Festool Adds a New Rotary Hammer to its 18V Lineup
Festool has been expanding its core tool lineup in recent years, and the latest addition to its 18V roster is the KHC 18 rotary hammer drill. As the brand’s first cordless rotary hammer, we’re looking at what it has to offer and what types of work it will benefit.
Festool KHC 18 Rotary Hammer Performance
- Model: Festool KHC 18
- Three power modes
- Speed: 0-980 RPM
- 2.6 joules of impact energy
- Variable speed trigger
- Kickback stop
- Drilling capacity:
- Steel: 1/2-inch
- Wood: 1 3/16-inch
- Concrete: 1 inch
- Compatible with SDS-Plus chuck and keyless chuck
The Festool KHC 18 rotary hammer features three modes: hammer mode, drilling mode, and chisel mode. A brushless motor drives speeds up to 980 RPM and a variable speed trigger lets you set your speed to the task at hand.
This tool is compatible with an SDS chuck or a keyless chuck, and both chuck types are included. A quick-change mechanism makes it easy to change out your chuck type depending on the application.
Speaking of applications, Festool lists several ideal jobsite scenarios for the KHC 18 rotary hammer, including:
- Drilling concrete, stone, and masonry
- Chiseling plaster and tile
- Fastening heavy-duty anchors and concrete screws
- Fastening scaffolding and steel components
- Fastening substructures and ceiling elements to concrete and masonry
- Fastening kitchen cabinets, shelves, drywall, and skirting board
- Mixing mortar, plaster, or paint with a mixing rod
Festool included a kickback stop mechanism to reduce the risk of injury or damage in the event of a bind-up. There’s also a safety lock to prevent accidental startup.
Festool KHC 18 Rotary Hammer Design
- Weight: 5.95 pounds (bare)
- Dust extractor-compatible
- Multi-angle auxiliary handle
- Rafter hook
- LED light
- Tool-free depth adjustment
The Festool KHC 18 weighs just shy of 6 pounds as a bare tool. Compared to other SDS plus rotary hammers, this weight is right on par with what we expect considering its performance specs.
This tool includes an auxiliary handle, and you can adjust the angle to your preference. The depth stop is also mounted to the handle for easy reach, and it can be adjusted tool-free.
Finally, you can connect the KHC 18 rotary hammer to a compatible dust extractor (sold separately) to reduce the amount of dust on the job.
Festool KHC 18 Rotary Hammer Price
This tool retails for $375 as a bare tool and there are no kit options at the time of writing. It includes an SDS Plus chuck, a keyless chuck, an auxiliary handle, a depth stop, and a Systainer3 carrying case. Festool backs your purchase with a 3-year warranty when you register your tool.
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