As we know all too well, DIY projects comprise many drilling and cutting activities, with a wide choice of tools to go along with them. Some activities may be easy while others are more challenging, and this is really the foundation for choosing between 12V and 18V tools.
Battery Voltage Categories
The market offers a host of battery voltage platforms, to the point where it gets utterly confusing. The first thing to know is that the ‘in-between’ voltage platforms such as 14.4V, 24V and 36V are not popular, and at present 12V seems to be king among consumers.
Although 24V and 36V batteries are applied in high powered tools, these are very limited number appliances that are rarely used by the majority of consumers. These highly powered professional grade power tools are also very costly, further limiting their popularity.
Hence, the more popular battery voltage platforms are the 12V and 18V varieties. These are commonly found in cordless tools which are very popular among DIY enthusiasts. Of course this isn’t the whole story, battery selection could be narrowed further by identifying the type of battery such as nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride and lithium-ion.
The more popular battery choice for excellent DIY power tools performance is lithium-ion batteries which are lighter with longer runtime. Nickel battery powered tools seem to gradually be being phased out due to the emergence of better battery options.
The DIY Enthusiast’s Choice
Every DIY enthusiast would want to hone in their home improvement skills with the best of tools. The choice between a 12V and 18V tool depends on the specific needs of the DIY tasks at hand. 12V battery power tools are easily man enough for tasks like simple screen door installations or putting up hooks on the wall, although they won’t drive many deck screws. 12V batteries are small and lightweight, and have a with a wide range of applications around the home.
However, DIY enthusiasts who need extra power for the tough jobs like cutting plywood will require 18V power tools. Such a choice is more advantageous if heavy jobs are more frequent. 18V power tools offer greater flexibility with the dynamic handling of small to large renovation tasks.
The Optimum Choice
The bottom line is to consider the ROI when making your between 12v or 18v battery power tool. It’s highly recommended that whatever choice you do make allows for future expansion. Advanced technologies are emerging rapidly today, with new offerings emerging all the time that make recently marketed tools outdated quickly.
Smart DIY enthusiasts should consider the compatibility of their power tool choice with other appliances and manufacturers if possible.
