12v vs 18, 20 volt cordless?

[yossarian19]

I no longer work in building / mechanical trades. Hobbyist / homeowner usage only.
I want a smallish cordless that I can use to drill pilot holes hanging things around the house and put in a few screws maybe as much as a 2" drywall screw.
Impact-wise - I don't need to bang lug nuts on and off. If I could use a small impact for interior fasteners (sheet metal screws), 6mm threaded fasteners & dare to dream, 8mm (5/16 for you knuckledraggers) I'd be thrilled. Anything larger would be gravy - I've got a full arsenal of air tools for larger fasteners.
So... would a newer 12v do it or do I need to look at 18v or 20v systems? Brushless or standard?
Thanks

 

[scissorman]

I would choose either 18v or 20v simply because 12v is old school and i'll bet it will be phased out sooner than later.

 

[Ign]

I would choose either 18v or 20v simply because 12v is old school and i'll bet it will be phased out sooner than later.

I'm assuming this is a joke. 12V is anything but old-school. Most of the 12V lines are continually get updates and new tools.

It's simply a matter of right tool for the job. 12V is no more likely to be phased out than small, economical passenger cars. Sometimes you need a Corolla, sometimes you need an F350

To the OP the M12 line is extensive and surprisingly capable, esp for homeowners. Also great for tight spaces like in cabinets, under sinks etc.

Milwaukee just released compact 3ah batteries and XC 6ah batteries for the M12 line. This does not sound like an "old school" line that will "be phased out sooner rather than later."

 

[Ign]

Oh and of course the 20V lines are just 18V. They're technically 20V nominal as are all 18V lines. So X=Y=X - - - it's all the same

 

[Zinc2005]

Milwaukee M12 Fuel Impact and Hammer Drill.

So so good. I use it to maintain several rentals that I own as well as my own home. Got rid of of a newish Rigid 18v system because the more compact profile is more than enough for basic work and the m12 fuel is lighter in my bag. Haven't come across a task it cant handle yet..

I think if you buy the combo now for $200 at home depot you can choose another m12 tool for free. I dono if that still happening.. I would get the jigsaw or oscillating tool.

Great product!

 

[kctyphoon]

ANY 12v system today will do what you want.. the m12 fuel would probably be overkill, definately not a necessity.

I have the Dewalt 12v max set, (5 tools) and the m12 brushed drill / impact driver with some other m12 lights, radio, heated gear, ect..

As far as performance goes for the drills and impact drivers, the 12v max and brushed m12 is pretty much identical.. the lighting on the tools is better with the Dewalt, and I find the handles more comfortable. That said, your have a lot more options with Milwaukee.. bigger extended batteries go up to 6 amp hours now I believe, dewalts biggest is 2, but for small things here and there, even the 1.5 batteries are sufficient.. The 12v lighting with Milwaukee has a lot more options. The heated gear has a lot more options, nicer 12 radio, just realeasing a new 12/18v powered Bluetooth speaker.. simply put, you get more options with Milwaukee, but the dewalt grips are REALLY comfortable, and they use a slide pack battery so you can stand the tools upright unlike Milwaukee which you'd need to buy an XC battery pack..

Look at both line ups, think about what you want now, and what you might "Like" to get later maybe.. if the basic tools are all you'd ever want - the Dewalt stuff is nice.. if you'd like to use the same batteries on a lot of different things, and might like a radio, different lighting, a ratchet, heated jacket, spot light, ect.. they even have a 12v fuel circular saw that will cut 2x material. then Milwaukee is your best choice.

I you just want the basic tools, goto HD, and just hold the drills in your hand. The grips and handles are completely different and feel like night and day compared to each other. The Dewalt is thin, the Milwaukee is wide.. pick what feels better in your hand, or just pick your favorite color.

 

[ddawg16]

Given your 'usage'....I'd go with Ryobi. Best bang for the buck. I don't think anyone has more tools for the 18V battery than they do.

In the cordless range of Ryobi...I have...

