The difference:
1. Torque: The torque of 18V is much larger than that of 12V. The greater the torque, the greater the force generated when the drill rotates, and the easier it is to work.
2. Power: Hand drills of the same brand with different rated voltages use different motors, and motors with higher rated voltages have higher power. 18v is more powerful than 12v.
3. Battery life: The 12V standard battery of the ordinary version of the rechargeable pistol drill can be used for about 70 minutes, while the standard battery life of the 18v rechargeable pistol drill is about 150 minutes.
4. Weight: 18v pistol drill is heavier than 12v pistol drill.
For most DIY users, if you just want to screw a screw or assemble furniture, this kind of performance does not require too much performance. The performance of 12V electric tools can basically meet daily needs. Now the latest lithium battery technology makes the performance of 12V electric drill very similar to that of 18V
Power Tool Weight Matters
12V power tools have the advantage of being lighter in weight. If you often work in tight spaces, in attics, overhead, or in situations where you need to reach with your arms outstretched, then 12V power tools have advantages. Of course, if the power of 12V electric tools can fully meet your needs, then 12V electric tools should be the first choice.
12V and 18V power tool size comparison
Unless you're driving a heavy truck, there may be limited room to load. The tool box or tool bag you buy has limited internal space. If your tools are smaller, you can carry a wider variety of tools at the same time. You can keep a 12V impact driver, 12V drill, one-handed reciprocating saw, and even a circular saw (and possibly more) all at the same time in a toolbox or backpack, just in case you might need them. The 18V power tools will be larger and heavier.
With 12V tools, you don't have to keep running up and down to change tools because they all fit in the same bag, right next to you.
Comparison of charging time between 12V and 18V power tools
We are still looking forward to the fast charging that can fully charge the battery in 1 minute. Before that, the charging speed advantage of 12V battery is still more obvious. For the same 2Ah battery, the 12V battery has 2 fewer batteries than the 18V battery. Under the same charging current, the charging speed of the 12V battery is significantly faster.
Impressively, the fast charging technology dominated by big companies is gradually narrowing the gap in charging speed of some 18V platforms, and will further narrow in the future.
Comparison of 12V and 18V Power Tool Run Time
If you have a lot of work to do, such as driving screws or cutting wood, and you need to work continuously for more than 6 hours, would you prefer to use 12V power tools or 18V?
An 18V battery will run much longer than a 12V battery given the same tasks. Especially after the launch of the latest 10Ah battery, and the launch of the 12Ah battery. However, you probably don't want to have it in your hand all the time and carry all the weight of your power tool battery.
18V power tools are heavier and will run longer. The increase in weight brings greater load capacity and stronger product performance.
Comparison of purchase costs
For most of us, 18V platform power tools will still be given priority. However, the cost of entry for power tools on a 12V platform is relatively low. Finding a good 12V platform, even as a supplement to the tools we have at hand, is a good choice. Considering the price of a single set of machines, the price of 12V electric tools must be cost-effective.
However, the scalability of the 18V platform is far greater than that of the 12V platform. Dewalt has more than 180 tools on the 18V lithium battery platform, which makes the tools on the 12V platform a luxury choice. After we have batteries and chargers, we only need to purchase bare metal to expand the types of tools we have. It depends on our needs, whether it is used only once in a while, or a large number of long-term use tools.
12V vs. 18V Power Tools: Summary
So who are 12V power tools more suitable for? We think these smaller power tools will suit two types of consumers. The first category is DIY enthusiasts who may not plan to buy any power tools other than drill bits, impact drivers, small saws, etc., and their concept of platformization is relatively light. Another type of users are experienced professionals who already have a lot of 18V power tools, and 12V power tools are just a supplement for them to be suitable for non-heavy load conditions.
12 volt platforms are smaller, lighter and less expensive. It has the ability to get into tight spaces and helps relieve fatigue during prolonged use. But there are very few professionals who can use 12V platform power tools to do all the work. 12V power tools, for them, more can only be a supplement.