Milwaukee M12 4 in 1 -vs- Festool CXS. My opinion only! 

"i might be biased" 100 festool systainers in the background ha.

Finally a review that talks about the control of the trigger and real world use, and not how many holes it can make... top notch sir!

The forward reverse switch is the biggest flaw on the Milwaukee drill other than that you can’t beat it as far as price and power. I definitely agree that whatever platform your into is the one you’re most likely to choose. 👍🏼

I have the Milwaukee. Absolutely love it. TONS of power, uses standard bits, rock solid build, every attachment you could ask for. Admittedly I have never used Festool and I also would prefer conventional forward /reverse switch, but I am invested

I have the Festool CXS for ten years and I love it. It is still working with the original batteries with no problem!

the forward reverse or lack thereof on the milwaukee is an automatic no for me

The top forward and reverse is probably to make it ambidextrous. Left handed users have to constantly battle switches that are poking into their hand when they drive in. However, I'd rather have a switch and have the switch higher.

Great stuff Brian! I got the CXS mostly because how much you(and everyone) liked it. WOW so smooth and great to work with, I love it. I just went back and watched this video again to see if I want to get this M12. I probably will not get that now, there are many other tools I want before an extra drill but I was tempted by the extra power. I also took your advice on the serious grit sandpaper, it has not arrived yet. Keep these tool reviews coming really helpful. Thanks again!

NO ONE makes perfect tools. If one wants to use the best battery powered tools, be prepared to support 4 or 5 battery systems with different chargers, battery sizes, voltages etc. It is just the way the manufacturers try to capture market share. It has nothing to do with customer satisfaction. Festool alone has three separate battery systems. One for the CXS/TXS, one for the rest of their drill/drivers and one for their battery powered sanders. I own two already, Ryobi and Makita. Festool doesn't make nailers like Ryobi, So, I love Festool, but really, they need to wake up and standardize their battery systems.

Bought the CXS-12 a few years ago when I was installing some kitchen cabinet doors and had to drive small brass screws. Found the Makita impact I’ve been using for twelve years (and that has proven itself to be worth its weight in gold - thing has never skipped a beat) to be a bit too coarse control-wise to do it. Used this as an excuse to buy the CXS (an excuse makes it easier, right?), and absolutely love it. Buttery smooth controls, it fits perfectly in hand, stands up, and is simply a pleasure to use. The Makita does impact things, and the CXS does nearly everything else. Horses for courses, and the CXS is certainly a thoroughbred. Buy once, cry once.

The bigger battery for the 12v milwaukee makes the drill tip forward

I know it will initially be an adjustment for me to get used to the forward/reverse switch on the Milwaukee drill, but I really don't like the placement of the switch on most modern drills. I often inadvertently hit the button. I am glad to see the change to the momentary button on to the top. I mention this because, on my older, 25 year old, drills, the forward/reverse switches were in a different position, one that I didn't have to constantly reposition my hand to avoid accidentally coming into contact with it. I am already vested in Milwaukee and Dewalt's batteries, I don't see a move to for me to Festool's battery system. I do own Festool products, but they are all corded.

I would imagine that the Festool is better in ergonomics and form as they pretty much always are. But if you never had a CXS you wouldn't know what you were losing with the M12 in ergonomics and balance. The M12 line is pretty impressive how they get so much out of a 12v line in both power and line options. Thanks for the vid.

No, a bigger M12 battery will not help with the balance. The drill will not even stand by itself. The Milwaukee drill chuck also has quite a bit more runout. I also think it's a bit too heavy for a installation drill. I didn't return it though. My kid likes it so I gave it to him.

Yes i also purchased the Milwaukee one first and after watching your videos several times i got the Festool CXS and by far i love that one the best :)

I wanted the Milwaukee. But in Australia it's not available. So I got the CSX. No regrets.

Your impressions are appreciated Brian! Nothing wrong with sticking with what works for you. Both are very capable drivers. Pick your flavor. :-) Had I stuck with festool when I had my domino I probably would have had a cxs or two (or more...) by now too. I was surprised to see that festool hasn't switched over to a brushless motor for the cxs, but if it works, it works. I could see myself grabbing another one of the M12 drivers if it goes on sale again. I do like the grip more than the bosch 12v drivers I have. I recently made the switch to spax screws myself. I still use square drive, but they're very picky about which bits to use. The makita xps bits fit well, the bosch are a tad more loose so I get more cam outs if I can't be dead on right behind the driver applying pressure. Keep it up! Your videos are inspiring!

