Your guideline to choose the right power tool

1. Different Power Tools, Which One to Choose?!
9.6V, 10.8V, 12V, 14.4V, 15.6V, 18V, 19.2V, 24V, 28V, 32V, 36V ‐ So many
options! How do you go about selecting the correct voltage when buying a
cordless power tool? Well, there are a few simple tips to tell you to get to the
correct answer. With today’s different power tool battery type and voltage
and current, you should pick the right one.
What other cordless tools would you like to have?
Take a look at what voltages those are available in. Some power tool will only
be available in 12 or 14.4 versions. Others will require Li‐Ion to get the full
line of tools available. With so many cool tools to choose from, plan carefully
for future purchases before you commit to a battery voltage and technology.
How much power do you really need?
Higher voltage will give more power. But how much power is really
necessary? If you're only drilling some pilot holes or driving screws into
drywall, then power makes no difference. If you want to drill into concrete,
you'll need more power. More voltage isn't always needed.
Do you already have other cordless tools?
If you already have some cordless tools, getting something that matches up
will be useful. By doing that, you'll end up with more batteries for each of
those tools. That can be a big point and certainly something to consider. You
may also think about what other people you know have, in case you borrow a
tool or loan one to them. Also you know where to find the right battery for
your power tool in case you run out of one.
How often will you be using this tool?
If you're using the tool not too much, the weight may not matter much. Larger
voltages are achieved by using more cells, so the batteries get much heavier as
the voltage goes up. The exception is that Nickel Metal Hydride batteries are
slightly lighter than Nickel Cadmium, and Lithium Ion is lighter yet. There is
also the Amp Hour rating to look at. More Amp Hours means the battery will
be heavier as well.

2. How long will you be using this tool at one time?
Are you going to be doing jobs over your head? If so, light weight is going to be
important. Material will be important as well. Drilling through pine and
drywall doesn't take much. Oak and concrete takes a whole lot more. Carefully
considering all of the jobs you'll be doing will help decide what exactly you'll
be needing.
How much do you want to spend on this tool?
Lower voltages are still incredibly useful, yet the cost will be significantly
lower. If you want to save on cost, 12 V or 14.4 V may be your best option. 9.6
V may even be the best option in some cases.
Just remember that buying too little could mean problems down the road with
too little power. Buying too much may be too heavy and make the tool less
usable in that way. Pay attention to the tool weight, battery weight and torque,
and then balance them so you can get what's important to you in a tool. Keep
in mind that bigger isn't always better, so buying for the biggest numbers is
pretty silly.