12-Volt vs 18-Volt Tools: What Are the Differences?
- Power. Voltage indicates the tool’s power. This means that 18V tools are a more powerful option compared to 12V tools.
- Weight. Twelve-volt tools are much lighter than their 18-volt counterparts. So if you’re working in tight spots,...
- Size. It might seem obvious, but a bigger motor also means a bigger profile of the...
Full Answer
What is the difference between 12V vs 18V?
It’s obvious that 18-volt tools have more power than their 12-volt brethren. However, 12V vs 18V isn’t just about power. You simply may not need all that torque. What? Blasphemy! Yeah, well…you don’t always need the most power. Sometimes you just want to drive screws.
What is the difference between 18 volt and 20 volt batteries?
But 18 volt or 20-volt batteries have a wide range of capacity – from around 5 Ah to 9 AH. Capacity indicates the total charge. More capacity will allow the tool to run for a longer time. Therefore, if you want a longer run time, then you should choose a battery with a higher capacity.
Is an 18-volt power tool better than a 12-volt?
Then an 18-volt platform might be better suited for the job. For many users, however, that 12-volt power tool gives you plenty of power for most of the work you might toss at it. 12-volt tools certainly hold an advantage with their lighter weight.
What's the difference between a 12-volt and 12-volt platform?
A 12-volt platform is smaller, lighter, and cheaper. It comes with the ability to get into tight spaces and help alleviate fatigue during long periods of use. Just remember—very few Pros can do everything on just a 12-volt platform.
Can a 12V run 18V?
Since 12V lead-acid batteries were originally designed for cars, there is a lot stuff that runs this way. 18V would be risky, I would not try to plug a 12V device into an 18V battery. But if you happen to have 18V for whatever reason, you can always use a DC-DC converter.
Can you put an 18 volt battery in a 12 volt drill?
1:482:57How To Hack A 18 Volt Dc Drill To A 12 Volt Dc Drill - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd there we have it a perfectly good 18 volt drill that will work just fine on a 12-volt carMoreAnd there we have it a perfectly good 18 volt drill that will work just fine on a 12-volt car battery or any any 12 volt battery. It will actually work on a 6 volt battery.
Which has more power 12V or 20V?
The 12V drill is compact, lightweight, and budget-friendly. It, however, produce less power and is thus suitable for less challenging tasks. 20V drills, on the other hand, are large but powerful. These drills help you comfortably work on tough and large projects that need more torque.
Is 12V enough for drill?
The best 12V cordless drill models do a lot of work for both Pros and DIYers. They're able to handle around 80% of the work that 18V/20V Max models can. Even compared to the compact 18V class, these are lighter with a smaller footprint. They're easier to use, but the trade-off is more than just speed and power.
What does 18V drill mean?
Every one of the cells in a 18v or 20v battery has a nominal voltage rating of 3.6 volts which translates to 18 volts nominal when put together. Every one of the cells in an 18v or 20v battery has maximum rating of 4 volts which translates to maximum 20 volts when put together.
How many volts do I need in a drill?
Voltage ratings of 4 to 8 volts are sufficient for light-duty cordless screwdrivers, and drills with 12 to 18 volts will meet most homeowners' work needs. A high-power model handles heavier work, but more voltage means the tool has a bigger, heavier battery. A cordless drill battery needs recharging periodically.
What is the difference between a 12V and 18V drill?
Given the same task, 18-volt batteries are going to run much longer than 12-volt. That's especially true now that 10 Ah batteries and even 12 Ah batteries are hitting the scene. You probably don't want to hold all that weight in a handheld tool, however. 18V tools weigh more and can run longer.
Does higher volts mean more power?
As long as you can draw enough current (amps) from the battery, you can get the same amount of power out of many voltages. So theoretically, the higher voltage doesn't mean more power in and of itself. Voltage numbers like 40V, 80V, and 120V often represent peak (max) volts.
Can 18V batteries be used on 20V tools?
