Which drill to choose: 12V or 20V
Customers choose power tools every day. They study tool features to make smart buying decisions. However, cordless tools bring a more exciting challenge. Buyers must look beyond standard features and check the battery specs. These specs dictate your tool’s performance, runtime, and final weight.
What exactly is a battery? How do battery specs affect your work? What common mistakes ruin cordless tools? Read our blog to discover all the answers!
The principle of battery operation
Cordless tools use electric batteries. These batteries store energy and then power your electrical appliances.
Every battery contains three core parts: a cathode (the negative pole), an anode (the positive pole), and an electrolyte conductor in between. Inside the battery, constant chemical reactions release energy. The battery then converts this energy into electricity to run your tools. Because these chemical processes are fully reversible, you can recharge and reuse the battery many times.
The electrode and electrolyte materials directly determine battery properties. Manufacturers use these different materials to classify batteries into many distinct types.
Battery types
- Nickel-cadmium (NiCd).
Invented in the mid-20th century, nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries are an older technology. However, they offer two distinct advantages. First, they endure numerous charge/discharge cycles. Modern NiCd batteries can survive up to 1,000 charges, lasting up to 20 years. Second, they perform reliably in extreme temperatures.
Despite these perks, NiCd batteries carry heavy drawbacks. Most notably, they add significant weight to your tools and suffer from the “memory effect.” Furthermore, the manufacturing process heavily pollutes the environment.
- Nickel metal hydride (NiMh).
A new battery type emerged in the early 1970s. This breakthrough introduced NiMH batteries to the market.
NiMH batteries weighed significantly less than nickel-cadmium ones. They also virtually eliminated the annoying “memory effect.” Furthermore, their production process does not pollute the environment.
However, NiMH batteries carry two main drawbacks. They offer fewer charge-discharge cycles. Additionally, sub-zero temperatures severely degrade their performance, so users should avoid cold-weather operation.
- Lithium-ion (Li-Ion).
Sony launched the first mass-produced, new-generation batteries in 1991. These batteries hold a much larger charge than older models. They eliminate the “memory effect” entirely. Therefore, users can recharge them at any time without waiting for the battery to die.
Compared to NiMH and NiCd batteries, these newer models slash weight and size by 40%. This massive reduction benefits professional craftsmen. It keeps their hands fresh during long workdays with heavy-duty tools like drill drivers.
Important parameters for selection
Battery capacity determines your tool’s runtime. A larger capacity means your cordless drill works longer without a recharge. Manufacturers measure this capacity in Ampere-hours (Ah). For example, a 1-Ah battery delivers a 1-Amp current for exactly one hour.
Corded tools rely on wattage for performance, but cordless tools rely on voltage. If two batteries share the same capacity, the higher-voltage battery will outlast the other. Voltage also dictates torque. A 12V drill delivers less twisting power than a 20V model.
Drill drivers generally span a voltage range from 3V to 36V, and each range serves a different purpose:
36V tools tackle tough materials like hardwoods, metals, and brick. They easily drill large-diameter holes.
10V–14V tools handle standard fasteners and smaller holes.
3V–6V tools only tighten small screws (up to 5 mm).
Among DIYers, 12V batteries win the popularity contest. They strike the perfect balance between performance and price.
Note!
Only those batteries whose voltage corresponds to the nominal recommended by the manufacturer are suitable for working with the tool. That is, it is no more and no less than indicated in the instrument’s passport. For example, if you install a battery with a voltage of 12 V instead of 16 V in a drill driver, then the performance of the tool will sharply decrease. If you use a 36 V battery instead of 18 V, then the engine of such a tool will work for wear, and this will soon lead to breakdown.
Weight also sets these tools apart. 12V tools weigh much less. They fit perfectly into tight workspaces. In contrast, 20V tools carry more weight. Users typically choose them for open work areas.
Size matters. 20-volt tools pack a bigger motor, which increases their overall size. In contrast, 12-volt tools feature a much smaller and more compact design.
Charging Time. 12V tools charge faster. They have less capacity and less power than 20V tools. Opt for a 12V tool if your project requires a quick backup. In contrast, 20V tools require more time to recharge.
Power and size drive up tool prices. Heavy-duty, bulky tools naturally cost more. Therefore, 20V tools carry a higher price tag than 12V models.
DKCD12XL01B
DKCD12ID01
DKCD20XL01
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