesn't get everywhere in the bin like other vacs. I do own the new TPC drill and TID impact and really enjoy using them. That said, I would not invest in a CXS / TXS until they are updated to be brushless. I had the M12 installation driver for a while but I couldn't get over the forward/reverse switch placement and it also felt very front heavy with the attachments installed. I ran the Bosch for a while and while it is much better than the Milwaukee I still don't like the fat grip. I'm now using the DeWalt as my daily drill/driver. I was even able to fit the Centrotech chuck on it so that I can share bits with my TPC.

All that said, the DeWalt does still lack some refinement. I'm fairly certain that when there is a TXS refresh I will make the switch. Also, while I do understand and appreciate the benefits of Centrotec, someone needs to make a standard quick change hex chuck for Festool drills. The Bosch has the best one of the lot as it is slim and lightweight.

[bdm]

I really don't even see the use of these small light duty drill/drivers for MOST people who are using these things for light assembly work such as cabinets and bookshelves (which is why most people use the Festool CXS). My 20v Dewalt DCF887 impact driver, for example, has a "precision drive" setting specifically for this kind of work, and for all practical purposes, it's just as light and "compact" and has a right angle attachment (DWARA60). You can also certainly drill with it and it's on the same platform as my other 20v and 60v tools.

I think the only advantage to having a 12v drill/driver over an impact driver is when you need to have two drill/drivers so you're not constantly going back and forth between drilling pilot holes and driving screws. Most of the time I am predrilling all my holes before driving screws, however, so that doesn't matter to me.

[jasonclark]

Pleae do a review of the NEW CXS 12 that comes out on Sep 6th and compare it to the old one and the Milwaukee. Thanks

[harlanborders]

Try a 4 on the m12 fuel install tool. Makes it a different tool in my experience think it’s better than the 6

[CliftonSteinberg-dwrn]

I just came across a video showing a brand new updated 12v CXS! Anyone seen or heard about this?

[milleradam]

Off topic of the video, but what's your thoughts on the new DeWalt dcf845? It's seems to be getting hype but my opinion the specs aren't mind-blowing. Also been hearing a lot of noise about the new CAT tools, but again specs are even more underwhelming. Would you consider testing the cat hammer drill? I think it's only rated at 700 inch-lb, maybe I'm missing something but *yawn*

[glenarseneau]

Can we get a review on the new CAT power tools

[iangregoryhome]

Why are you demonstrating driving screws in drill mode!?