Festool - CDD 12 FX Cordless Drill

Editor's Review: A New Angle on Drills

The CDD 12 FX (sounds like a science-fiction flick) comes in a kit with a 1/2-in. chuck, two rechargeable batteries, a charger, a hard-plastic stackable case, a bit holder that snaps onto the bottom of the drill's handle, and your choice of one of two specialized chucks. The battery on the CDD 12 FX is unusual: It's L-shaped and mounts in front of the handle rather than at the drill's base.

If the battery is only unusual, the available chucks are unique. The standard keyless chuck detaches with a quick pull of a spring-loaded plastic ring. Removing the chuck reduces the drill's length by 2 in., exposing a finely machined stem that doubles as a standard hex-bit driver.

The exposed stem and hex driver accepts two additional snap-on keyless chucks: a right-angle and an eccentric (or off-center) driver attachment. The right-angle attachment allows drilling around corners or in tight areas. The eccentric chuck offsets the drill's driver, a cool feature when drilling right into a corner.

The CDD 12 FX is not inexpensive. The drill (including the standard 1/2-in. chuck and one of the extra chucks) costs $395. Add $70 for a third chuck.

Editor Test Results: