Description

Key Features

Compact 18V Power

The Festool TXS 18 BASIC Cordless Drill packs full 18V performance into a small T-handle body that is easier to control in cabinets, corners, and overhead work.

FastFix Flexibility

The FastFix interface lets you swap between drilling and driving setups without tools, which saves time when the job keeps changing from pilot holes to fasteners.

Brushless Runtime

Its brushless EC-TEC motor is built for longer runtime per charge and longer service life than brushed designs, making it a smart daily-use drill-driver for finish and installation work.

Overview

The Festool TXS 18 BASIC Cordless Drill, model 576901, is a compact cordless drill-driver built for drilling and fastening in tight spaces where a full-size tool feels clumsy. This is a cordless drill-driver designed for light to medium drilling and screwdriving in wood, metal, and plastic. If you build cabinets, install hardware, hang fixtures, or handle finish work, this size class makes a real difference because you can keep the tool closer to the work and stay in control.

What makes this drill-driver matter is the combination of full 18V power and a very short, light T-handle layout. Festool rates it with 2 gears and no-load speeds of 0 to 470 RPM in first gear and 0 to 1600 RPM in second gear. That gives you slow-speed control for driving screws and enough top-end speed for general drilling. With a max torque of 194.7 in-lb in wood and 354.0 in-lb in steel, it has the muscle for everyday installation work without jumping to a bulkier platform.

The TXS 18 BASIC is built around practical jobsite efficiency, not gimmicks. The FastFix interface and CENTROTEC system are there so you can switch setups quickly when the job moves from drilling to driving or when you need one of Festool’s optional specialty attachments. Festool also calls out compatibility with current 18V drill attachments, which is important if you already work in that system and want one compact base tool that can handle awkward angles, close-edge driving, and other access problems.

Control is a big part of why people buy a tool like this. The classic T shape keeps the grip centered and the tool body short, which helps when you’re reaching into a cabinet, working inside a box, or driving overhead. Festool also includes 13 torque settings with torque shutoff for more repeatable fastening. That matters for hardware installation, trim work, and assembly jobs where stripped screws or overdriven fasteners cost time.

For real-world usability, Festool added details that actually earn their keep: an integrated magnetic bit holder, adjustable LED lighting, and a removable belt clip that mounts on either side. The LED can be trigger-activated or manually controlled, and when paired with a Bluetooth battery pack, some lighting and rotation preferences can be adjusted through the Festool app. That is not the reason to buy the tool, but it is useful if you work in cabinets, closets, utility spaces, or other dim spots where precise screw placement matters.

This BASIC version is sold as a bare tool setup, so batteries and charger are not included. In the box you get the drill-driver, the BF-FX 10 keyless chuck, a belt clip, and a Systainer3 SYS3 M 187 for storage and transport. That makes the most sense for users already on Festool’s 18V platform who want a compact second drill or a dedicated installation driver without paying again for batteries they already own.

Capacity is right where a serious compact drill should be. Festool lists drilling capacity up to 1-3/8 in in wood and 3/8 in in steel, plus screwdriving in wood up to 1/4 in x 9-7/16 in. The chuck range of 1/32 in to 3/8 in covers common drilling and driving work, and the low 1.54 lb tool weight helps a lot when you’re working one-handed, at shoulder height, or moving through punch-list tasks all day.

If your work leans toward cabinet installation, furniture assembly, electrical trim-out, interior finish work, deck details, or general service calls, this is the kind of compact 18V drill-driver that gets grabbed first. It is not trying to replace a heavy-duty framing drill. It is built for clean access, fast transitions, and controlled fastening where accuracy matters more than raw size.

Compact Size That Helps in Real Work

The whole point of the TXS 18 is access. Its short body and T-handle layout make it easier to work inside cabinets, around face frames, and in spots where a full-size drill wants to push you off line.

• Compact T-shape keeps your hand close to the workpiece for better control
• Low 1.54 lb tool weight reduces fatigue during repetitive installation work

Built for Overhead and Punch-List Tasks

When you’re reaching overhead or finishing a room full of small installs, weight and balance matter more than headline torque. This drill-driver is sized for exactly that kind of work.

• 2-speed gearbox gives you low-speed driving control and faster drilling when needed
• Integrated LED light helps in closets, utility rooms, and other low-light install areas

More Than a Basic Bare Tool

Even though this is the BASIC version, Festool still gives you the pieces that matter for daily use and clean storage. You are not getting batteries or a charger, but you are getting the core hardware and a proper Systainer.

• Includes BF-FX 10 keyless chuck, belt clip, and Systainer3 SYS3 M 187
• FastFix interface supports quick setup changes and optional attachment use

Enough Capacity for Everyday Drilling and Fastening

This is not a novelty compact tool. It is sized small, but the performance numbers are solid for finish carpentry, assembly, service work, and general interior fastening.

• Drills up to 1-3/8 in in wood and 3/8 in in steel
• Drives screws into wood up to 1/4 in x 9-7/16 in

What’s in the Box

• Festool TXS 18 BASIC Cordless Drill Driver
• (1) BF-FX 10 Keyless Chuck
• (1) Belt Clip
• (1) Systainer3 SYS3 M 187

Batteries and charger are sold separately.

Key Specifications

Voltage (V)	18 V
Gears	2
No-Load Speed (RPM)	0 – 470 / 0 – 1600 RPM
Chuck Range	1/32 in – 3/8 in
Drilling Capacity in Wood	1-3/8 in
Drilling Capacity in Steel	3/8 in
Max Torque	194.7 in-lb (wood) / 354.0 in-lb (steel)
Weight (lbs)	1.54 lbs

Compatibility

Battery Platform

Compatible with Festool 18V battery packs. This BASIC version does not include a battery or charger.

Attachment System

Uses Festool FastFix and CENTROTEC interfaces for quick accessory and attachment changes.

18V Drill Attachments

Festool states that all attachments of the current 18V drills are compatible with the CXS 18 and TXS 18.

Built For

Cabinet InstallationFurniture AssemblyKitchen InstallationElectrical Trim-OutInterior FinishingRemodelingWood FasteningLight Metal Drilling

Pro Tip

If you already run Festool 18V drills, keep the TXS 18 set up as your dedicated installation driver and leave your larger drill for heavier boring. The FastFix system really pays off when this tool is handling hardware, pilot holes, and close-quarters fastening all day.

Warranty & Support

No manufacturer’s warranty is listed in the provided product data.

Tool Nut’s Take

Tool Nut’s Take

Festool TXS 18 BASIC Cordless Drill for tight-space install work

This is the kind of compact drill-driver that earns a permanent spot in the van because it handles the jobs a bigger drill makes annoying.

• Who it’s for: Cabinet installers, finish carpenters, electricians, remodelers, and serious DIY users who want a light 18V drill-driver for precise drilling and fastening.
• Why it stands out: The small T-handle body, brushless motor, FastFix compatibility, and real 18V performance make it more capable than most compact tools in its class.
• Worth knowing: This is a bare tool package, so plan on adding a compatible Festool 18V battery and charger if you are not already on the platform.

Common Questions

• What kind of tool is this? It is a compact 18V cordless drill-driver designed for drilling and fastening in wood, metal, and plastic.
• What are the speed ranges? The TXS 18 has 2 gears with no-load speeds of 0 to 470 RPM in first gear and 0 to 1600 RPM in second gear.
• What is the drilling capacity? Festool lists drilling capacity up to 1-3/8 in in wood and 3/8 in in steel.
• Does it work with Festool drill attachments? Yes. Festool states that current 18V drill attachments are compatible with the TXS 18 through the FastFix and CENTROTEC systems.