I'm not a installer or finasher but had to get milwaukee it works great for what I've used it for far and its well made

The Milwaukee option is a killer Cant beat the price either

Nice review! I used the Cxs for years with an old employer and loved it. These days I don’t carry any festool cordless gear . Was hoping the Milwaukee might be up to the task… and yes festool track saws are epic.

As someone who just got the M12 installation driver, I like it. Agree with the lousy placement of direction controls and it being top heavy. Square batteries don't help the top heavy issue. If I wasn't heavily invested in the M12 platform already, I'd have gone with either Festool or maybe even Dewalt. All that said, I love the way the M12 performs for my use case and am looking forward to abusing it for many years to come.

The Milwaukee is better because of the power and price point compared to the other one. I was skeptical of it for a while but after using it almost daily for the past few months. I can't believe I've been working without it lol

I agree that the Festool is smoother, but having to use proprietary bits drives me nuts. Also using the adapter for non Festool bits adds quite a bit of play.

Great review

I just sold my cxs and replaced it with the Milwaukee. The cxs feels better but is under powered to use as my only drill driver on an install also the centrotec system annoyed me - festool bits are too expensive. The Milwaukee is much more powerful, has better (for me) heads but the forward reverse is a killer. It's also not so much heavier, the weight is ok for me. In short a Milwaukee with the forward reverse in the right place would be the perfect installation drill.

The CXS came out in like 2011-2012, when I bought mine new. Maybe they had a patent on this design, not sure but the Milwaukee is obviously a jab at the overall design of the CXS. Of course a new drill coming out now, from Milwaukee will have "more power". Festool only changed the battery and added some battery lights in the CXS, same drill basically for 10 years. After having the CXS for so long, when I was able to look at the Milwaukee in a store, it looked like a toy almost, made me laugh at how it obviously took major design cues from the CXS. Now I will say the Milwaukee is priced much less, so not a big deal if it "works". Another thing, people have always thought the CXS was "so underpowered", but don't understand, it isn't meant to deliver tons of power; it's a delicate driver for installing and fine woodwork. Simply use the tool as it is intended, go grab a bigger drill for a more demanding task. It's not for everyone, but the overall package and style, ergonomics and such of the CXS delivers well. I have never thought twice about the purchase.

i LIKE FESTOOL IN DRIVING THE SCREWS....SO SMOOTH... AND SO QUIET...

This was an excellent video, thank you. Helped me a lot.

You know what it is... it’s the wobble. CXS has much less of it. M12 is shaking like at a disco party.

My buddy has the huge 600 dollar festool drill, its heavier and longer and has less power than my bosch drill. But it is more controllable, quieter and smother running. It also goes up to 3800 rpms so it ends being nicer for almost every job the only thing I like the bosch for is mixing mud or boring big auger holes and I don't do either of those very often at all.

I had that Milwaukee unit and sold it. While it was a good drill, the forward/reverse not being by my finger was a deal breaker. Hated that part. And A REAL pain if you don't have an extra hand to change it. Love my CXS though, it is my most used tool. So amazed how well it works.

My biggest problem with the Milwaukee, other than the direction switch, is I can't get a good grip on the much wider handle. Because the Milwaukee M12 platform puts their battery in the handle, it makes the handle too wide for my hands. I have medium size hands. I can see that your hand position shifts slightly down and towards the back of the unit compared to the CXS, which takes it out of the direct line with the drill shaft. That, I think, is what is troubling you. Did you ever try the TXS? Thanks for the video.

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

The Milwaukee may not be as refined as the festool but for someone already in the m12 line or someone not on a festool budget the m12 driver would be excellent. I'll probably get the Milwaukee one day because most of my cordless tools are all Milwaukee.

Be more patient with Roberson bits, put more force on the drive bit when screwing, don’t let the bit skip and use less trigger. Once the bit skips a half dozen times, it’s never the same. Also get a high quality Robertson driver bit! Best!

