Making daily work safer –
A sensor detects a tool jam in the blink of an eye and stops the motor within a fraction of a second. This reduces the risk of injury to an absolute minimum. The TS 60 K plunge saw, the TSC 55 K cordless plunge-cut saw and the two QUADRIVE drills are now available with the unique KickbackStop.
Go to the toolsDevelopment of maximum product safety –
How exactly does the KickbackStop technology work? How does it protect users during everyday work? Will KickbackStop technology also be used in other tools in the future? Find the answers to these questions and many more in the TechTalk.
Go to the interviewFAQs
What is a KickbackStop?
A KickbackStop, also referred to as kickback control, is an accessory fitted to tools to protect users against sudden kickbacks. The installed KickbackStop function helps to detect if the tool abruptly kicks back or lifts. The motor is then stopped by emergency braking in order to avoid dangerous kickbacks. However, the way the KickbackStop works varies from tool to tool.
How is the KickbackStop technology in plunge-cut saws and screwdrivers different?
During sawing with the TSC 55 K and TS 60 K, the KickbackStop's feeler wedge rests on the guide rail or on the material that is to be processed. If a kickback occurs when plunging into the workpiece or when sawing, this wedge immediately detects this and triggers emergency braking almost simultaneously. This stops the plunge-cut saw from moving backwards unpredictably and therefore minimises the risk of injury. When drilling and screwdriving with the QUADRIVE, a sensor in the electronics continuously monitors the speed in the rotary movement and the twist angle. If the tool becomes jammed, the machine will immediately detect the critical state and switch off without delay.
Can the KickbackStop be deactivated (bypass option)?
It is different for the plunge-cut saw and the (percussion) drill.
In the case of the TSC 55 K or TS 60 K, the KickbackStop function can be deactivated. This is mainly used when working without a guide rail for sawing uneven workpieces. Since machining an uneven workpiece with the KickbackStop activated would cause the function to be triggered incorrectly, it is recommended that you deactivate the KickbackStop function. The KickbackStop is automatically reactivated the next time the plunge-cut saw is switched back on – for maximum user protection.
In the case of the TPC 18/4 and the TDC 18/4, the KickbackStop function cannot be deactivated for safety reasons.
Does the saw blade need to be replaced after the KickbackStop function has been triggered?
The KickbackStop technology works without causing damage and is ready for immediate use again once it has been triggered, without needing to replace the saw blade or any other components. However, after a kickback has occurred, it is a good idea to determine possible causes for the saw lifting and to remove them. You should also check the plunge-cut saw for any damage.
What is the difference between a spacer wedge and the new KickbackStop technology?
A spacer wedge only provides protection if the material becomes jammed. On the other hand, the new KickbackStop technology protects users both when plunging into the material and if the material becomes jammed. Consequently, users are better protected against kickbacks during the entire work process.
How exactly does the KickbackStop technology protect users against dangerous kickbacks?
During sawing with the TSC 55 K or TS 60 K, the KickbackStop's feeler wedge rests on the guide rail or on the material that is to be processed. If a kickback occurs when plunging into the workpiece or sawing, this wedge immediately detects this and triggers emergency braking almost simultaneously. This stops the plunge-cut saw from moving backwards unpredictably and therefore minimises the risk of injury.
Does the KickbackStop technology only work with Festool saw blades?
In general, it is possible to use other manufacturers' saw blades with the TSC 55 K, provided that these match the saw's specifications. However, the full functionality of the KickbackStop technology can only be guaranteed when using original Festool saw blades. The functioning principle of the KickbackStop technology has only been extensively tested in the TSC 55 K with Festool saw blades.
Can the KickbackStop function be tested?
Yes, the KickbackStop function can be tested. The procedure for carrying out function testing is outlined in the operating instructions and the QuickGuide TSC 55 K and TS 60 K .
Are there fixed angles at which the KickbackStop function switches the machine off?
The parameters for switching the machine off for the KickbackStop function were fine-tuned in our customer tests with professional tradespeople such as to avoid injuries, while also not causing the machine to accidentally switch off.
Can the sensitivity for switching the machine off be adjusted?
No, it cannot. We spent a long time checking and testing the sensitivity for triggering the KickbackStop function and ultimately calibrated the ideal setting.
Is it possible to deactivate the beeping of the screwdriver when triggering the KickbackStop function?
No. A single beep indicates that a kickback would have occurred if the KickbackStop had not been triggered.
How can I tell whether the QUADRIVE has switched off due to overload, torque shut-off or the KickbackStop being activated?
If the QUADRIVE switches off due to the overload protection, you should only hear a single beep and the LED light will not flash. In the case of a torque shut-off, the machine will beep twice once the set torque is reached. If the screwdriver switches off because the KickbackStop has been activated, the LED light will flash and you will also hear a single beep.