Conclusion. So yes, 18V and 20V MAX systems operate with the same amount of voltage. Let me say it again: 18V batteries and 20V MAX batteries produce EXACTLY the same voltage. Still, the guts of each battery cell do vary from brand to brand—even within a single brand.
Will a 12V drill go through wood?
The 12V drills are typically used to drill wood or similar applications. But you can use your 12V drill for more heavy-duty applications like drilling into concrete.
Will a 12V drill go through metal?
Most people assume that drilling through metals requires the use of a high power, industrial grade drill or a drill press. In reality, you can get the job done through any type of drill, including a cordless drill.
Which is the best cordless drill?
The best cordless drills 2022Worx WX372. ... Ryobi 18V RID1801M ONE+ ... Bosch PSB 1800 LI-2. ... Makita DHP484RTJ 18 V Li-ion LXT Brushless Combi Drill. ... DeWalt DCK211D2T 10.8V Compact Drill Driver and Impact Driver. ... Milwaukee M18 Compact Brushless Drill Driver. ... Wickes 18v Li-Ion Cordless Combi Drill. ... Hitachi DS18DSDL.More items...
Why do 18V tools need two batteries?
The basic principle is, since the motor gets more volts, it produces more torque which means more power. If you need even more power than is offered from your 18V tool, there are some tools that use two battery packs to give more power. You can also consider corded tools.
Why do you need a 12V tool?
For the casual user or hobbyist, this is the leading reason to get a 12V tool. They perform all the functions they need, at a lower cost. But most pros will steer away from 12V tools. One reason is needing more power in a specific tool, but more than that it’s because some tools are not available in 12V versions.
Is 12V lighter than 18V?
They are much lighter than 18V tools and will save your shoulders and arms a lot of pain over the period of the job. Along the same vein, if you are working in a tight spot like a crawl space, you will want to bring your 12V tool. It will have a smaller overall size which equates to more maneuverability for you.
Is 20V drill more powerful than 18V drill?
It’s worth emphasizing that there is no difference between the motors or batteries on a base level. Certainly, you can find 20V drills that have higher torque, more battery life, and that are heavier than 18V tools. You might think this proves the point that 20V tools are more powerful.
Is 18V as powerful as 20V?
In general, 18V tools are just as powerful as 20V tools. There is a little bit of trickery going on here. The way the battery cells are wired plays a part. The simplified version goes like this. There are five battery cells in 18V and 20V tools. When you combine and average the voltage across the board, it equals 18V.
Is 18V or 12V more expensive?
This is no exception. You’ll find that 18V tools are more expensive than 12V tools.
Do 12V drills run longer than 18V drills?
Piggybacking off the same point that 12V battery packs have a smaller capacity – 12V tools don’t run as long as 18V tools do. In fact, an 18V hand drill will run for much longer on a single charge.
What is the difference between 12 volt and 18 volt?
If the size of your power tools are compact, then those are easily portable to the required area of work. In this regard, the 12 Volt category is the most-sought one , (say) an impact drill or driver, circular saw or one-handed reciprocal saw, and many others that can be easily managed in a reasonably sized backpack or tool chest to carry along. Conversely, an 18 Volt tool set is relatively larger and bulkier than the former category.#N#The 12 Volt tools are easy to climb up to the attic with or crawl to the under space of the house without frequent truck trips since everything of a 12 Volt kit easily fits in one bag.
How long does it take for a 12 volt battery to charge?
It takes approximately 12 to 16 hours and 8 to 10 hours for a 12 Volt battery and an 18 Volt battery to get fully charged, respectively.
18V vs 12V Run-Time
Grab a 25-pound box of drywall screws and some 2 × 4 lumber, and start driving them. You can likely work through lunch by the time your drill runs out of juice. Would you rather have the 12-volt drill or an 18-volt model? It depends.
Comparing the Cost
For most of us, there’s no getting around investing in an 18V tool and battery platform. The cost of entry isn’t nearly as high for 12V tools, however. Finding a good 12V system — even as a supplement — may help you work smarter.
Which is better, a 12 volt or 20 volt drill?