The CXS is not brushless and uses proprietary bits. Hopefully Festool will change this in a future version cause it's a really nice drill.

I have watched a few of these videos pitting Milwaukee against Festool. Everyone says the same thing about the Milwaukee not being as stable when standing up which I can understand. Although for me, it really comes down to the cost. The Festool system is great but I think I would become addicted and end up as broke as a crackhead. Thanks for the video. It did help me decide to purchase the Milwaukee.

I like the red colour and the lightning flash…on the side..im not lusting for the festool at all.

I have the Milwaukee. Happy with it. All the reviews I've seen of the festool it has no power. I know it's not really meant for hard use but still I prefer something with more power incase you need it. Got used to the direction switch pretty quick was annoying at first though. Hate how the festool you have to use an adaptor and can't just use 1/4 hex. And the Milwaukee can drive those screws on the second speed in drill mode. Faster, end of the day more screws shorter time is more money For that offset chuck check out the Bosch version. Has the same thing and actually better for the offset because it locks the bit, it's not just magnetic like the Milwaukee

I bought the Milwaukee recently and returned it immediately after testing it. I don’t know if got a lemon but the runout and wobble was so bad on the business end with all of the extensions. I was looking for a precision tool and it didn’t fit the bill. The forward and reverse is also quite annoying. I’ll have to give the cxs a try. Thanks for the review.

Great video! Finally a realistic video!

Am inFested since 4 yrs (pun intended 😂) but 18 v. Although I used the txs last summer for a few weeks. Predrilling deckwood mostly, nice machine and saved hours of change from bit to drill and vice versa. Prior I used Bosch, good stuff and good value for the money. But when I bought Festool, it was another world. Costly and so darn smooth to work with. Hilti is built like tanks and you need a 30.06 to kill them, haven't used Hilti the last models I admit. I only want one batteryplatform/charger, but my Bosch GKM with a woodblade is so smooth to use. 4250rpm and cut like hot knife through butter. Low noice, my HKC 55 is louder. Will cry rivers if my GKM dies, repair it cost as a new one here in Sweden... And they don't make them anymore... Another mystery!! À good video and I will look for more, thanks

festool also have a offset chuck does not come with the kit tho

One of the problems about the festool is the centrotec system with their drill bits especially if you have a DeWalt DCD999 or DCD997 and you realize that the festool centrotec aren’t compatible with American drills or other impact drivers that don’t include the centrotec quick exchange Collet.

Great comparison. Here in Europe the Milwaukee is just as expensive as the CXS. But I’m still not 100% sure about buying the CXS, I’m not a fan of centrotec and the batteries can’t be used for any other machines.

Great review. Every word is on point.

I always buy torqz heads now…I’ve had too many Philips head aches..

Im a diesel mechanic, im going for power over comfort. If i was a carpenter, i think id go for comfort over power.

What do we need the big handguards for? Just make the tool more difficult to get into tight spots.

I would not use this installation drill for 2.5” or longer screws!!! That’s what drills and impacts are for

Yeah, in spite of the power, the noise and racket coming out of that Milwaukee is not nice, and that top button is for me a deal-breaker. I have zero reason to break a lifetime of habits. If they were *adding* something by doing that, I could understand it, but they aren't. If I wanted a cheaper drill, I would go Makita or even Bosch, but not the Milwaukee with that top button.

I’m older and I now look very closely at how a tool fits in my hand. I wear a size 10 glove and the Milwaukee 12v tools feel to fat in my big hands. I own Bosch 12v tools , they are about the same size as the Milwaukee. I’ll ditch the Bosch when I find the right replacement. I’m going to go look at the festool. Thanks

I would have bought the milwaukee months ago if it wasn't for the goofy direction button.

The thing is if you buy the festool,you need to be into other festool stuff to take advantage of batteries and charger availability, So that leaves you with a conundrum.can you afford to buy festool every time? And Milwaukee choice is vast…is festool?

To me, the main factor is the battery platform. No other reason comes close.

I wonder why you use the square drive screws. Maybe you'll better switch to TORX.

it seems that the festool doesnt' drive the screws all the way down

Festool is superior BUT its a light use kitchen fitter type unit

I have both drills and tend to agree with you. However I didn't take mine back! ;) Thanks for the vid.