2 1/2" variable speed drills
1 right angle drill
Sawzall
5 1/4" circular saw
Light
Weed whacker

Of the corded variety...
Table saw
compound miter saw
Router


All have served me well

 

[Derek420]

Oh and of course the 20V lines are just 18V. They're technically 20V nominal as are all 18V lines. So X=Y=X - - - it's all the same

Ditto

 

[Danglerb]

Around the house jobs often seem to be "overhead" and maybe its the lazy old man in me, but I want the lightest tool that will do the job. For driving screws I've got a 2.4v AEG that works just fine on anything normal.

For Drywall I have a Milwaukee screwshooter with a clutch and a stop.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Milwaukee M12 Fuel Impact and 3/8 Hammer Drill.

I added the 3/8. If you need larger diameter, get a step drill, or buy a set of turned down bits.

 

[lakeroadster]

I went through this same decision last year OP and decided on DeWalt 12 Volt.

Having just finished up our pole barn the workers used 18V cordless impacts and drills. They each had their favorites and there were 3 guys using DeWalt, Ryobi and Hitachi.

They all agreed that DeWalt was the better of the 3 from a durability, design and length of battery charge perspective.

Every drill I owned at the time was corded. At Christmas last year we bought a combo DeWalt Impact / Drill set from Home Depot and went with the 12 Volt.

I've used them now for over a year and am happy with them, no issues whatsoever.

Hope that helps.

 

[crewchief888]

Around the house jobs often seem to be "overhead" and maybe its the lazy old man in me, but I want the lightest tool that will do the job.

i use my 12v milwaukee for than the 18v rigid for around the house....

more compact, and lighter

 

[Brian_WK]

Home owner use I'm with the 12V. Fits in a sweatshirt pocket and small tool pouches batteries fit in pants pockets. More compact and can drive 3 inch wood screws or drill pilot holes. Tons of tools available in the lineup as well and batteries charge quick. I use the Bosch line but any will do just depends on what tools and color your looking for.

Brian

 

[shockwave]

Honestly for home use makita or Milwaukee or Bosch will be great in 12v line
I personally would recommend a m12 fuel drill from Milwaukee since it has a 1/2 chuck like the bigger m18 line and an impact driver might be good for you aswell

 

[64merc]

I think you'll find that the good 12v systems are more than adequate (Milwaukee, Bosch, etc.). Whether you go with standard or brushless depends on your budget. Either one should be fine, but I try to get more than I need, so I would go with the M12 Fuel (brushless).

If you decide to go with 18v, I would go with Ryobi (good bang for the buck and lots of options).

 

[DFB]

A brushless M12 Fuel Drill today has performance specs that are close to my old 18V Makita 6347D and the Fuel will stiil be over 2lbs lighter with an XC battery

Non Fuel Milwaukee 12v tools are very good light weight performers and don't cost much and are thereare really great choices with many other of the name brands such as Bosch and Makita.

Nobody talks much about Hitachi tools but my boss bought Hitachi 12v for where I work. I have to say they were some of the smallest and lightest weight tools I ever held. Can't vouch for longevity because someone stole them all .

 

[Maddog10]

I'm facing the same question myself. Think I've talked myself into the Milwaukee 18V non-fuel brushless drill/impact combo with the third tool free, but I do believe the 12V would do anything I needed it to do as far as my usual applications go. I hope to one day have a set of both 12V and 18V, but for now I think I'd rather have to extra power should I need it.

Plus I don't like that you have to buy the XC batteries for the M12 to be able to stand vertically. That said, if you decide on 12V I think $199 for the Fuel combo kit + extra tool is a nice deal at HD.

 

[DFB]

Think I've talked myself into the Milwaukee 18V non-fuel brushless drill/impact combo with the third tool free.

Good choice and good value.

 

[reader2580]

Makita has some new sub-compact 18 volt tools that are very lightweight and would probably do what you want. See http://www.homedepot.com/p/Makita-1...r-Drill-Impact-Driver-2-0Ah-CX200RB/207051121

 

[audioworks04]

For small around the house stuff the milwaukee M12 is amazing. Even the impact has plenty of power for 3" wood screws. I use all M18 Fuel for work, but for around the house I love the M12.