How to choose the right voltage for a cordless drill driver?

29th February 2020


	How to choose the right voltage for a cordless drill driver


	Shop for Cordless Drill Drivers


			The power of your cordless drill driver largely depends on the voltage. For power tools, voltage ranges from around 3 to 48 volts. The higher the voltage, the more powerful the tool will be, and generally, the more expensive.

			The voltage of a cordless drill driver will usually be printed on the side of the tool’s battery. Cordless drill drivers range from 10v to 24v. Consider the following when selecting your tool to ensure you choose a voltage that’s right for you:

			What will you be using the cordless drill driver for?
			Light duty jobs Drilling small holes or driving screws into materials such as soft and hardwood, plasterboard/drywall, and plastic is considered light duty and will not require too much power.

			For light duty work, consider a cordless drill driver with a lower voltage: 12v or less

			Heavy duty jobs Driving screws and drilling into materials such as soft and hardwood, plastic, and plasterboard… …as well as… metal and ceramic, is considered heavy duty and will require more power.

			For heavy duty work, select a cordless drill driver with a higher voltage: 14v or more

			How important is the tool’s weight?
			Typically, higher voltage tools weigh more than lower voltage ones. If you are only going to use the tool occasionally, then its weight may not be an issue. However, if you’re planning on working for long periods of time, a heavy tool can put excess strain on your arm and wrist.

			You should also consider the kind of work you are going to be doing with the tool. Screwdriving or drilling in awkward spaces such as in the rafters of a roof, where the tool will most likely be held above your head, will also become extremely tiring if working with a heavy tool.

			How much are you looking to spend?
			Keep in mind that the higher the battery’s voltage, the more expensive it is likely to be. 12 or 14 volt tools are very popular with users because they provide a considerable amount of power without the price tag of an 18 volt tool.

			Think about how you may wish to use the tool in the future. If you buy a low-voltage tool just to save money, you may have problems in the long run when trying to complete more heavy-duty tasks.

			Do you have any other cordless tools?
			Tools of the same brand and voltage are usually able to share batteries. So, for example, if you already have a 14.4v cordless DeWALT impact driver and you want to purchase a drill driver, choosing a 14.4v model by DeWALT will mean you’ll have more batteries to share between the tools.



			Voltage summary
			A higher voltage tool will generally be more powerful and will allow you to work with tougher materials and larger screws. However, typically, it will also be larger, heavier and more expensive than a lower voltage one.