Festool Adds a Compact 12V Drill to Its Fastening Lineup
Not everyone needs all the bells and whistles of the best cordless drills money can buy. For those who want a compact tool for lower-torque fastening applications, there are still tons of options to comb through. Is the Festool 12V Compact Drill the solution? We’re taking a look at how it stacks up in the brand’s lineup so you can be the judge.
Festool 12V Drill CXS 12 Performance
- Model: Festool CXS 12
- Max torque: 265 in-lbs
- Brushless motor
- 13 torque settings and torque switch-off
- Drives into wood up to 1/4 x 7 7/8 inches
The Festool CXS 12 cordless drill uses an EC-TEC brushless motor to deliver a maximum torque of 265 in-lbs. Festool’s previous CXS model reached up to 141 in-lbs of torque, so the jump to 265 in-lbs is a nice step up.
The brand tells us this drill is ideal for light-torque fastening jobs, such as installing cabinets, curtain rods, and skirt boards.
It can drive screws up to 1/4-inch x 7 7/8-inch into softwoods, and using a Forstner bit it can drill up to 1 3/8 inches.
Festool 12V Drill CXS 12 Design
- Length: 6.2 inches
- Height: 7 inches
- Weight: 1.5 pounds
- C-shape handle
- Onboard bit holder
- LED work light
- Adjustable belt hook
- Removable 3/8-inch chuck
This drill is very compact, weighing just 1.5 pounds. Festool designed it with a C-shaped handle that gives you more control as you work and enables you to drill in tight or awkward areas.
The CXS 12 drill uses Festool’s FastFix system, which makes it compatible with all of the brand’s 18V drill attachments. This system combined with the CentroTec tool chuck also lets you instantly change between bits tool-free.
Additionally, this tool features an onboard bit holder to keep your bits in one place, and an LED work light that lets you see in lower-light areas.
Festool 12V Drill CXS 12 Price
This drill retails for $299, including two 2.5Ah batteries, a rapid charger, and a Systainer carrying case. There’s also a kit available for $349 that includes a right-angle adapter, a belt clip, and several other accessories. Festool backs your purchase with a 3-year warranty when you register your tool.