Therefore, if you are working with objects such as angular furniture, then a 12-volt drill is better for you. As the size of a 20 volt drill is the most, therefore, it is the heaviest among the three.
What is the difference between a 12V and 20V drill?
It is generally equivalent to the voltage. More voltage will give you higher power if the motor amperage is the same. Therefore, a 12V cordless toll is the least and the 20V tool is the most powerful. Less power does not necessarily mean that drill can not perform regular jobs. Today’s lithium-ion technology will give you an output of 20-volt drill in a 12-volt compact tool. A light-duty technician or a carpenter should choose a 12-volt drill as the nature of the job needs a little to moderate power. For more powerful and heavy-duty projects, 18 or 20 volt machine is a better deal.
What is the AH of a 12V drill?
There is no limitation that a battery with a lower voltage will necessarily be of lower capacity ( AH). But as the drill with 12 v battery is smaller, it has a battery with less juice (AH). Usually, you will find batteries of 12 volts with a capacity of around 2 AH.
How much does a 20 volt drill weigh?
The weight of this unit is relatively lower than other comparable models. It weighs only 2.6 lbs. The brushless motor will give you longer battery life and runtime. Along with the main battery, you will get a spare battery with it. Therefore, there is no fear of running out of juice. The maximum torque of this unit is 500 inch-pound that is excellent. It has an in-built illumination system. Therefore, you can work conveniently in darker places.
What is the advantage of a 12 volt drill?
Compactness is the prime advantage of a 12 volt cordless drill. Therefore, it is the preferred choice for mobile contractors and technicians. These are relatively inexpensive. A 12-volt drill is suitable for drilling or driving objects that are angular in shape.
What is a 12 volt drill?
A good example of a 12 volt compact and portable drill is Bosch PS32-02. It has a maximum speed of 1300 rpm. The weight of this unit is only 2 pounds. It includes 2 gear and 21 clutch settings. Therefore, there is a variety of options to customize the torque following the type of job. The maximum torque of this unit is 180 inch-pounds. Therefore, it is suitable for light-duty projects.
Does a drill have more torque?
Speed and torque constitute the power of a drill. Therefore, it is not always true that a powerful drill has higher torque. But in general, if you want higher torque for heavy-duty operations, then a powerful tool is recommended. For example, wireless drills with 20-volt batteries usually have the highest torque. Therefore, these are more appropriate for objects like concrete and stone.
What is the difference between a 12V and 18V drill?
But the difference between 12v and 18v cordless drill is not about power only; you may not require all the torque. With a 12v drill in hand , a professional can do all the necessary works. An 18v drill battery is suitable for those who need to perform heavy-duty tasks regularly and require plenty of power to accomplish a project.
Is a 12V drill lighter than an 18V drill?
Weight. 12v drill is lightweight compared to the 18v drill. When you need to work in a compact or tight space, a 12v drill will give you much advantage. Also, you can use it for an extended period without having any hand fatigue. This lightweight dill is ideal for home DIY uses.
Can you use an 18V battery in a 12V drill?
Can you use an 18v battery 12v drill? Using an 18v battery in a 12v drill is not possible. Similarly, using a 12v battery in an 18v drill is not possible. Even if you do so, the tool will not deliver an effective and efficient result.
Can a 12V drill go beyond an 18V drill?
Undoubtedly, 12v drills can handle many different projects, but a 12v drill can’t go far beyond an 18v drill due to the power. But a 12v drill can be useful in numerous projects. When you are tacking a project where you will need to lean down or hold the drill over your head or crawling is required while drilling, pick a 12v drill.
Can you use a 12V drill with one hand?
Moreover, you can operate a 12v drill using one hand only. On the other hand, an 18v drill is bulky and larger, making it quite incompatible with carrying in a toolbox or backpack.
Can you carry a 12V drill in your toolbox?
A 12v drill is smaller and lightweight. As a result, you can carry it in your toolbox or backpack without any hassle. Moreover, you can operate a 12v drill using one hand only.
Is it easy to compare 12V to 18V drill?