I have the yellow tool brand but bought the Milwaukee because - well, DeWalt doesn't make anything like that with offset chucks.

Add the bosch flexiclick

Ha. I almost popped a hole in my hand after a square head bit cammed out. Still have nerve damage in my finger. Screw square head!

There is no better one than the cxs. I also bought the T18 for having an upgrade, but it isn't.....I use 90% for my work the cxs

Very odd why Milwaukee decided to have the forward and reverse control on the top. Good comparison video.

Great review. Which centrotec adapter do you have?

I think all of the oligarchs go for the festool,how do the prices compare? Is it 2 for one?

to be fair the cxs been out for 11 years and the competition had years to mimick and copy the design. the festool is still better with dated tech lol. the new cxs adopted the brushless tech finally tho.

I mainly use my M12 and Xtreme 12v impacts (Dewalt is Preferred) for my Install Tasks. This tool is just basically a 12v Screwdriver, nowhere near the ass that an impact has

Absolutely the best comparison video I’ve watched. I have both and the CXS is my go to without a doubt for the following reasons. The CXS seems like an extension of my arm and it’s SMOOTH, you have to use it to understand !! The Milwaukee has too many negatives such as the forward and reverse switch location, the fatter grip cause of the pod style battery AND it is top heavy and feels unstable. You mentioned that the Milwaukee flat bottom battery might help, well it makes it more unstable cause the bigger battery extends too far below the tool which causes the drill to fall forward. The CXS is my go to driver each day every day. Also if you were using softer wood the CXS would have driven the screws into your table in speed one. I enjoyed your video so much I’m now a SUB, thanks.

Compare the big holders. Apparently the Festool bit holder is better

If you don't need it, you don't need it.

Milwaukee forward/reverse switch is garbage! Can't buy for that reason. Festool is amazingly smooth.

Brushes no power vs brushless.. more power easy pick for me ❤

Sounds more like a festool guy buying regret review.

CXS 12 VOLT BRUSHLESS JUST CAME OUT 6 DAYS AGO DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THAT

Festool do have an eccentric chuck. It’s an extra.

Milwaukee; it LOVE the forw-> backw

Finally broke down and jumped on CXS. Once do some tinkering, we'll see what all this fuss is about. What's another charger anyhow?

It’s hard to watch someone talking about Milwaukee vs festool whilst he holds the entire stock of festool behind him

Just received my csx a few days ago.still not sure if I'm keeping it.i wasn't expecting it to be anywhere near as powerful as my 18v dewalts but it's really only good for small drill bits .and battery life is dreadful.might change it for the bosch flexiclick

I picked up the Milwaukee over the festool because i need the power second i need the attachments which festool sells them separately and you have to trade you kidneys to get them , i already own a whole arsenal of festool tools and never regretted, but ill pass on the cxs this time , the reverse buttons are big mistake i agree but at least its much more affordable

I'm not certain you addressed this but the Festool is a 1 and done, no other tools with that battery. The M12 on the other hand has 80+. And yeah you are a brand snob 😆

Why wouldn't you? That's why they made it a 4in1🧐 versatility!!! Should be able to drive 15inch lag bolts thru knotty pine, just cause. 😂

MILWAUKEE ❤

Great video but not a true test in drill mode, disappointed.

Festool cxs - Features and quality are not something revolutionary and innovative to be so expensive!

Lol how on earth do your tools still look like that after 5 years of use? At more than double the price, I would expect the festool to have all its advantages, as well as the same, if not more power than the Milwaukee

I dont even need to watch this, milwaukee is not even 5% of the festool.

Voy a comprar ese Milwaukee, se ve muy útil para mueblería (y poderoso). Pero el factor decisivo es que ya tengo cargador y baterías Milwaukee. Así que entiendo perfecto tu decisión. Economía. Bien!!

"My opinion might be a little biased". hahaha no way man. The 75 festool cases behind you told me how this review was gonna go before he even started speaking.

Je gré

Lol

Crapy copy

Gee let’s see... the entire back drop is all festool. How will this work out. You don’t even have to watch the video. We already know 👎👎👎👎👎