Making a comparison between 12v and 18v drill is easy, but making the decision is quite challenging. Hopefully, this guide will help you to overcome the challenge since we made a detailed comparison.
You basically have 3 choices of voltage
12 volts – Best for general home use and normal DIY projects. These drills typically have a 3/8 inch chuck. A good 12V cordless drill/driver will have no problem driving 3-inch deck screws or boring holes with sharp spade-bits. 12V drills are not recommended for use with hole saws or large auger bits.
Cordless Drill Voltage Selection Summary
If I could only have one cordless drill, I would get an 18 or 20 volt drill. I would rather have more power than I need than not enough power when I need it.
How many amp hours does a M18 battery last?
There are three types of the M18 battery; regular, XC, and high demand, each having different run times. The regular version is compact and has 1.5 or 2 amp-hours in run-time. It is ideal for light household works like drilling some holes on your wall. Then there is the XC, which has run times of 3, 4, 5, and 6.
What is the M18 battery?
One thing you will notice about the M18 batteries is that they bring on top-quality performance courtesy of their output. The REDLINK intelligence system improves its performance through communication between the tool, battery, and charger and prevents overloads. The batteries have a robust build, translating to durability, and are less prone to malfunctions due to accidental falls or any impact. Additionally, they can work in any weather, even in cold temperatures, and still bring their best.
What is the difference between Milwaukee M12 and Milwaukee M12 fuel?
The Milwaukee M12 and M12 fuel share many similarities , like having the same voltage and sharing batteries. The M12 vs. M12 fuel discussion’s main difference is that M12 fuel tools are more powerful as they use brushless motors compared to the brushed in the M12.
What is a Milwaukee M18 battery?
The Milwaukee M18 REDLITHIUM is an excellent example of the M18 battery. This battery is potent and versatile, seeing that it is compatible with almost 175 M18 power tools. The battery will run your tools even in extremely cold temperatures, where some may fail to start.
How long do Milwaukee batteries last?
Milwaukee batteries are long-lasting, and the M12, for example, can last you up to 3-4 years if you use it well, paying attention to practices like charging.
How long does a M12 battery last?
The compact M12 is relatively light and small in size compared to the standard compact NiCD battery. It can offer a run time of 1.5, 2, or 3-amp hours. The high-performance variety will offer a run time of 3, 4, and 6 amp-hours.
Which is better, Milwaukee or Brushless?
In short, Milwaukee fuel is better than brushless.
Why do 12V and 24V systems require massive wires?
12V systems require massive wires when pulling large loads because the current (amps) are higher. As we have already learned, 24V systems reduce the current or amps two times, then a downside of a 12V system is the amperage is double that of a 24V system at the same power.
What is voltage in batteries?
Voltage is the amount of electrical pressure it takes to push an electrical current. Take a look at what volts are to get a better understanding of this concept. Most vehicles use 12 volt systems and you will see it displayed as 12V.
How much power does a 24V system need?
Many recommend 24V systems when your power needs are above 3000W or generating 3000W of solar or more . When you get to this point, the benefits of a 24V system outweigh the cons because you can run smaller and increase the system’s efficiency.
What is 24V power?
A 24V system is where you produce 24V under nominal load. There are a couple of ways to create a 24V power system. One way is to purchase a 24V battery. The other is to use two 12V batteries in series to create a 24V system. Let’s take a look at these options in a little more detail.
How to build a 24V system?
The most common method for building a 24V system is to run batteries in series. Running batteries in series means they have a single electrical path equal to the sum of the system’s volts. So, if you have two 12V batteries wired in series, then 2x12V=24V.
Why is 24V good?
24V systems are beneficial because you can use smaller diameter wire and reduce amperage by two times. Using smaller diameter wire can reduce wiring costs and decrease the space needed to run wiring. This is especially important where long wire runs are required.
Why do cars use 12V batteries?
12V batteries are used in most vehicles because the electrical components such as the starter, lighting, and ignition systems are designed to operate on 12 volts. The 12-volt rating of a battery is the nominal voltage and it may be slightly higher or lower depending on the state of charge and loads.